Nothing is worse than your paint drying out in the middle of a project. But there is no need to throw away those dried-up acrylic paints!
Acrylic paint can be brought back to life with a little bit of water. Add a couple of drops of water to your paint and stir it until the paint is smooth. Shake the pot for a few minutes to get your paint working as it should. This technique applies to all acrylic paints, including Citadel, Vallejo, and Army Painters.
Once your paint is revived, it will be good as new! You can continue using it for your miniature painting projects without any issues. We will review several troubleshooting methods if you still have problems in this article and tell you how you can stop your paints from drying out in the future.
What is dried acrylic paint?
Dried acrylic paint is paint that has lost its moisture and become hard. Acrylic paint is water-based, so it dries quickly. Once it dries, it becomes challenging to rewet and use again. Acrylic paint dries when the water evaporates, leaving the pigment behind. The evaporation process happens more quickly in warm weather and dry environments.
Unfortunately, this is the nature of acrylics as they are designed to be a fast-drying paint. But there are ways to slow down the drying process, or you can revive your dried-up paint to continue using it.
We will discuss these methods in this article, so keep reading!
How to prevent your acrylic paint from drying out
Using a Flow Improver product is the best way to prevent your paint from drying out. This product is designed to slow down the drying process of your paint, so you have more time to work with it. Flow Improver also prevents your paint from becoming too thick and difficult to work with.
- You can find Flow Improver at your local craft store or online. Add a few drops of Flow Improver to your paint before you start and mix it well. The amount you need will depend on the Flow Improver brand and the paint you are using. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
- You may also want to invest in a humidifier for your home if you live in a dry climate. This will help to keep your paint from drying out as quickly.
- Keep your paints in a cool, dark place when you are not using them. Heat and light can cause your paint to dry out, so keeping them in the dark cabinet or drawer is best.
- It is also essential to keep your paintbrushes clean. Paintbrushes covered in dried paint are more likely to cause your paint to dry out. Clean your brushes after each use and store them in a dry place.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent your paint from drying out. But sometimes, your paint will still dry out, no matter how much you try to avoid it.
If this happens, don’t worry! There are ways to revive your dried-up paint so you can continue using it.
How to revive dried-up acrylic paint
The best way to revive your dried-up paint is to add a few drops of water and stir it until the paint is smooth again. You may also shake the pot for a few minutes to get your paint working as it should.
These techniques apply to all acrylic paints, including Citadel, Vallejo, and army painters.
Once your paint is revived, it will be good as new! You can continue using it for your miniature painting projects without any issues.
If you are having trouble reviving your dried-up paint, you can try a few other things.
- One method is to add a few drops of alcohol to your paint and stir it until the paint is smooth again. You can use rubbing alcohol, vodka, or any other type of alcohol.
- Another method is to add a few drops of glycerin to your paint and stir it until the paint is smooth again. Glycerin is a thick liquid that can help to revive your dried-up paint.
If your paint is still too thick or dry, you can try using an acrylic medium to thin it out. We encourage you to take a look at our guide to using mediums and additives.
Does acrylic paint expire?
Although acrylic paints do not expire in the traditional scene, their quality will degrade over time. Storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can affect the longevity of your paints.
Paints that are old or stored in poor conditions may not work as well as new paints. The pigments may be less vibrant, and the paint will not adhere to surfaces well. If the paint is not contained within an airtight container, this can lead to acrylic paints drying as they have been exposed to the air for too long.
How to revive dried acrylic paint
Add a few drops of water to your dried acrylic paint. Stir the paint and shake the pot for 10 minutes. The water will rehydrate the pigment and make the paint usable again.
If your paint is too thick, you can add more water until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a few drops of water to thin out your paint if it is too thin.
How long can you keep acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint can last for up to 10 years if it is stored correctly. The ideal storage conditions for acrylic paint are cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
Paint exposed to heat or light may not last as long. If the paint has been stored in an airtight container, it will last longer than if it was not.
Opened, acrylic paint will last for 2 to 5 years. To achieve the top ends of this timeline, the paint needs to be stored correctly and kept free of any contaminants.
What can cause your paint to dry out?
Several things can cause your paint to dry out.
- Heat and Light – One of the most common causes are exposure to heat and light. If your paint is stored in a sunny or warm place, it will dry out more quickly.
- Contaminants – Another common cause is not cleaning your brushes after each use. Paintbrushes covered in dried paint are more likely to cause your paint to dry out. Clean your brushes after each use and store them in a dry place.
- Cracks of failed seals – If the paint is not contained within an airtight container, this can lead to acrylic paints drying as they have been exposed to the air for too long.
- Exposure to Air – Finally, if you do not seal your paint pots correctly, the air can cause the paint to dry out. Ensure you close the lids tightly on your paint pots when not using them.
Tips for storing acrylic paint
To prevent your acrylic paint from drying out, store it in a cool, dry place. Acrylic paint can also be stored in an airtight container with a damp sponge to keep the paint moist.
If you’re not using your paint immediately, put the lid on tightly and store it in a dark place. Light can cause acrylic paint to dry out.
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of projects. With proper care, your acrylic paint will last for years.
Final Thoughts
Dried acrylic paint can be revived with a few drops of water. Stir the paint and shake the pot for 10 minutes to mix in the water. Following these steps, you can continue using your favorite colors without wasting paint.
