Try to eliminate any drafts where you’re painting by closing a window or turning off a fan. If you are painting outside on a windy day or hot, consider going inside. Also, keep a spray bottle on hand and gently mist down the canvas and palette every so often to keep things moist longer. Some people also add paint retarder to their paint. However, make sure you don’t use too much or your paint might never dry.
How to Restore Dried Out Paints
I’m Rich, and I started Tactilehobby.com (acquired by Gigworker.com in 2023). I’m a hobby enthusiast with a real love for painting miniatures. I also happen to run this site and write the majority of its content!
Updated on: September 13, 2023
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It happens to the best of us; every now and again, we forget to fully tighten the lid on a paint bottle.
Then, the next time you go to use it, you have to pry the lid off only to find it’s separated into a crusty mess, and, of course, it’s late at night, all of the stores are closed, and you need that exact color so you can finish the last of your figures.
Don’t give up yet! Save that paint from being tossed in the trash!
So, how do you restore dried out paints? Add a thinning medium to the dried paint and mix. Thinning mediums for acrylic paint include water, thinner medium, and flow improver. You can stir the paint and medium together or add an agitator to the paint container and shake it.
But what exactly is a thinning medium? How much do I need? How do I know if this paint can be saved?
If your head is swirling with all of these questions and more, keep reading. I’ll have you dipping your brush in that perfectly flowing paint in no time.
- What’s a Thinning Medium?
- How to Tell if the Paint Can Be Salvaged
- How to Restore Dried-Out Paints with Thinning Medium
- 1. Cover Your Workspace
- 2. Carefully Open the Paint
- 3. Add Thinning Medium
- 4. Stir, Stir, Stir
- 5. Replace the Lid
- Using Agitators
- Using Brush Leftovers
What’s a Thinning Medium?
This is the simple part of the equation. A thinning medium is a gel-like substance that’s mixed with paints to give them a more fluid consistency.
Different projects require different paint consistencies, so the thinning medium is a way to achieve a thinner form of paint, just like the name suggests.
If you’re a frequent painter or crafter, keeping a thinning medium on hand is always a great idea. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure you’re going to be able to maximize the paint that you have.
These are a few fan favorites from hobbyists and crafters alike:
- Liquitex Professional Slow-Dri Blending Fluid Medium.
- Mont Marte Premium Acrylic Flow Medium.
- Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Slow Drying Medium.
- Vallejo Thinner Medium.
Thinning medium is the best choice for restoring dried paint because of its chemical makeup.
It’s possible to use just plain old water to restore water-based paints that are on their way to being dried up, but this can lead to the watered-down paint drying up even faster.
A thinning medium is specifically designed with the proper chemicals to mix with paint without drying.
How to Tell if the Paint Can Be Salvaged
There are two kinds of dried-out paint – the kind that you can still save and bring back to life, and the ones that are destined for the trash can.
Before you waste any time and thinning medium, it’s important to determine which kind of paint you’re working with.
If the paint you’re hoping to use has completely separated into pigment and liquid, there’s still hope.
As long as there’s a little bit of liquid and the paint is not fully dried out, you very likely can restore it for use right away.
It might not last too much longer, but you’ll at least be able to finish your current project.
However, if you have to pry the lid off the paint and all that’s left is a pigment with no liquid remnants, then it’s probably a lost cause.
The amount of time and thinning medium you’d have to use is not worth it.
It’s also very likely that you would have to use a lot of thinning medium, and it still would not be able to be restored to a working paint anyway. Don’t waste your time and valuable medium.
The Paint May Have Gone Bad
Sometimes acrylic paint will dry out or separate in the tube. This malfunction doesn’t necessarily mean the acrylics have gone bad to the point where it’s no longer usable. Temperature changes can change the consistency of the paint, but acrylic paint usually becomes unusable due to mold growth. The easiest way to determine if acrylic paint has gone bad is to smell it. Expired acrylic paint will tend to have a sour, aged smell that could be the result of excess moisture where the paint was stored. The shelf life of acrylic paint is anywhere from 2 to 5 years if the tube has been opened and upwards of 10+ years if the container is sealed.
What to Do With Old Paint
Some people decide to use old acrylic paint. However, if the acrylic paint has developed a pungent smell similar to spoiled milk, your best bet is to toss the paint and start over.
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The Paint Has Dried Up
Acrylic paint has dried up when the paint is stiff, thick, lumpy, and won’t come out of the tube easily.
How to Fix Lumpy Paint
Usually, you can revive the lumpy acrylic paint if you can still get the paint out the tube. Since acrylics are water-based, you can add water and mix it into the paint using a palette knife until you develop a better consistency. Be sure not to mix in too much water, which could compromise the paint coverage and color. Too much water could also cause your paint to lift off the canvas once it’s dried. Also, water becomes ineffective if the acrylic paint is rock hard. In this case, you can try to rework the paint with a clear acrylic base. To prevent the paint from drying in the first place,
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The Paint Has Separated in the Tube
If you squeeze acrylic paint, and you find a tube of thick paint surrounded by a puddle of almost-clear liquid, then the paint has separated. In this instance, the pigment and binder are no longer adequately mixed. This paint separation is not necessarily something you’ve caused; it could be due to a manufacturer error or cheap paint.
How to Revive Separated Acrylic Paint
You can revive separated acrylic paint by mixing the pigment and binder back together with a palette knife. You could also return the paint to the store for a replacement.
04 of 05
Why is my acrylic paint dried out or hard?
