We’ve all been mesmerized by one of those videos of someone creating a beautiful painting in an unconventional way.
You start watching someone pour layer after layer of acrylic paint in varying colors onto a canvas and wonder what the end result will be. Then, the torch shows up, and you can’t imagine how someone could use a chef’s torch for a painting.
In the end, that flame creates those fun little circles, called cells, where you can see every layer of color the artist poured in. If you’ve ever wanted to try this trick yourself, you’ve come to the right place.
So, what is the best torch for acrylic pouring? The best torch for acrylic pouring has a safety lock, adjustable flame, and continuous flow capabilities. You’ll also want to choose something that is made of high-quality materials and will last you a long time.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore what’s most important in a torch for acrylic pouring and present you with some of the best options currently available to buy online.
Using A Torch For Acrylic Pouring
Acrylic pouring is a fluid painting technique where the design isn’t so much about creating imitations of life, but creating designs of circles, swirls, or a marble aesthetic.
The self-leveling quality of the paint gives it a glossy, smooth finish that catches the light and adds to the dynamic visual effect. Not all pouring uses a torch, but it’s a good accessory to have when practicing acrylic pouring.
The torch is not only good for creating cells, but also for simply warming the paint to make it easier to move. The higher fluidity is what aids in creating a marble effect, or that rippled water look you may have seen before.
If you are making a painting with cells, the torch is great for creating even more cells than you would make by blowing or using a hairdryer.
You may end up with air bubbles in your paint as well, and when that paint dries the air bubbles will be glaringly obvious. So you can use your torch to pop unwanted bubbles before they become an issue.
Choosing A Torch – Buyer’s Guide
There is certainly no shortage of options on the market when looking for a torch for acrylic pouring.
The two most recommended heat sources for acrylic pouring are chef’s torches and heat guns. We believe a torch to be the better option, giving you more precise control and versatility.
In searching for the right torch, it’s important to find the features listed below.
Safety Lock
When you start looking at torch options, you’ll soon realize that not all of them have a safety lock button or toggle. Some torches simply have a dial to turn the torch off, but no actual safety locking mechanism.
Torches are designed to be extremely hot. The flame that comes out is blue, indicating a high level of heat. When working with heat of anywhere between 1,000-2,500ºF, it’s vital to keep safety at the forefront of your mind.
Depending on the ignition button, when picking up the torch, some of them are easy to turn on. This is great when you’re actually using it, but a problem if you’re not expecting it. The safety lock can help prevent serious accidents or injuries, protecting both children and adults.
Adjustable Flame
When working with different types of acrylic paints, it’s helpful to have a torch with an adjustable flame.
The ability to increase or decrease the flame and intensity of the heat makes it easier to control your art. You get a better handle on the way the paint moves and the designs the heat creates.
If you want to simply heat the paint or finish your artwork rather than create new cells or marble effects, a lower heat is helpful. Higher heat gives the paint more movement and helps create designs quicker.
Continuous Flow
The continuous flow mode is a feature that isn’t necessarily required but can be incredibly helpful.
Acrylic paint is extremely fluid when heated and can move and change quickly. If your finger slips or you don’t hold the flame consistently, it can affect the way the paint runs along the canvas.
If your torch is equipped with the continuous flow capability, you don’t have to worry about it. Simply turn it on, set it in continuous flow mode, and work on your art in whatever way you choose.
The 5 Best Torches For Acrylic Pouring
Now that you’re familiar with the features to look for, let’s explore the 5 best torches on the market right now.
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | EurKitchen Premium Torch | Safety lock, adjustable flame, continuous flow |
2. | Jo Chef Kitchen Torch | Safety lock, gas gauge, adjustable flame |
3. | TBTEEK Kitchen Torch | Ignition button on back, full safety features |
4. | Sondiko Butane Torch | Full safety features, continuous flame |
5. | RAVS Gas Burner | Full safety features, flat base, compact |
Keep in mind that for safety reasons, none of these torches will ship with butane. You will have to buy the butane separately from a cooking store, hardware store, or home improvement store.
1. EurKitchen Premium Torch
This torch is by far our favorite option. It has a safety lock, adjustable flame, and continuous flow.
Not only that, but it’s also larger than most other torches, making it a great option for those who want a better grip. It has a finger guard to protect your fingers gripping the handle from the heat.
Plus, it has a wide and sturdy base, protecting it from getting easily knocked over and potentially melting or igniting your surface or nearby supplies.
It only takes 10 seconds to fill up with butane, which makes it easy to simply refill and keep working!
2. Jo Chef Kitchen Torch
The Jo Chef Kitchen Torch definitely a close second option when it comes to choosing your torch. It also has the recommended safety lock, adjustable flame, and continuous flow.
Our favorite feature, though, is the gas gauge. You have a small window on the side of the torch that allows you to see how much gas you have left in the canister.
No guessing when you need a refill based on how the canister feels in your hand and the strength of your flame. Simply consult the gas gauge and easily refill as needed.
Even aside from all the features, this torch just works great. Customers can’t say enough good things about this torch, especially when it comes to artwork.
It’s easy to use with all the recommended features. You can’t go wrong with this one.
3. TBTEEK Kitchen Torch
This torch is the perfect option for those looking for a fairly priced torch that works great.
With a sleek look and all the recommended safety features, this torch is a great option for acrylic pouring.
It also has an ignition button on the back instead of under the flame tube.
Although it isn’t bad to have the ignition button under the flame tube, we like that the button is in the back to help keep your fingers safe from bumping against the hot metal.
This torch is easy to use and great not just for food, but for crafts. This torch is often used specifically for art projects as well!
4. Sondiko Butane Torch
Although this torch’s safety lock is a dial instead of a button or toggle, we still recommend this as a great option.
We like that the ignition button is actually the center of the safety lock dial, so you’ll be able to easily turn off and lock the flame.
Not only that, but the dial is used for the continuous flame mode. It includes the sliding lever for the adjustable flame too, which ticks the final box on our list.
The refill on this torch also only takes about 10 seconds, but it’s important to let the torch rest for a couple minutes after refilling before using again. This helps prevent any potential leaks from igniting when you turn it on again.
5. RAVS Gas Burner
This may be last on our list, but it’s certainly not least.
This torch has everything you need to stay safe while getting your creativity on, all in an aesthetically-pleasing, compact package. It includes the safety, the adjustable flame, and the continuous flow.
In a similar fashion to the Sondiko torch, this safety mechanism is a dial. However, you have to turn the safety dial on in order to push the ignition button for the flame, so the safety still works great.
The safety dial is the adjustable flame controller too, and if you turn the dial all the way to the right, it shuts off the flame completely and puts the lock in place.
The smooth, flat base keeps your torch standing safely upright until you’re ready to use it for your painting.
Up Next: What Can I Use Instead Of Acrylic Thinner?