How to Keep Acrylic Paint From Drying Out on Palette

Acrylic paints can dry out quickly, especially when used in the great outdoors.

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used for a wide variety of painting styles. Acrylic paints are water based and come in a variety of consistencies for use in different painting techniques. Unlike oil paints, acrylics offer more versatility and are often affordable. These paints can also dry out in arid climates or when painting outside, but this issue can be slowed down with a variety of strategies.

Things You'll Need

• Small spray bottle
• Paper towels
• 1 bottle of acrylic medium

Instructions

1. Spray your paints on the palette with a spray bottle every once in a while during the painting session. Set the spray bottle on the finest mist possible to get even coverage and to avoid drowning the colors.

2. Create your own moist palette. There are professional palettes that have a sponge underneath the paints to keep the paint moist from underneath. You can buy one of these, but you can also make your own. Dampen about eight paper towels with water, being careful not to make them soggy. They should be just slightly damp. Mix your colors on a solid palette and then transfer these colors to the damp paper towels. This strategy will keep the colors moist from below.

3. Use an acrylic medium that lengthens the time acrylic paint can be out in the open air. Mix this agent into the paints after you have squeezed them onto the palette.

4. Buy acrylics that made to stay moist longer. These paints are often used by outdoor artists who face the danger of quicker drying time. These paints will be the quickest way to keep your colors moist on the palette.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not mix your colors on the paper towels, as they can rip and tear.

• Experiment with each of these techniques and see which one works best for you.

References

• Art Is Fun: How to stop acrylic paint from drying too fast
• How to Draw and Paint: Choosing and Using Acrylic Paints