Are you wondering why your acrylic paint has dried out or become hard? In this chapter, we’ll uncover the common causes behind this frustrating issue and provide you with solutions to fix dry paint and prevent it from happening again.
One possible reason for dried acrylic paint is exposure to air or a high temperature. If the paint containers aren’t tightly sealed after each use, air can dry out the paint, resulting in a thin, hardened surface. Ensure that you tightly seal the paint containers to maintain the paint’s freshness.
Another factor could be excessive heat or a dry environment. Acrylic paints are sensitive to extreme temperatures and low humidity, which can cause them to dry out more quickly. Store your paint in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Insufficient mixing or improper storage can also contribute to paint drying out. Before using your acrylic paint, give it a good stir to ensure all components are well-mixed. Additionally, store your paints in an airtight container to minimize evaporation and maintain their consistency.
Remember, prevention is key. By properly sealing your paint containers, storing them in the right conditions, and ensuring adequate mixing, you can prolong the life of your acrylic paints and avoid frustration. Keep creating and remember, if you need extra paints, contact us for assistance here.
How to Tell That an Acrylic Paint Has Gone Completely Bad
Let’s explore now the signs that indicate acrylic paint has gone completely bad. While acrylic paints have a long shelf life, they can eventually spoil or deteriorate over time. Here are some indicators to watch out for:
- Strong, unpleasant odor: If your old acrylic paint emits a pungent or foul smell, it’s a clear indication that it has gone bad. Trust your nose!
- Mold or discoloration: When mold or unusual discoloration appears on the surface of your acrylic paint, it’s a sign of spoilage. It’s time to say goodbye to that jar.
- Separation or curdling: If your acrylic paint appears clumpy or has separated into layers that cannot be easily mixed back together, it has likely gone bad.
Remember, using spoiled paint, or dry acrylic paint can affect the quality and outcome of your canvas. It’s better to be safe than sorry and invest in fresh paints for optimal results.
Now, here’s a light-hearted joke to end on a humorous note: Why did the artist bring a ladder to the art exhibition? Because they wanted to reach new heights in their creativity!
Keep exploring your artistic journey, and if you need any further assistance or information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy acrylic painting!
Keep a Cup of Water Next to Your Painting
Can you reactivate acrylic paint with water? You’ll need no special skills for this. Having a cup of warm water within reach while working with acrylic paints can be extremely helpful. Here’s why:
- Dilute acrylic paint: If you find your paint is too thick or needs to be thinned out, dip a small toothpick into the cup of water and gradually add a drop or a few drops of water to the paint until you achieve the required consistency. Too much water would change consistency to a watery state which don’t want to achieve. If this doesn’t help as the paint is too hard, let a little water overnight.
- Prevent paint from drying: By dipping your brush in the water between strokes, you can keep the paint from fully drying on the bristles, allowing for smoother application.
Now, here’s a light-hearted joke for you: Why did the painter bring a cup of water to the art class? Because they heard it was thirsty work!
Remember to keep a cup of water handy while painting to ensure moisture and the smooth flow of your artistic process.
Using Flow Aid (Flow Improver)
In this chapter, we will explore the benefits of using flow aid in your paint by number kits. Flow aid is a helpful tool that can assist in achieving the desired consistency and flow of your acrylic paint. Here’s how it works:
- Rehydrate acrylic paint: If your acrylic paint has become dry or thick, adding a few drops of flow aid can help rehydrate it, making it easier to work with.
- Extend the working time: Flow aid slows down the drying time of acrylic paint, giving you more time to work and blend colors on your canvas.
- Improve flow and leveling: By adding a small amount of acrylic flow improver to your paint, you can enhance its flow and achieve smoother strokes of the brush.
It’s important to note that while flow aid can improve the performance of your fully dry acrylic paint, it does not make expired or spoiled paint usable. If your acrylic paint has expired or shows signs of deterioration, it is best to replace it with fresh paint from us. Just let us know via our contact form and we’ll get you some new fresh paints.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using flow aid, let’s dive into the next chapter and explore more techniques to enhance your acrylic painting experience.
How to prevent acrylic paint from drying out?
Some helpful tips to prevent your acrylic paint from drying out too quickly. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your paint stays workable for longer periods:
- Color One Number Only at a Time: When working on a paint by numbers project, focus on one numbered area at a time. This way, you can minimize the exposure of other colors to air and prevent them from drying out prematurely.
- Putting a small amount of paint on the palette: Squeeze out only the amount of paint you need for each section on your palette. This prevents the paint from drying out before you finish using it.
- Dealing with hard acrylic paint: If you encounter dry or hardened paint, you can try rehydrating it by adding a little water or acrylic medium to the palette and mixing it well with the dried paint. This can help restore its consistency.
- Don’t forget to return the caps of tubes and containers
By following these tips, you can keep your acrylic paints in a workable state for longer and enjoy a smooth painting process. Remember to clean your brushes and palette thoroughly after each session to maintain the quality of your materials. Any leftover paint or old paint can be used after a long time if stored in a closed container and in a proper temperature.
Did we help you recover some of your dry paints?
We hope you found some interesting information and our team at Painting by Numbers Shop be more than happy to assist you on your artistic journey.
Want to get some tips on which Paint by numbers kit to start your painting journey with? Well, we always recommend selecting one of the Famous Paintings Paint by numbers, as they are all well-known artworks painted by the world’s most famous artists. Especially Van Gogh Paint by numbers kits are so popular.
If you’re an animal lover, then our Animal Paint by numbers will make you happy.
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