How to Keep Acrylic Paint from Drying on Palette?

To keep acrylic paint from drying on your palette, you primarily have two options: using an airtight container or a stay-wet palette.

Methods to Prevent Acrylic Paint Drying

Acrylic paints dry quickly because they are water-based. The water evaporates, leaving the pigment and binder hardened. Here's how to combat that:

• Airtight Containers:

  • Description: Store your paints in airtight containers to minimize air exposure and slow down the evaporation process.
  • How it works: By limiting airflow, you reduce the rate at which the water in the paint evaporates.
  • Examples:
    • Small, sealable plastic containers.
    • Palette boxes with airtight lids.

• Stay-Wet Palettes:

  • Description: A stay-wet palette maintains a humid environment that prevents paint from drying out.
  • How it works: These palettes consist of two layers:
    1. A water reservoir, usually a sponge or absorbent material soaked in water.
    2. A permeable membrane (special paper) that sits on top of the reservoir. This paper stays moist, keeping the paint hydrated.
  • How to use:
    1. Soak the sponge or absorbent layer in water.
    2. Place the permeable membrane on top.
    3. Squeeze out any excess water.
    4. Apply your acrylic paints to the membrane.
  • Maintenance: Re-wet the sponge or absorbent layer as needed to maintain humidity. You may also need to replace the permeable membrane periodically.

Additional Tips:

• Misting: Lightly misting your palette with water can help slow down drying, but avoid over-saturating the paint.
• Paint Extenders/Retarders: Adding an acrylic paint extender or retarder to your paint will slow down the drying time.
• Working Environment: A humid environment will naturally slow down the drying process compared to a dry one.

By using either an airtight container or a stay-wet palette, or a combination of these methods, you can significantly extend the working time of your acrylic paints.