We have recently had a smallish conservatory built and I keep my paints etc in there but am beginning to think that this may be a mistake! The acrylic paints seem to be a bit 'oily'.Is this because they are getting too warm? Does anyone know how the should they be kept!

I have also noticed the black mould problem on the stay wet palatte as well but will now move that out of the conservatory when I am not using it!

Jane

Hello JanJoa! What make of Acrylics are you using, and how long are you keeping them in the Stay Wet Palette? The reason I ask this, is that the same kind of problem arises with Decorators emulsion paints when they are left open to the air in a dampish place.
When you say the paints are looking "oily", I'm not sure how to interpret this; can you expand a little, and lets try to help.

Best wishes,

Steve Williams
RSC Wigan / Warrington

I use the system 3 acrylic paints; usually keep them for about a week at the most in the stay wet palette.

The 'oily' effect is when I first squeeze the paint out of the tube - there is a thinner residue forms around the central blob which looks oily

I have noticed the same with some artists watercolour paints I used yesterday as well!

Jane

Hello Jane! The "oily" effect I see now is simple separation; this is part of the liquid component of the paint which separates out. The normal way to get around this is to ensure that the cap is securely screwed onto the tube, and then gently squeeze the tube all over, and this tends to mix the liquor into the paint.
I can't answer the stay wet palette, with your paints going a little mouldy, but I can only offer the simple advice to use less on your palette, so that you don't need to store the paint so long, and have less wastage.

I hope this helps,

Best wishes,

Steve Williams
RSC Wigan / Warrington

Thanks Steve

That's helpful - at least I can keep the paints where they are!

jane