Yes, you can mix glue with paint. 

Mixing glue with paint can have several uses and purposes, including:

1. Paint pouring
2. To bring out the paint’s colors
3. As a pouring medium 
4. To lighten the paint’s colors

If you want to discover more about paint pouring, how to mix glue and paint, and which glues are the best for this, keep reading. 

How To Use Tacky Glue As Paint Pouring Medium

Paint pouring is a well-known practice among artists that are gaining traction and attention among those who wouldn’t consider themselves artists but enjoy doing DIY art projects. 

This practice is also known as acrylic flow painting or acrylic pour painting. 

So what is paint pouring?

Paint pouring is a painting method achieved by pouring paint on a surface that results in a flowing design. 

A pouring medium is a liquid additive used to change the consistency of the paint without affecting its bonding feature. 

You must thin the paint to achieve this smoothly flowing effect for this practice. Glue can be used as a pouring medium. 

If you are looking to use tacky glue as a pouring medium, you will need the following:

• Tacky Glue (Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue, for example)
• 3-4 acrylic paints in your chosen colors
• White paint for the base color
• Canvas
• Separate cups for your different paint colors
• Mixing bowl 
• A disposable surface cover 

Follow these steps to mix tacky glue with paint to make your pouring medium for your art:

1. Pour glue into the mixing bowl – the amount depends on the size of your project/ art – you need it to be enough medium for each paint color 
2. Add water to the glue and mix to get a honey-like consistent (start with adding a small amount of water, mix, then add a little bit more, and mix until you get the needed consistency)
3. Pour your different paint colors into one cup each 
4. Add glue mixture to the paint – about 2 parts glue mixture to 1 part paint
5. Stir well together – you want a honey-like consistency 
6. If necessary, add small amounts of water or more glue mixture as you are mixing 

Now it’s time to layer the different colored paints in the pouring cup. This technique is much easier than it may sound. 

Have one clean cup to add all your paint colors and mixtures for your art project. 

Keep in mind that whichever color you add first into the cup (so whichever color will be at the bottom of the cup will be on top after you pour it onto the canvas). 

Also, if your paint colors do not have the same consistency, the heavier ones will sink to the bottom of the cup. 

Follow these steps:

1. Add in the first layer of paint color (the one you want to be on top of your canvas)
2. Keep adding in the other paint colors, getting them layered one by one in the cup
3. Lay down a disposable surface cover over your working area to protect your desk or floor from the paint 
4. If the size of your art allows it, also use a tray to capture the paint that will fall down the sides of your canvas (this will happen)
5. Once all your paint colors are layered in the cup, lay your canvas on top of the cup
6. Hold the cup firmly against the canvas 
7. Carefully flip the canvas with the cup secured to its surface 
8. Place your canvas on your working area
9. Slowly remove the cup 
10. You can gently tip and move your canvas to cause the paint to flow in certain directions more freely 
11. To get the sides of the canvas to dry without blobs of paint on it, instead of placing the canvas directly onto the disposable surface cover, set the canvas on cups to support it

How To Prepare Acrylic Glue With Elmer’s Glue For Paint Pouring

Elmer’s glue is a white adhesive that dries clear. 

Here is the most commonly used recipe to mix Elmer’s Glue-All glue with paint to create a paint-pouring art:

1. Mix 60% Elmer’s Glue-All with 40% water
2. Mix well until you get an even consistency 
3. Use 2-parts of this pouring medium to 1-part body paint 
4. Mix well 

What You Need To Know About Mixing Glue With Paint

The key to getting the best results in paint pouring comes down to the consistency of your finished product. 

The consistency of your paint and glue mixture will determine the results. 

Paint pouring means mixing more than one colored paint with glue separately. 

You need to get the same consistency for each mixture; otherwise, when you layer them in your pouring cup, the colors won’t remain separated as the heavier layer will travel to the bottom. 

The question is, can you measure the paint and glue mix consistency?

