Discover 5 expert tips to make your acrylic paint last longer! Learn how to store it properly, keep it fluid, use special lids, maximise every drop, and prevent it from drying out.
Today, we’re sharing some very simple, easy steps you can take to have long lasting acrylic paint (and a whole lot more!) These tips are classed as BASICS because they are fairly fundamental in order for you to have your paint really go the distance with your art. Younger students would love these, but adults can use them too (just ask Stephen: he’s 70-something and vouches for these tips!)
In this video you will learn:
- How to store acrylic paint
- How to keep your acrylic paint fluid
- Special lids for acrylic paint
- How to get more acrylic paint out of the bottle
- How to save acrylic paint from drying out
We show multiple sizes of acrylic paint in this video: 75ml, 500 ml, 1L and 2L Chromacryl Paint. Our 2L bottles have an additional pump, which is good in theory but clog up easily so may not be worth the expense.
We purchased everything ourselves, this is not a sponsored video. We have a small school with about 80 regular students attending under 18, so that’s why we have a lot of this stuff!
How to store acrylic paint?
Tip #1: Store Acrylic Paint Out of Direct Sunlight
To prolong the life of your acrylic paint, store it away from direct sunlight. Keep it in a cool, secure spot with a consistent temperature, avoiding windows and places that may get too hot.
How to keep your acrylic paint fluid?
Tip #2: Shake Paint Regularly and Keep Lids Tight
To prevent acrylic paint from separating, shake the bottle periodically, even if you’re not using it for a while. Ensure the lids are on tightly to avoid drying out the paint and maintain its consistency.
How to use lids?
Tip #3: Use Special Lids to Control Paint Flow
For larger bottles of acrylic paint, consider using lids with squeeze tops to control the amount of paint that comes out. This prevents waste and makes it easier to dispense just the right amount, especially helpful for avoiding excess paint that can’t be reused once it’s contaminated.
How to get more acrylic paint out of the bottle?
Tip #4: Add Hot Water to Get More Paint Out
To extend the life of your acrylic paint, especially with larger bottles, add a small amount of hot water when you’re near the end. This helps loosen the remaining paint stuck at the bottom or sides. Shake well, but be cautious not to add too much water, as it can overly dilute the paint.
How to save acrylic paint from drying out?
Tip #5: Keep Leftover Paint Moist for Reuse
To reuse leftover acrylic paint on your palette, lightly spray it with water to keep it moist. Then, tightly cover the palette with glade wrap (cling film) to prevent the paint from drying out. This method can extend the usability for up to 4 weeks, allowing you to work with it later without wasting any paint.
