How to Use Dried Watercolor Paint

You may have left off the cap or the paint may be old, but sometimes watercolor tubes dry up. It's a shame to let all of that paint go to waste. Here is how to save watercolor paint without losing any quality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sharp knife
• Small airtight container
• Water
• Brush

1. First, take your knife and slit the tube open so that you can get the paint out.

2. Next, put the paint into the airtight container.

3. When you want to use the paint, add a tablespoon of water paint and gently rub it on with your brush. Since watercolor paint is water soluble it will start to mix with the water and become usable.

4. When you are done using the paint, seal it back into the container. The next time you want to use it it should be moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried watercolor paint can also be used as a paint stick.
• This cannot be done with oil-based paint.

Resources

• Watercolor Painting Basics
• Painting Basics

[AlinaBradford]

on 1/30/2009 You can also see instructions for using dried paint here: http://painting.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_be_a_green_artist
I tried to add it to the resources but it didn't work. :)

[sylvano]

on 5/7/2008 thankyou for your tip very good for a waster like me