Lots of artist, myself included, have concluded that using a butane torch on paintings during and after an acrylic pour can create some beautiful effects on the canvas.
There are many different torches on the market, but I’ve found out that not all are created equal. Some don’t light as easily as others, the gas filling valve may leak, or the torch not wanting to turn off are just some of the different things that can go wrong if you don’t purchase the right torch.
In our comprehensive guide to the best butane torches for acrylic pouring, we’ll show you the top butane torches on the market and give you some advice when it comes time to choose. Let’s get started.
IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS…
| Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Top Pick: Sondiko Butane Torch | 5/5 | Click for Price |
| Jo Chef Butane Torch | 4/5 | Click for Price |
| Authenzo Butane Torch | 4/5 | Click for Price |
1- Jo Chef Butane Torch
The first butane torch we will be looking at today is created by Jo Chef. The first thing I want to mention is that it has a sleek design. Silver and black are pretty modern day colors when it comes to accessories. Unfortunately there is no extra grip on the handle, but that isn’t a make or break purchasing decision.
This torch has an adjustable flame temperature that is adjustable up to 2,500°F. Having an adjustable flame is a must when it comes to your paintings so you have better control of the outcome.
This torch is crafted with professional-grade materials and is equipped with multiple safety locks to ensure it only works in proper hands.
This is a top tier product and should be considered compared to many other brands on the market.
What we like
- Adjustable flame
- Compact size and sleek design
- Refillable
- Safety lock
What we don’t like
- Possible issues with butane valve leaking
- Igniter may go out early
- Doesn’t hold much fuel
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2- EurKitchen Butane Torch
The next torch is by EurKitchen. The design is sleek, compact, and has a modern day look to it. What more can I say?
This is an upgraded model of a previous model they had. This improved model is marketed to have unmatched flame consistency and reliability. An easy press ignition button allows for a fast, safe, and immediate light.
The flame is adjustable and is refillable. This product has a gas flow regulator dial so you can easily adjust the flame. This torch creates a continuous flame up to about 6 inches long with a temperature up to 2370°F. There is a gas flow safety lock when it is turned off as well.
There is a quick fill valve that uses any brand of butane. The butane canister must have the long universal refill tip.
One of the cool features about this torch is that it has a built in finger guard to protect you from burns or extreme heat while torching. This is an awesome feature that makes this torch stand out.
What we like
- Moderate price
- Safety lock
- Adjustable flame
- Finger guard
- Sleek and modern design
What we don’t like
- Possible issues with turning off the flame
- Gas valve may leak
- Some issues with igniting flame
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3- FunOwlet Butane Torch
The next product we will be looking at is a little bit different than the others. This butane torch does not have a refillable gas valve and will need a canister replaced instead. If you are looking for something that doesn’t need refilling, then this would be the perfect fit for you.
This product is just the torch head. It has an adjustable flame with an easy to use touch ignition. The flame reaches up to 2500°F. There is a built in gas flow regulator and air flow control valve to ensure you have the perfect flame size for your needs.
What we like
- Press to light ignition
- Adjustable flame size
What we don’t like
- Non-refillable
- May be hard to find replacement canisters
- Possible backfire and inconsistent flames
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4- Sondiko Butane Torch
This next torch is our top pick by Sondiko. It’s quality, ease of use, and price is what makes this butane torch the best choice for your acrylic pours. No torch is perfect in all aspects, but this once seems to be as perfect as you can get.
The silver and black seems to be the go-to for modern day torch design, and I agree myself. This is another great product that features a grip on the handle for that added precision and accuracy. It has a long angled nozzle with a small burn-free finger guard to keep your hand safe from the flame.
It is refillable with any brand of butane gas. There is a safety lock that needs to be opened first before you can ignite the flame, which is a must in any torch for safety. Included on the nozzle is an adjustable temperature regulator to control the flames.