When you start doing this project for the first time, how can you ensure the same consistency for each pour?

Two well-known effective methods can help you measure consistency. 

These methods are both effective and easy to follow. 

Measure consistency with the Drip Method

This method is very easy to implement. 

Here is what you need to do:

1. Once you are done mixing the paint and glue, and you have achieved an even consistency, dip a paint stick into this mixture
2. Pull it out about one inch above the paint 
3. Allow the paint to drip back into the bowl, container, or cup
4. Pay attention to how the drips interact with the top layer of paint as they fall back

How do you know if you have the right consistency?

You need to look out for this: as the paint is dripping back down from the stick, you want it to create a slight amount and disappear immediately within the second. 

If the paint is too thick, the drip will create multiple mounts and will need about 3-4 seconds to disappear. 

If the consistency is too thin, it will fall off the stick without creating any mount as it comes in contact with the paint’s surface. 

Measure consistency with the Snake Method

Don’t worry; this method is just as easy as the previous one. 

Follow these steps:

1. Dip a paint stick into this mixture
2. Pull it out about one inch above the paint 
3. Keeping your 1-inch distance, create a snake or worm pattern as the paint is dripping
4. The pattern you create should last about 2 seconds before it becomes one with the paint, and you can’t see any raised sections 

If the consistency is too thick, the pattern will remain noticeable for longer than 2 seconds (up to 5 seconds or more). If the consistency is too thin, it will disappear immediately. 

Can You Mix PVA Glue With Paint

PVA glue combines water, polyvinyl acetate polymers, and other chemical substances. 

This adhesive is commonly used for various craft and art projects. 

PVA and paint are similar regarding their chemical composition and texture. 

So, can you mix PVA glue with paint?

Yes, you can. 

PVA glue will not negatively affect or alter the efficiency of the paint. 

PVA glue is also commonly used as a pouring medium for acrylic paint, and with good reason. 

PVA glue brings out the colors of the paint more, and it also causes the paint to dry into a much sturdier layer that will keep well over time and not wear out. 

f you want to use PVA glue to make paint at home, follow these steps:

1. Pour small amounts of water and PVA glue into a bowl, cup, or container
2. Mix them well together 
3. Add 1 teaspoon of color pigment
4. Stir very well 
5. Repeat these same steps with different colors if you wish 
6. Once you have mixed your ingredients well together and have achieved the right consistency, pour your homemade paint into containers
7. Choose containers with lids that seal well 

Once you test the paint, if you see that the consistency of it is too thick, slowly add a small amount of water and stir well. 

If necessary, add a little more water and stir more. 

Only add a small amount of water at a time. 

Keep in mind that these paints made with PVA glue are ideal for up to 24 hours of usage. They will start to dry up after. 

The Best Tips For Mixing Glue And Paint For The Best Consistency And End Result

If you follow these tips, you will get the best glue and acrylic mix. 

Tip 1

When you need to mix heavy body and thicker soft body paints, please do not mix them all at once with your pouring medium. 

Add the pouring medium gradually. 

Add a small amount of the pouring medium and mix well. Then add a little more and mix well, and so on. 

This will ensure the best possible integration of your pouring medium and paint. 

Tip 2

Mix slowly. 

If you mix too fast, you will most likely create bubbles in your paint, which can then lead to pinholes. 

Tip 3

Only add water after you have fully integrated the pouring medium with your paint and not before. 

Tip 4

Don’t rush the process. Be patient. 

Take your time to achieve the ideal consistency. 

Tip 5

If you are using Floetrol as a pouring medium, strain it before you mix it. 

Floetrol may develop dried pieces inside the container; you don’t want those in your paint. 

Use pantyhose to strain Floetrol before working with it. 

Conclusion

Yes, you can mix glue with paint. 

And it isn’t only that you can, but this is a common practice among artists and crafters to create great projects. 

The right glue will pair well with paint. 

You can achieve the ideal consistency for your project.