How to Care for Acrylic Paints

There are two types of acrylic paints: solvent-based and water-based. Solvent-based acrylics are soluble in mineral spirits. Water-based acrylic and acrylic emulsion paint are water-soluble.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Art Sets
• Artist Palettes
• Acrylic Paints
• Smocks
• Acrylic Brushes
• Lazy Susans
• Paper Towels Or Clean Rags

1. Keep your paints handy on a lazy Susan.

2. Shake the plastic squeeze bottles well to thoroughly mix the contents before using.

3. Paint a dab on top of the lid so you can easily identify the color in each bottle.

4. Store paints out of direct sunlight. They will dry in the bottle and lose their color.

5. Make sure you clean off any paint from the grooves in the lid.

6. Put lids on very tightly.

7. Store your paints in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried acrylic paint is not water-soluble. Acrylics will dry in less than 30 minutes.

• Lower-quality paints tend to have cheaper colorants that fade when exposed to ultraviolet light. Keep your paints out of the sun.

• Acrylic paints attract dirt and dust easily. Work in a clean, dry area away from breezes.

• An empty Cool Whip tub makes an ideal water bowl, and the lid doubles as a palette.