Acrylic paint is one of the most popular paints for artists and crafters alike. It can be used on almost any surface and create beautiful effects for your paintings.
Still, the material does require some special care when storing. Do you know how to keep your leftover acrylic paints intact for your next use? If not, you should be.
In this article, we will discuss how to store acrylic paint so it lasts for years and doesn’t dry out.
Contents
How do you Store Acrylic Paint without Drying it Out?
Choose the Right Containers
The first thing you need to store acrylic paints is a suitable container. The best way to store acrylic paint is in an airtight container. You can use a special acrylic paint storage container or a regular jar with a tight-fitting lid. Use plastic containers with airtight lids that are clear, so it’s easy to see how much paint you’re using.
As long as you wash them thoroughly to get rid of old content’s traces and smell, they are suitable for keeping acrylic paints intact. Of course, all the lids must be new, without holes or punctures, while allowing a good seal.
Choose a Suitable Storage Location
The location where you store your acrylic paints can also impact how long they last. For example, if you keep them inside of a hot attic or garage, it could shorten their life by as much as 40%.
Make sure that when you are not using your paints, you store them in a cool and dry place. Acrylic paint should never be stored in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this could cause the color to become brittle and crack over time.
Pay Attention to the Temperature
The temperature where you store your acrylic paint can significantly affect how long it lasts. For example, if it is too warm, the paint may dry out faster than expected and quickly become unusable.
Humidity also Matters
The humidity level where you store your acrylic paints can also impact how well they perform over time. For example, if the humidity is too high, the paint may start to form a film on top and become difficult to mix.
If you live in an area with high humidity, it might be best to store your paints in airtight containers, as this will help keep the excess moisture out. You could also store them in a dehumidifier room or use silica gel packs to absorb any excess moisture in the air.
Other Things to Remember When Storing Acrylic Paints
How can we Store Leftover Acrylic Paint?
As you need the paint to be moist enough for tomorrow’s use, consider keeping all the pigments inside a plastic container, then insert the whole set into a Ziploc bag. You can put a wet paper towel inside the bag to maintain the humidity inside the paint container. Please note that this method is for short-term storage.
How to keep Acrylic Paints from Drying out on the Palette?
If you have already put your collection of acrylic paints onto the palette for everyday work, consider the following methods to prevent them from drying too soon:
Conclusion
Acrylics require some special attention when they’re stored for long periods. There are different tips for long and short-term storage, so make sure you know which works the best for your current needs.
We hope these storage tips will help you prolong the life of your favorite colors so that they’ll always be ready for use in future projects. Good luck!