Make Sure You Don’t Run Out of Our Most Frequently Used Paints.
We keep extra stock of these colors because they are used so often.
- Ultramarine Blue
- Light Blue
- Lemon Yellow
- Yellow Ochre
- Phthalo Green
- Titanium White
7 Tips for Taking Care of Your Paints So They Don’t Dry Out.
Tip #1 — Use a Stay-We Palette
These palettes are designed with moisture-retaining paper under the paint to keep it from drying out for days. You never know when you’ll have to stop painting because of an interruption of any kind.
But with a stay-wet palette, you don’t have to worry about interruptions because your paint won’t suddenly dry out.
Tip #2 – Mist with Water
Lightly mist your palette and painted surface with water using a spray bottle to maintain moisture. Be careful which kind of spray bottle you use. The best are the kind that give a soft mist instead of a squirt.
Tip #3 — Cover Your Palette
If you need to take a break from painting for whatever reason, keep some plastic wrap handy so you can cover your palette. Or, you can store your palette in an airtight container to keep the air from drying out the paint.
Tip #4 — Add a Retarder or Slow-Drying Medium
Retarders can extend the drying time of acrylic paint, giving you more working time. This is especially helpful if you struggle to find long blocks of time to paint.
If you have to grab a 30-minute painting session here and there throughout the day, these slow-drying retarders are very helpful.
Tip #5 — Avoid Direct Heat
Working in a cooler environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources will slow the drying process. Whether this means painting in your basement or in a room of your house that doesn’t get as much heat from natural sunlight, it will help you get more milage out of your paints.
Tip #6 — Keep Paint Containers Sealed
This seems like an obvious tip, but it’s easy to forget when you’re painting. So, when you’re not in the middle of using your paints, make sure the paint containers are tightly sealed to prevent air from drying the paint.
Tip #7 — Work in Small Batches
Only use “just enough” paint in any given painting session to avoid excess drying out on the palette. If you’re a little newer to painting, be sure to start with just a little bit of paint at a time.
It’s much better to start with too little paint and add more as you go along. Using more than you need can be a big waste.
6 Tips for Keeping Your Palette Knives In Good Condition.
Tip #1 – Clean Immediately After Use.
Wipe off excess paint with a paper towel or cloth as soon as you're done using your knife. Acrylic paint dries quickly and can harden on the knife, making it difficult to remove later.
Tip #2 – Use Warm Water and Soap.
For water-based paints like acrylics, rinse the knife with warm water and mild soap. Your can use a soft sponge or cloth to remove any remaining paint, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Tip #3 – Avoid Harsh Chemicals.
Don't use harsh solvents or chemicals on your palette knives. These cleaners can damage the metal or plastic over time.
Tip #4 – Dry Thoroughly.
After cleaning, dry your knife thoroughly to prevent rusting, especially if it has a metal blade. A soft cloth works well for this.
Tip #5 – Store Properly.
Store palette knives flat in a case or container where the blades won’t be bent or damaged. Avoid throwing them in a drawer where they can get scratched or misshapen.
Tip #6 – Inspect for Damage.
Regularly check your palette knives for nicks or bends. A bent blade can affect the texture of your painting.
Taking these steps will help extend the life of your palette knives and keep them in top working condition!
11 Tips for Keeping Your Nylon Brushes In Good Condition.
Our brushes are made out of premium nylon. These brushes are popular for acrylic painting because they are durable and maintain their shape well; even with the thicker texture of acrylics.
Tip #1 – Rinse Frequently While Painting.
Acrylic paint dries quickly, so rinse your nylon brushes frequently while painting to prevent paint from hardening in the bristles.
Tip #2 – Use Lukewarm Water.
Clean your nylon brushes with lukewarm water. Hot water can weaken the synthetic fibers, while cold water might not clean as effectively.
Tip #3 – Avoid Letting Paint Dry on the Brush.
Never allow acrylic paint to dry on your brushes, as it becomes very difficult to remove without
damaging the bristles.
Tip #4 – Clean with Mild Soap.
After each painting session, use mild soap (or a brush cleaner) to thoroughly clean the brush. Gently work the soap into the bristles and rinse until the water runs clear.
Tip #5 – Be Gentle When Cleaning.
Avoid scrubbing the bristles harshly. Use your fingers or a soft brush comb to gently clean between the bristles to remove paint from the base.
Tip #6 – Reshape the Bristles.
After cleaning, reshape the nylon bristles with your fingers. This helps maintain the brush's original form and ensures consistent strokes in the future.
Tip #7 – Dry Bristles Down or Flat.
Let the brush dry with the bristles facing downward or flat to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part). This helps avoid loosening the glue that holds the bristles.
Tip #8 – Avoid Prolonged Soaking.
Don’t leave nylon brushes sitting in water for extended periods, as this can cause the bristles to splay and the handle to warp.
Tip #9 – Use Brush Conditioner (Optional).
Occasionally use a brush conditioner or a small amount of fabric softener mixed with water to keep the nylon bristles smooth and flexible.
Tip #10 – Separate Brushes for Mediums.
Dedicate nylon brushes to acrylic paint only. This avoids any contamination with oils or other substances that might damage the synthetic fibers.
Tip #11 – Store Brushes Upright.
Once they’re completely dry, store you nylon brushes upright with bristles facing up. Or, you can lay them flat in a case. This prevents bending and helps retain the shape.
Following these tips will keep your Dabble brushes in excellent condition and extend their lifespan, giving you better control and results in your acrylic painting projects!