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Chalkola How-ToAcrylic Painting · Tutorial
Updated Oct 2026 · 7 min read · Beginner-friendly
How to Design Ornaments by Acrylic Pouring
TL;DR
How to dip ornaments in acrylic paint: Yes. The tutorial pours the mixture over wooden ornaments and tilts them until they're covered; dipping uses the same paint-and-flow-medium mix with the ornament submerged instead. Wooden, glass and plastic ornaments all work when properly prepared.
THE ACRYLICS FOR THIS POUR — 40 COLORS + EASEL
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Designing ornaments is a great opportunity to get artsy and colorful, and to bring everyone together for a wonderful time of creating. For this holiday art activity, instead of drawing or painting on your decorations, we’re doing it the acrylic pouring way. It may sound a bit intimidating or complicated, but it’s actually easier than you think, and only requires a few basic materials. Once you try it out, you'll be a pouring pro in no time. So, ready when you are!
Plastic, mat, or thick paper (to protect the surface you’ll be working on)
Got everything laid out? Let’s get pouring together by watching the quick video below.
Steps:
Pour some acrylic paint (we used Crimson Red) and acrylic flow medium in a cup, and stir using a popsicle stick. You’ll know they’re already properly mixed when the color appears bright again (not milky) and the texture is thicker.
Repeat this process with a different acrylic color (we used Titanium White). For this second color mixture, we suggest you use something neutral or go with Titanium White, like we did, because we’ll be combining this with the first color mixture.
Once you’re done with your neutral or white, pour it into the cup containing the first color mixture. Don’t mix it with a popsicle stick this time, as we want the unique two-toned paint swirls to show.
You can now pick up your wooden ornament and pour the mixture over it. Carefully move your ornament from side to side to make sure the paint covers the entire surface. Repeat the process for all your ornaments. If you run out of mixture, just make another batch using the same color combination or a different one.
When you’ve finished pouring, allow your newly painted ornaments to dry for 24 hours.
Wasn't that fun? Now that you’ve decorated your first batch of ornaments, why not try this technique on other plain materials that you’ve been wanting to add artworks or designs to? Don’t be afraid to mix and match your acrylic colors–we’re sure you’ll come up with something unique and spectacular each time. We're excited to see what you create, so tag us with your artworks on Instagram @chalkola, and use the hashtag #ChalkolaArt for a chance to get featured. Happy creating and have a merry and bright holiday season!
Wooden vs. Glass Ornaments: Which Works Best for Acrylic Pouring?
Both wooden and glass ornaments work well for acrylic dipping and pouring (the tutorial pours the mixture over wooden ornaments and tilts them until they're covered — dipping is the same mix, just submerged), but each surface offers distinct advantages. Wooden ornaments provide better paint adhesion and are more forgiving for beginners. The porous wood surface grips the paint naturally, reducing the risk of peeling or sliding. Glass ornaments create ultra-smooth, glossy finishes that showcase vibrant color blending beautifully, but they require pre-cleaning with rubbing alcohol to remove oils and ensure the paint sticks properly.
Plastic ornaments are also suitable for acrylic pouring, though they may need light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to create texture for better adhesion. For your first attempt, start with wooden ornaments—they're affordable, widely available at craft stores, and the most reliable surface for achieving consistent results. Once you're comfortable with the technique and your paint-to-medium mix, experiment with glass for show-stopping translucent effects.
Common Mistakes When Dipping Ornaments in Acrylic Paint
Paint too thick: Acrylic paint straight from the tube is too thick for pouring. It won't flow smoothly and will create clumpy, uneven coverage. Stir in acrylic flow medium — follow the ratio on your medium's label — until the mix looks bright again rather than milky and pours like warm honey, which is the tell the tutorial uses.
Using only water as a thinner: While water is tempting because it's free, too much water can weaken the paint's binder and lead to cracking or peeling once dry. Invest in proper acrylic flow medium or pouring medium for durable, professional results.
Not protecting the hanging hole: Paint dripping into the ornament's hanging hole can clog it or create messy buildup. Insert a toothpick or small dowel through the hole before dipping to keep it clear.
Touching ornaments too soon: A poured coat can feel dry on the surface long before it's dry underneath — the tutorial allows a full 24 hours, and thick pours or humid rooms can need longer. Handling ornaments prematurely leaves fingerprints or smudges that ruin your design.
Skipping surface prep on glass: Glass ornaments must be cleaned with rubbing alcohol before painting. Oils from manufacturing or handling prevent proper adhesion, causing the paint to bead up or slide off entirely.
WANT MORE COLORS TO POUR? THE 56-PC SET
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Ratings: Chalkola 40-Piece Acrylic Paint Set on Amazon.com, September 2026. Quotes are verified Amazon reviews, shown as written.
Yes. The tutorial pours the mixture over wooden ornaments and tilts them until they're covered; dipping uses the same paint-and-flow-medium mix with the ornament submerged instead. Wooden, glass and plastic ornaments all work when properly prepared.
Rich, well-pigmented acrylics give the strongest color once thinned with flow medium. The tutorial uses Chalkola acrylics (Crimson Red and Titanium White). Pick colors with a similar consistency so they swirl together without separating.
Stir acrylic paint with acrylic flow medium (follow the ratio on the medium's label) using a popsicle stick until the color looks bright again rather than milky and the mix pours like warm honey. Avoid thinning with water alone — too much water weakens the paint and can crack once dry.
The tutorial allows a full 24 hours before handling. Thick pours and humid rooms can take longer, so hang or set ornaments in a dust-free spot with good airflow and check that no soft spots remain before you pack them.
Sealing is optional but worthwhile for ornaments that will be handled or stored: once the pour is fully dry, apply a clear acrylic sealer spray or brush-on varnish to protect against scratches, moisture and fingerprints.
Glass ornaments work beautifully for acrylic pouring and dipping. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before painting to remove oils and ensure adhesion. The smooth glass surface allows paint to flow evenly, creating stunning marbled effects. Wooden ornaments are easier for beginners due to better paint grip.
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