Prevent Paint From Sticking To Your Pallet: Quick Tips

Keeping paint from sticking to the pallet is a common problem faced by artists and handypersons alike. For artists, this may involve using a wet palette, which can keep paint wet for several days. For example, a shallow Tupperware container with a lid can be lined with a damp cloth or paper towel, and then topped with wax paper, parchment paper, or plastic wrap. For handypersons, the problem of paint sticking to surfaces like outlet wall plates, doors, and seats often arises. Solutions include waiting several days for the paint to dry, applying wax, or using tape to prevent sticking.

Characteristics and Values

Use a wet palette for acrylic paint

Using a wet palette is a great way to keep your acrylic paint from drying out too quickly. You can buy a wet palette, or you can make your own using common household items.

To make a DIY wet palette, you'll need a shallow container with a lid, such as a Tupperware container, a sponge or some towels, and some paper. First, dampen your sponge or towel—it should be moist but not dripping wet. Place it in the bottom of your container and add a piece of paper on top. You can use parchment paper, wax paper, or grease-proof paper. The paper will act as a barrier to prevent the paint from becoming too diluted.

Now your palette is ready to use! Squeeze your acrylic paint onto the paper, leaving some space between the colours for mixing. When you're done painting for the day, simply close the lid on your palette. This will keep your paint wet and workable for several days. You can even leave your brushes and palette knives on the wet palette, and the paint on them will stay wet too.

Keep in mind that if you're using a wet palette, it's important to minimise the amount of water you use. Excess water can cause the paint to run and encourage mould growth. Heavy-body acrylics are a good choice for wet palettes because they can handle the moisture better than more fluid acrylics.

Store oil paint in the freezer

Storing oil paints in the freezer is a viable option to keep paint from sticking to the palette. However, it is important to note that some paints may not respond well to freezing, and it is always a good idea to test a small amount first. Freezing paint can extend its life, but it may not completely stop the curing process.

Firstly, it is essential to use a suitable container. Plastic vials or tubes are commonly used to store oil paints in the freezer, and some artists recommend wrapping the palette itself in plastic wrap before freezing. It is also important to consider the potential for contamination of food items stored in the same freezer. A dedicated freezer for paint storage is ideal, but if that is not possible, ensure paint is securely covered and separated from food items.

Additionally, the choice of palette can impact the effectiveness of freezing. Some artists recommend using a wet palette with a locking lid, while others suggest palette paper, which can be folded and stored in a container.

The temperature of the freezer is also a factor to consider. Freezers set around zero degrees Fahrenheit seem to work well for paint storage, and a dedicated space within the freezer can help maintain consistent temperatures.

Combining freezing with other storage methods, such as upside-down tube storage, can also be beneficial. Freezing paint in tubes can help prevent the oil and pigment from separating, ensuring the paint remains usable.

Overall, storing oil paint in the freezer can be an effective way to keep paint from sticking to the palette and extend its life. However, it is important to consider the potential risks, such as contamination and the use of suitable containers and palettes.

Use a small amount of clove oil in your paint

Clove oil is an attractive additive to paint because it slows the oxidation rate and helps keep the paint fresh for longer. It is primarily composed of eugenol, an antioxidant, which prevents the drying effect that is propagated by oxygen-promoted free radicals.

However, clove oil is a very potent essential oil and should be used carefully. It can cause dermatitis and irritate skin and mucus membranes. Adding too much clove oil to paint can create a film that remains sticky and does not form a cohesive, healthy paint film. This film will remain sensitive to even the mildest of solvents.

Therefore, it is recommended that only a small amount of clove oil be added to paint. One way to do this is to put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it on the palette alongside the paints. Cover the palette or place it inside a container. This will help preserve the oil paint on the palette.

Alternatively, you can add a drop of clove oil to each 100 ml (3.3 ounces) of the paint medium to preserve water-based paint. This can include paint types such as casein, egg tempera, glue (distemper), and watercolor.

Place your paint in the fridge

Keeping paint from drying out on a palette can be challenging, but there are several methods you can use to prevent this. One popular method is to use plastic wrap or saran wrap to cover the paint and palette, pressing down to remove any air, and then placing it in the fridge. This method is simple and effective, but it is important not to overdo it, as too much plastic wrap can disturb the paint.

Another option is to use airtight containers, such as mason jars or small tupperware containers, to store the paint. These containers can then be placed in the fridge to further delay the drying process. The tighter the lid, the longer the paint will stay wet. It is also recommended to put the containers into an airtight bag before placing them in the fridge.

For those using a roller or paintbrush, it is possible to wrap the paintbrush in a wet towel or plastic wrap and then place it in the fridge. However, this may not be the best option, as it is always advisable to keep paint off your paintbrush by washing it after use.

Overall, the key to keeping paint from drying on a palette is to create a humid environment and restrict airflow. The fridge is an ideal location to maintain these conditions and keep your paint usable for longer.

Use a Masterson airtight palette box

The Masterson Sta-Wet Premier Palette is an airtight paint palette that keeps water-based paints fresh on an open palette. It is best used with acrylic, watercolour, gouache, and water-soluble oil paints. The palette includes an airtight palette, Sta-Wet acrylic paper refill sheets, and a Sta-Wet sponge. The sponge and special permeable palette paper provide the paint with a constant source of moisture.

To use the palette, wet the sponge and place it in the bottom of the palette. Then, wet the palette paper and place it on top of the sponge. Finally, put your paints on the palette paper, and close the airtight lid. Your paint will stay wet, fresh, and workable until your next painting session.

The Masterson Palette Seal is another option for an airtight palette box. It is a container that can hold any type of paint palette between sessions. For oil paints, place your palette into the tray and snap on the airtight lid. For acrylic paints, use the Masterson Sta-Wet Premier Acrylic Paper and Sponge to extend the life of your paints.

Frequently asked questions