Mixed up a batch of eco-friendly oil paint and don't know what to do with it? Here are a few options that will help you extend the life of your paints and store them for the short-term and the long-term!
Option 1: Aluminum Foil
At the end of a day's painting, scrape any leftover colors into small squares of foil, and fold the foil over so that the paint is airtight. Smudge a little bit of the color onto the outside of the foil so you can identify it later. This is a good option if you need to store your paints for a few weeks.
Option 2: Clove Oil
Add two drops of clove oil to your paints when you mix them to keep them from drying too fast. Note: Clove oil may cause your paints to darken slightly over a long period of time.
Option 3: Sponges
Put a small sponge in your palette box and add a drop or two of clove oil to the sponge to keep your paints pliant.
Option 4: Glass Jars
Smear some clove oil inside of a small glass jar and put the jar upside down over glob of paint on your glass palette.
Option 5: Cling Film
Gently lay cling film over your palette to keep your oil paints from drying.
Option 6: Refrigerate
Put your covered palette in the fridge.
Option 7: Fill an Aluminum Tube
If you mix up a large amount of paint, store the extra paint in an aluminum paint tube.
Scoop the paint with a palette knife or spatula into the tube.
Tap the tube repeatedly to make the paint go down to the bottom and continue.
Fill the tube 3/4 full and use a putty knife to flatten the end of the tube - push down and pull backwards (folding twice).
Finally, pinch the end with flyers to get an air tight seal.
More of a visual learner? Check out our video tutorial!
Interested in more Natural Earth Paint tips, tutorials, and techniques? Visit our Tips page!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more natural inspiration.
