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Craft Ideas For Beginners

A Moisture Retaining Palette for Acrylic Paints

A problem many artists have with acrylic paint is that the paint dries too quickly on the palette. By using a moisture retaining palette for acrylic paints, you can extend the time you can use your paints. This, of course, cuts down on the amount of paint that you waste. You can purchase a pre-made moisture retaining palette or you can make one yourself.

You need a moisture retaining palette because the water in acrylic paints evaporates easily and then the paint cannot Mijello Artelier Airtight Peel-Off Paint Palettebe used anymore. The palettes that help you keep your acrylic paints moist for longer mostly have a tight-fitting lid. A thin sponge or piece of watercolor paper is placed in the base of the tray to help keep the paints moist.

How long can you keep acrylic paints useable if you have a moisture retaining palette? Some artists have been able to keep their paints viable for several days.

However, if you’re not careful to cover the palette so it’s tightly shut or you allow the sponge to dry out, you can expect your paints to dry out quicker. The manufacturer will give you all the information you need to know about how to keep the sponge and paint moist so it doesn’t go to waste.

You’ll want to clean the moisture-retaining palette periodically. Fold the grease-proof paper which has the paints on it and then simply throw it away. Rinse the watercolor paper or sponge and reuse it many times. Then wash the palette itself. Be sure to thoroughly dry the entire palette, each part, before you use it again.

To make your own moisture retaining palette you can create one which is very similar to a store-bought palette. Any shallow plastic container with tight-fitting lid will work. This could be a food storage container, shoe box, or something similar.

You’ll also want to find some watercolor paper – the thicker the better as it will hold more water. Baking parchment or grease-proof paper is also a necessity. Since you’ll replace the grease-proof paper, you’ll want to buy an entire roll rather than smaller amounts.

Cut the watercolor paper and grease-proof paper to fit the inside of the plastic container. You can do this by placing the lid on the paper, drawing around the edge, and then cutting each paper just inside the lines.

Soak the watercolor paper in fresh water and then place it in the bottom of the container. Moisten the grease-proof paper and place it on top of the watercolor paper. Then squeeze out as much acrylic paint as you’ll need. Be sure to place the lid on the container when you’re finished painting to keep the paints moist.

As you can tell, you don’t have to purchase a ready-made moisture retaining palette for acrylic painting. You can make a suitable replacement for much less and still have the benefit of keeping your paints moist. What could be better than that?

Filed Under Painting With Acrylic And Pastels | Leave a Comment

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