Top 5 Best Torches for Acrylic Pouring: Ultimate 2021 Guide

Over these past few months, I have purchased and used several torches, heat guns, and blow dryers for my acrylic pours, so I know how confusing it can be when trying to decide which is the best tool for your needs. 

If you have been playing around with paint pouring, you probably know that you need some sort of heating tool to pop the air bubbles on the surface of your painting and to create cells. But maybe you are still undecided on the brand or trying to figure out if a heat gun, blow dryer, or even a lighter might be a better option.

So if this is you, keep on reading because in my ultimate guide, you will find the best butane and propane torches for acrylic pouring, Plus I will share with you some important recommendations to take if you want more bang for your buck.

Let's get started.

What Kind of Torch is Used for Acrylic Pouring

Before we talk about the 5 best torches for acrylic pouring, let's talk about what kind of torch is used for acrylic pouring.

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. 

Let's get those common questions answered before we move on. 

Can you use a lighter for acrylic pouring?

Some people ask "Can I use a lighter instead of a torch for acrylic pouring?" Well, technically you can, because you just need to apply some heat across the surface of your painting in quick swipes. And a lighter can serve that purpose.

However, this might not be the best option for bigger paintings as the flame is not really that powerful or big enough to cover a big enough surface area at once. It's a convenient option for when you don't have a good torch close by, but I wouldn't advice purchasing a lighter for the sole purpose of using it for paint pouring.

Torch or Heat Gun for Acrylic Pouring?

Another common question I hear is "Should I use a torch or heat gun for acrylic pouring?" Again, a heat gun can also be a great option if you already own one and don't want to purchase a torch, however, there are some inconveniences to using a heat gun.

#1. Keep in mind that a heat gun also blows air, so your paint on your canvas might be blown around when passing your heat gun over the surface of your canvas.

#2. A heat gun has to be connected to the electricity so the cord will get in the way while you are trying to use it. You might accidentally ruin your painting with the heat gun cord if you are not careful.

So while a heat gun might be a good option for when you don't have anything else on hand, I prefer to just use a torch for my regular painting sessions.

Can You Use a Hair Dryer for Acrylic Pouring? 

The third most common question is "Can you use a hair dryer instead of a torch for acrylic pouring?

Well, a blow dryer is an excellent tool to have for Dutch Pours, but not so great when it comes to popping bubbles and creating cells. Yes, the air that comes out of the blow dryer can be hot, but not hot enough to successfully pop air bubbles or create cells.

So when it comes to popping bubbles and creating cells, just stick with a torch.

Best Torches for Paint Pouring

Now that you know which type of torch you should be using and which tools to avoid, let's look at some of the best torches in 2021.

JoChef Culinary Butane Torch

The JoChef Professional Culinary Torch is a great buy. I love that it has a safety lock, ignition button, adjustable and continuous flame control, and a fuel gauge.

The JoChef Professional Culinary Butane Torch is my go tool.

The Good Stuff:

  • Multiple safety locks and an adjustable flame function to make it SAFE FOR EVEN A CULINARY NOVICE.
  • Has a gas window pane to be able to check the butane gas level. 
  • With an adjustable flame reaching up to 2,370 °F.
  • Continuous flame mode to prevent tired fingers.
  • Comes with a FREE 23 Recipe eBook BONUS and a 90-day money back guarantee.
  • 2 Butane fuel tanks included.

The Bad Stuff:

  • Possible issues with butane valve leaking.

EurKitchen Butane Torch 

 The EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch is still a great option for those looking for a torch with good functionality at a lower price.

The Good Stuff:

  • Affordable.
  • Has a wide sturdy base and finger guard.
  • With an adjustable flame control to create a continuous flame up to 6 inches long and up to 2370°F.
  • Safety lock with finger guard.
  • Transparent Fuel Gauge.

The Bad Stuff:

  • Does not come with a butane tank. Compatible with long universal refill tip butane tanks like Ronson Butane Fuel.
  • Some issues with valve gas leak and igniting flame.

Sondiko Butane Torch

The Sondiko Butane Torch is a very affordable torch for those with a tight budget. It is a good torch at a great price!


The Good Stuff:

  • Adjustable Flame & Continuously Flame Mode up to 2372 °F.
  • Piezo Ignition Technology allows for using at any angle, even upside down without flame turning off. 
  • Safety lock.
  • Low price.

The Bad Stuff:

  • No fuel gauge.
  • Does not come with a butane tank and it might not be compatible with standard butane tanks. Compatible with long universal refill tip butane tanks like Ronson Butane Fuel.

