You can revive dry water paint, especially paint dried inside tubes, simply by adding water.
Why Does Dry Water Paint Revive with Water?
Water paints, commonly known as watercolors, are made by suspending pigment in a binder, typically gum arabic. When the water evaporates, the paint hardens. However, because each pigment particle is encapsulated in gum arabic, this binder allows the pigment to be reactivated or dissolved again when moisture is reintroduced. This unique property is what makes watercolor paint reversible and allows you to revive dry water paint even after it has hardened.
Reviving Dry Paint in Tubes
The process for reviving paint that has dried inside its tube is straightforward and relies on the rehydration properties mentioned above.
According to references, dried paint inside the tube can be reactivated with water because each pigment particle is encapsulated in gum arabic. The method involves carefully reintroducing water directly into the tube.
Step-by-Step Guide for Reviving Tube Paint:
- Assess the Tube: Check if the paint inside the tube is completely solid or just stiff. If the tube itself is damaged or the paint is rock-hard throughout, it might be more challenging.
- Open the Tube: Carefully unscrew the cap. If the opening is blocked, you might need to gently clear it with a thin, blunt object like a toothpick (be careful not to puncture the tube).
- Add Water: The key is to add some water back into the tube a little at a time until you have the desired consistency. Use an eyedropper or a very small syringe to add a few drops of clean water directly onto the dried paint at the opening.
- Allow Time for Absorption: Let the water sit for several minutes, or even longer for very dry paint, to allow it to penetrate and soften the hardened paint.
- Repeat and Mix: You may need to repeat the process of adding a few drops of water. Gently squeeze the tube or use a toothpick to try and mix the water into the paint, working the moisture through the dried mass.
- Check Consistency: Continue adding tiny amounts of water and mixing until the paint returns to a workable consistency, similar to how it was when new. Be patient, as this can take time for paint that is very dry.
By following these steps, you can effectively revive dry water paint that has hardened inside its tube, making it usable again for painting.
