Tiffany Haney
Keeping paint from drying out in the pan is a common challenge for artists, especially when working with acrylic paints. The drying process can be influenced by various factors, including studio environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, air movement, and the absorbency of surfaces. To slow down the drying process, artists can manipulate these conditions by reducing air movement, lowering temperatures, and increasing humidity in their workspace. Additionally, using non-absorbent palettes made of glass or plastics like polyethylene can help keep paints wet for longer. Artists can also opt for moisture-retaining palettes or create their own stay-wet palettes using a flat, non-porous container lined with absorbent material soaked in water and topped with paper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Flat, non-porous with low sides |
| Container lining | Soft, absorbent material |
| Container lining moisture | Soaked with water |
| Top layer | Paper that allows a small amount of moisture to penetrate |
| Environment | High humidity, low temperature, low air movement |
| Palette | Non-absorbent, e.g. glass or plastic |
| Additives | Retarder, mist of water |
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What You'll Learn
Use a stay-wet palette
Stay-wet palettes are a popular solution to keeping paint from drying out. They are designed to keep acrylic paint wet for the duration of a painting session, and they work with other water-based paints, too.
The palettes consist of a shallow-walled tray with a lid. A thick paper or sponge is laid inside the tray and soaked with water. The sponge keeps the local environment moist, preventing the paint from drying out. The lid locks in moisture when the palette is not in use.
To make your own, start with a flat, non-porous container with low sides. Line it with a soft absorbent material, such as paper towels or a sponge, soaked with water. Top this with a sheet of paper that will allow a small amount of moisture to penetrate, such as greaseproof paper or parchment paper. Place your paints on top as usual.
To keep the palette fresh for longer, only use enough water to dampen the absorbent material—too much water can cause the paint to run and encourage mould. Change the paper and damp material every so often to prevent mould and smells. You can also spritz the paint with water and seal the lid tightly to preserve the paint for several weeks.
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Control humidity, temperature, and airflow
When it comes to controlling humidity, temperature, and airflow to prevent paint from drying in the pan, there are several techniques and factors to consider. Firstly, high humidity, low temperature, and low air movement are favourable conditions that slow the drying of acrylic paint. On the other hand, dry conditions, high temperatures, and significant airflow will speed up the drying process.
To control these factors, artists can adjust the ventilation and airflow in their studios. Reducing air movement and avoiding direct airflow on the painting can help slow down the drying process. Additionally, the studio temperature should be kept relatively low to further inhibit evaporation.
The use of moisture-retaining palettes is another effective strategy. These palettes are designed to maintain the desired level of humidity immediately above the paint surface, preventing the paint from drying out prematurely. One popular option is the Stay-Wet Palette®, which has been specifically created to control the atmosphere and humidity around the paint.
Artists can also create their own moisture-retaining setups by using non-absorbent palettes made of glass or plastic. These surfaces can be lightly misted with water or a water-retarder mixture using a simple plant mister. This technique provides more open time before the paint dries, but excessive spraying may cause dripping or staining, and the use of too much retarder can weaken the paint film.
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Use a non-absorbent palette
Using a non-absorbent palette is an effective way to keep paint from drying in the pan. Glass is a suitable material for this, as are plastics such as polyethylene. Glass has the advantage of staying fresh and stain-free, and it is easy to clean. However, glass palettes can be heavy, and care must be taken not to break them. To address this, some artists opt for a glass-topped taboret on wheels, which allows for portability and the use of larger plates of glass.
Another option for a non-absorbent palette is to create a stay-wet palette. This involves using a flat, non-porous container with low sides, lined with a soft absorbent material soaked in water, and topped with paper. The paper allows a small amount of moisture to penetrate, keeping the paint wet. It is important to note that the paper towels should be kept damp and changed regularly to prevent them from becoming mouldy.
In addition to using a non-absorbent palette, controlling the studio environment can also help slow down the drying of paint. This includes reducing airflow, lowering the temperature, and increasing humidity. By altering these conditions, artists can create an environment that is less conducive to paint drying and better suited to their working needs.
To further extend the working time of paint on a non-absorbent palette, a small amount of retarder can be used. About 3% to 10% of GOLDEN Retarder can keep paint from forming a skin for up to six hours. However, excessive use of retarder can result in a weakened paint film that remains sticky, so it is important to use it sparingly.
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Mist paint with water or a retarder
To keep paint from drying in a pan, one effective technique is to mist the paint with water or a retarder. This method can be used with a simple plant mister, which can be purchased at a hardware store. The mister can be filled with distilled or de-ionized water, or a 10:1 mixture of water and retarder. However, it is important to note that excessive use of retarder can cause the paint film to become sticky and weak, and may leave the paint feeling like soft gum. Therefore, it is recommended to use a small amount of retarder, such as three to ten percent of GOLDEN Retarder, which can keep paint from forming a skin for up to six hours.
Using a mister to apply water or a retarder is just one way to control the atmosphere and slow the drying of paint. Other methods include reducing air flow, lowering the temperature, and increasing humidity in the studio. Additionally, using a non-absorbent palette made of glass or plastic can help to slow drying and keep paint wet.
When misting paint with water or a retarder, it is important to be mindful of the potential for excess moisture. Excessive spraying may cause colours to drip or stain the support. Therefore, it is recommended to use a controlled amount of moisture and to avoid over-saturating the paint.
To further control the moisture level and slow the drying process, artists can use a moisture-retaining palette. One option is the Stay-Wet Palette®, which is designed to help keep acrylic paints in working condition. This type of palette typically includes a cover to control the atmosphere and slow the evaporation of water, thereby extending the working time of the paint.
By combining techniques such as misting with water or retarder, using a non-absorbent palette, and utilising moisture-retaining palettes, artists can effectively slow the drying of paint and maintain its workability over a longer period of time.
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Soak paper towels in water and place them in a tray
To keep paint from drying in a pan, one method is to soak paper towels in water and place them in a tray. This is a good way to keep your paints from drying out for a few days. Firstly, you will need a flat, non-porous container with low sides, such as a sheet pan, cookie sheet, or butcher's tray. Place 2 or 3 layers of paper towels in your tray and pour in some water. You want the paper towels to be saturated but pour off any excess water so that there are no puddles.
Once the paper towels have absorbed as much water as possible, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the tray and lay it on top of the wet paper towels, smoothing out any wrinkles. You can then add your paints on top as you would with any palette. The moisture from the paper towels will prevent the paints from drying out. Depending on the air conditions, the paint should stay wet for a couple of days, but be sure to keep the paper towels damp. Change the paper towels periodically, as they can start to smell and get mouldy over time.
Some artists prefer to use a tray with a lid to keep their paints from drying out for longer. Alternatively, you can cover the tray with plastic food wrap. This method of using wet paper towels and parchment paper is a simple and inexpensive way to create your own DIY wet palette for painting.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a flat, non-porous container with low sides, lined with a soft absorbent material soaked in water. Place paper towels on top, followed by parchment paper, and then add your paint.
You will need a flat, non-porous container with low sides (a lid from a gelato container works), paper towels, and parchment paper.
Depending on air conditions, the paint will stay wet for a couple of days. However, it is recommended to use the paint within a day as too much water can compromise the binding strength of the polymers in the paint.
Reduce airflow, lower the temperature, and increase humidity. These conditions will slow down the drying of acrylic paints.
You can buy covered varieties of moisture-retaining palettes, such as the Stay-Wet Palette®, which help keep acrylic paints in working condition.