The max flame temperature is 2500°F. There is an easy one press button that ignites the torch. To press the button you need to turn the safety lock clockwise at the same time.
What we like
- Very low price point
- Refillable
- Adjustable flame
- Firm grip handle
- Sleek design
- Safety lock Feature
What we don’t like
- Inconsistent ignition
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5- Authenzo Butane Torch
This is another awesome product, and it’s by the brand Authenzo. It has a modern day design with easy to use features. It offers added grip for ease of use and functionality. It has all the qualities we look for in a good butane torch.
It has a refillable gas chamber and comes with an adjustable flame. The temperatures can reach up to 2500°F. This item requires 8-10g butane gas. This torch also offers a safety lock that must be slid open before you can press the ignition button. The body of the torch is made of a durable aluminum alloy metal body for long lasting use.
This is an all around great torch. It has all the features we look for, as well as a good price.
What we like
- Firm grip handle
- Sleek design
- Very low price
- Safety Lock
- Adjustable Flame
What we don’t like
- Leaks a little when filling
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
What to Look for in a Butane Torch for Acrylic Pouring
To find the best butane torch for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.
Adjustable Flame
This is one of the most important features to look out for when purchasing a torch for your art projects. An adjustable flame will allow you to make your paintings look beautiful by allowing you to add various effects and designs.
I do not recommend using a one size fits all flame torch as this will heavily limit the different styles you will be able to implement in your acrylic pours.
Refillable Gas Chamber
I recommend this fuel by Zippo to refill your torch. A refillable gas chamber is very convenient in a butane torch. You simply attach a compatible butane canister and let the torches gas chamber fill. This eliminates the need trying to find replacement canisters that may or may not fit for your torch.
The one problem with a refillable gas chamber is that you may smell a little gas due to the designs of most torches. I have yet to hear about a torch that completely seals the refill chamber so that no gas seeps out.
Safety Lock
A safety lock feature is a must have feature! Even if you don’t have kids around to play with the torch. The safety feature can even save you from accidental burns by improper ignition.
Never purchase a torch without some sort of safety cover or latch.
Firm Grip Handle
This is an awesome quality of life aspect to look for, but isn’t a make or break feature. I personally love torches that have some sort of rubber grip handle because it just makes me feel like I have way more control of the torch when using it.
You will find that many torches on the market do not add this feature, but its mostly personal preference.
Best Butane Torch Brands
EurKitchen
EurKitchen is a business located in New York, NY that specializes in the culinary field. They have a few items in their lineup including their revolutionary butane torch. All of their products are designed in USA.
JoChef
JoChef is a leader in the culinary field. Their expertise is various different butane torches, but they also have other products as well. Their intention is to provide value to all their customers with ever evolving quality products at reasonable prices.
FunOwlet
FunOwlet is a brand that is committed to giving each customer the highest standard of customer care. All of their products are made and designed with their own intellectual property rights and name brand.
All of their items go through their own strict quality assurance procedures to ensure only the highest quality product for their customers.
FAQs
Q: Why do you need a torch for acrylic pouring?
A: Torching an acrylic pour utilizes heat as a way to create beautiful effects on your paintings that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to produce. Torching creates a beautiful and unique effect, and is an awesome way to give your painting that extra punch it may be missing.
Q: What does torching a painting do?
A: The use of heat from a torch helps break up the top layer of paint. This allows lighter weight colors to rise to the top all while closing air pockets and bubbles that may start to form.
Final Thoughts
The Sondiko Butane Torch does a phenomenal job when it comes to a great all around product. It offers everything I look for in the best torch for your acrylic paintings. It has a firm grip handle, a safety lock, adjustable flame, it’s refillable, and has that cool modern sleek design to it. Another thing to mention is that the price point is insanely competitive that it’s hard to beat.
The Jo Chef Butane torch is a close competitor as it also offers many of the same features. However, we feel that this product falls just a tad bit short in quality and usability compared to Sondiko.
