You've finished a project and you've got half-used paints left over. Stored properly, those paints stay fresh for months, even years; stored badly, they dry out and become useless within weeks. Because acrylic is water-based, storage takes a little care. In this guide we cover how to store acrylic paints properly, how to stop them drying out, and how to rescue paint that has dried.
Why does acrylic paint dry out?
Acrylic is water-based, and when it meets air the water in it evaporates, leaving a hardened film behind. In other words, air is the enemy. As long as a jar is left open, the lid isn't fully closed or air gets in, the paint starts to dry. The whole logic of storage is: keep the air out.
Proper storage: 6 golden rules
- Close the lid tightly: Seat the lid properly after every use. The simplest but most important rule.
- Clean the rim: Paint drying on the rim of a jar or bottle stops the lid closing fully; wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Keep it somewhere cool and dark: Extreme heat, cold and direct sunlight spoil paint. Store it at room temperature, in a cupboard.
- Protect it from frost: Water-based paint that freezes is ruined; don't let it drop below freezing.
- Store it upright: It reduces leaks and the risk of drying around the rim.
- Only put out what you need: Paint on the palette dries far faster than paint in the jar.
Keeping paint workable on the palette
Paint on the palette dries quickly while you work. The fixes:
- Mist it with water from time to time (a spray bottle).
- Add glaze medium (drying retarder); it keeps the paint open for longer.
- Use a wet palette: a sealed container with a damp paper towel underneath keeps paint fresh for hours.
Rescuing dried-out paint
If the paint has lost its consistency but hasn't gone completely solid, you can save it:
- Add a few drops of water and mix thoroughly; the consistency may come back.
- Adding a very small amount of acrylic medium also revives it.
- If it's gone completely hard and rubbery, sadly it's beyond saving — which is why prevention (closing the lid) is best.
Remember that adding too much water reduces opacity; add a little at a time.
Storing brushes and materials
Storing brushes matters as much as storing paint. Once you've cleaned and dried them, store brushes flat or hanging with the bristles protected. Keep water, mediums and other products sealed and somewhere cool too. Your mediums and extras will spoil if left open as well.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the lid loose: The number one cause of drying out.
- Not cleaning the rim: The lid won't close fully and air gets in.
- Storing it in sun or heat: The paint spoils and its consistency changes.
- Letting it freeze: Once water-based paint freezes there's no going back.
- Putting out too much on the palette: Waste — dried paint goes in the bin.
Frequently asked questions
What's the shelf life of acrylic paint?
Stored properly (sealed, cool) it generally stays fresh for a few years. Stored badly, it can dry out within weeks.
My paint has lost its consistency — should I bin it?
Not if it hasn't gone completely hard; try mixing in a few drops of water or medium to revive it.
Should I store paint in the fridge?
No need; a cool, dark cupboard at room temperature is enough. Never let it freeze.
Why does paint dry so fast on the palette?
A wide surface has a lot of contact with the air. A wet palette, misting with water or glaze medium all slow it down.
Does opened paint go off?
Rarely; if it's badly sealed and left a long time it can develop a smell. Keeping it sealed and cool prevents that.
A few simple rules will keep your paints fresh for a long time: close the lid tightly, clean the rim, store it cool. That way you can use the same paints on your next project and avoid waste. For new colours, take a look at our acrylic paints!
