While there are many different types of acrylic paint on the market, slow-drying acrylic paint is ideal for those who want to take their time with their project.
Shelf Life of GOLDEN Acrylics
First thing to notice is that GOLDEN acrylics do not have an expiration date. There is no definitive shelf life, meaning if they are stored well, they should not go bad or change and should remain viable for many, many years. We recommend storing the paints in their original containers between 60 – 75 degrees and it is best if they do not experience large temperature fluctuations.
It is important to keep the threads on the mouths of paint tubes, jars and bottles, as well as from the caps and lids clean, in order to maintain an airtight seal. Make sure to wipe the threads clean before replacing caps and storing paints. Acrylics dry through water evaporation, so if the water is kept in and the air out, it should keep the paint useable. Our jars are made of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) plastic, which is a great moisture barrier and the liners in the lids also help to keep the products fresh.
If there is any separation of clear or milky fluid on top of the paints upon opening, simply stir the liquid back into the paint until you have a homogenous mixture. Do not pour off the liquid, these are important elements of the composition and should be mixed back into the paint.
If the paint or mediums have thickened, it may be possible to loosen them up by adding some GAC 100. Add in small increments and stir until the consistency is similar to fresh paint or mediums. A little distilled water could also be added to help bring the paint back to its original consistency.
If there is a need to store paints and mediums that have been thinned with water, we recommend using distilled water for the thinning, as tap water can sometimes cause mold growth. Acrylics thinned with a lot of water will often cause crashing of solids that cannot be remixed or overwhelm the preservative in the paint and also cause the paints to begin to smell and grow mold.
As the products are being used and the amount of paint, gels or pastes from the jars is being depleted, it may be possible that the large amount of air trapped inside or “head space” could cause the product to dry out. You could transfer the material into a smaller airtight container or the drying could be inhibited by using a circle cut from polyethylene plastic sheeting that is the diameter of the inside of the jar and laying the circle directly down upon the paint, then closing the lid. This will reduce the “head space” and block oxygen from getting to the paint to dry it out. If the threads of the tube, bottle or jar seem very dirty and you cannot clean it completely, plumber’s Teflon tape could be used along the threads to help create an airtight seal.
If you have stored and cared for your materials properly and find any of the GOLDEN product has dried completely, please contact our Materials and Applications Department at 800-959-6543 or [email protected]
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Take to Dry?
The drying time of acrylic paint depends on several factors. The type of paint, the brand, the thickness of the paint, the weather, and how you apply the paint all affect how long it will take for your painting to dry. It takes 20-30 minutes for a thin layer of acrylic paint to dry. A thicker layer of paint will take longer to dry, usually 30-60 minutes.
Several factors affect how long it will take for your acrylic paint to dry. The most important factor is the type of paint you use, the brand, the thickness of the paint, the weather, and lastly, how you apply the paint.
Type of paint
There are two types of acrylic paint: student-grade and artist-grade. Student-grade paint is less expensive and has a lower pigment concentration.
Artist-grade paint is more expensive and has a higher pigment concentration. The type of paint you use will affect how long it takes your painting to dry.
Brand
The brand of acrylic paint you use will also affect the drying time. Some brands of acrylic paint dry faster than others. For example, water-based non-toxic acrylic paints generally have a quicker drying time compared to other types of acrylic paints.
Thickness of paint
The thickness of the paint affects how long it will take to dry. A thin layer of paint will dry faster than a thick layer.
Weather
The weather can also affect how long your painting will take to dry. If it is humid, your painting will take longer to dry. If it is windy, your painting will dry faster.
How you apply the paint
The way you apply the paint will also affect how long it takes to dry. If you apply a thin layer of paint, it will dry faster than if you apply a thick layer.
If you use a brush, the paint will dry faster than if you use a sponge.
Air circulation
This is also another big factor in how fast your paint will dry. If you work in a well-ventilated room, the paint will dry faster compared to a room with little or no ventilation.
Surface absorbency
The absorbency of the surface you are painting on will also affect how fast your paint dries.
If you are painting on a porous surface, the paint will dry faster than if you are painting on a non-porous surface.
Palettes
The type of palette you use will also affect how long it takes for your paint to dry. If you use a paper palette, the paint will dry faster than if you use a plastic palette.
Also, stay-wet palettes will keep your paint from drying out for a longer period of time. We recommend using the Army Painter’s Wet Palette.
The Actual Drying Times of 20 Popular Acrylic Paints
As you can see, the drying time of acrylic paint varies depending on the type of paint, the brand, the thickness of the paint, and how you apply it.
Tips to Speed Up the Drying Time
Follow these tips to speed up the drying time:
- Use a hairdryer on a low setting to dry your painting.
- Put your painting in a well-ventilated area.
- Turn on a fan to help circulate air around your painting.
- Use a heat lamp to dry your painting.
Understanding how acrylic paint dries can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out the difference between “dry to the touch” and “fully cured.”
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know. When acrylic paint is first applied to a surface, it will appear wet.
However, it will actually start to dry within a few minutes. The initial stage of drying is called “surface dry,” and at this point the paint will be dry to the touch.
It will still be slightly tacky, but you won’t be able to smudge it with your fingers. Surface drying usually takes about 30 minutes.
Once the paint is surface dry, it will enter the second drying stage, which is called “touch dry.”
At this point, the paint will no longer be tacky, but it won’t be completely hard either.
You’ll still be able to make an indentation if you press down on it with your finger.
Touch dry usually takes about 2 hours. The final drying stage is called “fully cured.”
This is when the paint is completely hard and dry, and it can no longer be damaged by water or other chemicals. Fully cured usually takes about 24 hours.
