How to Clean Acrylic Paint From a Palate

Painters apply paint to palates for easy acess.

Clean off a paint palate holding acrylic paint as soon as possible. Dry paint takes more time and effort to remove than wet paint. Cleaning quickly is especially important with wooden palates because the paint soaks in and stains the surface. Running water not only wets the paint, but also adds pressure to help remove it. Washing a palate maintains the equipment and prevents new colors mixing with old, if the old paint is still damp.

Things You'll Need

• Hot running water
• Plastic putty knife
• Paper towels
• Razor blade
• Dish soap
• Sponge

Instructions

1. 

   Remember to rinse all the paint out of the sink once you are done.

   Turn on the hot water from a faucet. Set it to a medium flow.

2. 

   Some paint palates have a hole you can use for a grip.

   Hold the top of the palate firmly with one hand. Tilt the palate 45 degrees and hold it under the running water.

3. 

   Hot water loosens the paint, wet or dry.

   Slowly move the palate around under the hot water so all of the paint gets wet.

4. 

   A putty knife scrapes off the paint in larger amounts than a razor blade.

   Scrape off the paint using the putty knife. Continue to hold to palate under the water as you scrape.

5. 

   Avoid using cloth towels. Paint remains will stain the fabric.

   Remove the palate. Turn off the water. Dry it off with paper towels.

6. 

   Point the razor blade away from your body.

   Scrape off any remaining paint with a razor blade.

7. 

   A final wash of the palate removes the remaining paint.

   Turn the water back on to medium heat. Add one or two drops of dish soap to the palate. Scrub it under the water with a sponge. Rinse and dry.

References

• Empty Easel: How to Keep a Clean, Organized Palate