I hope this guide has been helpful in helping you chose your butane torch. Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for everything you need to paint with acrylics!
FAQs
What torch is best for acrylic pours? ›
A butane torch is the most common type of torch used in acrylic pouring. However, a propane torch is also a great option, specially if you also work with resin. Some people even wonder if they can use a lighter or a heat gun instead of a torch.
How do you make large cells in acrylic pouring? ›You will get lots of big cells by adding both floetrol and silicone oil to your acrylic paint mix. When you pour this mixture onto a surface the cells will very quickly reveal themselves.
Which is the best blowtorch? ›Best Overall: Jo Chef Superior RX Butane Torch
This torch was originally going to be my pick for "Best for Beginners" because of its easy-to-use features. Then, I decided that it was actually "Best Budget" since it's under 30 bucks.
All you need to do is mix the gloss medium into the paint on the palette, and then paint as normal. The paint should dry to a glossy finish. To achieve even more gloss, apply a high gloss varnish once the painting is finished and the paint is dry.
Can you put too much silicone in acrylic pour? ›Go easy with the amount of silicone oil you use. If you are using the System 3 Paint Pouring range then they recommend one to two drops. Make sure you wipe the excess off the pipette before hand to make sure you get the correct dosage. Using too much silicone can result in a pitted surface on your finished painting.
Why am I not getting big cells during pour art? ›Don't overmix your silicone into your paint mix. Overmixing will break the oil into tiny particles which will create tiny cells rather than big cells. Be patient. Pour your paint, torch, let the cells develop, and then tilt so that your cells can stretch and look even bigger.
What is the best mix for acrylic pouring? ›To thin and mix paint for acrylic pouring you will use two main ingredients: acrylic paint and pouring medium. You mix the paint with the medium until your final mix runs like warm honey, motor oil, or chocolate syrup. If necessary add some water to thin further.
How do you keep acrylic from cracking when pouring? ›An even temperature of around 20 degrees and a humidity of 40% is ideal in avoiding damage. Acrylic pour art may crack due to the consistency of the paint itself, this can happen if it is too thick or too thin. The best consistency is similar to cream or honey.
Why is my acrylic Pour not smooth? ›Using thick paint also means it is much harder to mix your paint and medium to a smooth, uniform finish. Too much agitation to get rid of clumps can create lots of bubbles in your pouring mixture. Consequently, these bubbles can mean your poured painting develops an uneven, textured finish.
What is the right consistency for acrylic pouring? ›Firstly, put some acrylic paint in a cup or container of your choice, and then pour in the same quantity or twice as much of the pouring medium, depending on the pouring medium used. Next, carefully combine all of the ingredients until they form a uniform acrylic mixture. It should have the consistency of liquid honey.
Do you need a torch for acrylic pouring? ›
Do you need a torch for acrylic pouring? You do not need a torch to create acrylic pouring art. Torching is a helpful technique that can add some variety to your work. Creating cells is made easier by combining a heat source, like torch, with reducing surface tension and increasing the vertical flow of paint.
What kind of torch do you use for resin? ›A hair dryer or heat gun doesn't get hot enough to remove bubbles efficiently and can blow dust all over your wet resin. A butane or propane torch, on the other hand, is easy to use and provides the heat, control and intensity to remove bubbles for a flawless, pro finish!
What kind of torch is used for glass blowing? ›Glassblowers today use torches that burn a number of gases such as a propane torch, natural gas, butane, or a mix of methylacetylene and propadiene. Glassblowers use canisters of fuel in addition to a continuous supply of oxygen. Oxygen mixes with their preferred fuel inside the tip of the torch.
What kind of torch do I need for epoxy resin? ›After you pour out the epoxy, odds are that there will be some bubbles that were mixed in while combining the resin and hardener. To remove these bubbles from the surface of the countertop, we recommend a propane torch. The heat of the torch helps to level the epoxy and release air bubbles.