Bernzomatic TS8000 Trigger Start Torch

The Bernzomatic TS8000 Trigger Start Torch is my favorite tool for acrylic pouring. Yes, it is a little bulkier than the culinary torches because of the big propane tanks that it uses, but it is durable and reliable, with no valve gas leak issues.  

The Good Stuff:

  • Trigger start torch for ease of lighting.
  • Instant on/off trigger increases fuel savings.
  • Lock button keeps torch lit for finger-free use.
  • High quality - burn tube is made of stainless steel with a cast aluminum body and a brass burn tip.
  • Pressure regulation allows the flame to burn in any direction, even when it is turned upside down.
  • Compatible with Propane or Mapp gas tanks.
  • Safety lock.
  • Adjustable flame control knob to adjust the flame size up or down as needed. 
  • Blazing hot. Perfect for tough jobs including soldering.

The Bad Stuff:

  • More expensive than other torches but worth the price!
  • Seems somewhat bulky when attached to the propane tank.
  • A little too powerful so it may be intimidating for first time users.
  • Does not come with a propane tank. You will need to purchase it separately.

Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch

The Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch is almost as good as it's TS8000 sibling. The only difference between the two is that the TS4000 doesn't have the adjustable flame control knob like the TS8000 has. However, this isn't a deal breaker since the flame size should not be an issue if you are careful to not get the flame to close to your paintings.

The Good Stuff:

  • Cheaper than the TS8000.
  • Trigger start torch for ease of lighting.
  • Instant on/off trigger increases fuel savings.
  • Lock button keeps torch lit for finger-free use.
  • High quality - burn tube is made of stainless steel with a cast aluminum body and a brass burn tip.
  • Pressure regulation allows the flame to burn in any direction, even when it is turned upside down.
  • Compatible with Propane or Mapp gas tanks.
  • Safety lock.
  • Blazing hot. Perfect for tough jobs including soldering.

The Bad Stuff:

  • Seems somewhat bulky when attached to the propane tank.
  • A little too powerful so it may be intimidating for first time users.
  • Does not come with a propane tank. You will need to purchase it separately.

Which Torch Should You Choose

All of the above options are great choices, however, you here are some extra tips to help you make your decision easier.

  • Take the size and grip into consideration. You want something that you can hold comfortably and not be too bulky to overwhelm you. 
  • Think about whether you are going to use it for something else... for example soldering, or torching larger art pieces or resin art. If so, then maybe the TS4000 or TS8000 is a better option for you.
  • Choose something with a Safety Lock. It is better to be safe than sorry!

How Do You Torch an Acrylic Pour?

So now that you know what are my best torch options for acrylic pouring, let's take a look at how do you torch an acrylic pour. 

Here's a video that shows you what to do and what NOT to do when torching an acrylic pour. 

How to torch:

  • Do quick swipes across the painting surface.
  • Do not keep your torch still in one single area.
  • Do not place the flame too close to the paint.
  • Do not torch your painting if you added alcohol, spray paint, or any other flammable item until the fumes dissipate. 
  • Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case your painting catches fire.

What does torching a painting do?

This section is for you in case you are still confused about what does torching a painting do. Torching will do 2 things:

  • Help the silicone or lower density paints rise to the surface and therefore create cells.
  • Pop any air bubbles trapped in the paint. This will help prevent pinholes from forming on your paintings once the paint dries.

Final Thoughts

A torch is a must-have tool for acrylic pouring and resin art.

My preferred choice is the Bernzomatic TS4000 because it is a high quality torch and because I also do resin art and large acrylic pouring pieces which require a bigger torch.

However, if you are a beginner, want something less bulky, are intimidated by big torches, or just want a torch to get you started, then choose a culinary torch like the EurKitchen Large Culinary Butane Torch or Sondiko Butane Torch.

Remember, most of the options listed above don't come with a gas canister included, so don't forget to also purchase the appropriate gas canister for whichever torch you purchase. 

Also, if you want to see a comprehensive list of my favorite acrylic pouring supplies, read this post.

If you are just a beginner and would prefer to see a simple list of paint pouring supplies, then read this other post.

I hope that this guide was helpful. Keep living life one pour at a time!

About the author

Hi, I'm Loida, and this is my Fantasy Land (aka website) where I escape the troubles of my hectic adult life and embark on creative adventures! I love to teach how to seamlessly blend fluid art techniques—such as acrylic pouring, alcohol ink painting, and resin art—with a variety of materials and embellishments to create magical mixed media pieces.

I'm so glad you're here and I hope you stick around... this is where the magic happens and I'd like to share it with you!

Travel with me into the realms of my imagination and immerse yourself into my magical world where you can leave your worries behind while you acrylic pour, resin, craft, and dream about fairy lands.

Let me help you Unlock Your Imagination and Elevate Your Life!

Loida Fajardo


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