How To Keep Acrylic Paint From Drying

Acrylic paint is a popular medium among artists and crafters due to its versatility, vibrant colors, and fast-drying nature. However, this fast-drying quality can also be a drawback, especially when working on larger projects or during longer painting sessions. If you’re an artist who has struggled with acrylic paint drying out too quickly, don’t worry! There are several tips and techniques that can help you keep your paint workable for longer periods. By understanding the factors that affect drying time and using the appropriate tools and techniques, you can achieve the desired results and create beautiful works of art that will last for years to come.

In this article, we will explore the different factors that affect the drying time of acrylic paint, such as the type of paint, surface, temperature and humidity, thickness of each layer, and the use of mediums and additives. We will also provide tips and techniques to prevent acrylic paint from drying out too quickly, such as using a wet palette, adding a retarder or extender, covering the paint with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and using a stay-wet palette. Additionally, we will discuss techniques to slow down the drying time, such as glazing, working in thin layers, using an airbrush or spray bottle, and using a slow-drying medium. Finally, we will highlight common mistakes that can speed up the drying time and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Factors That Affect Drying Time of Acrylic Paint

Before we dive into the tips and techniques, let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect the drying time of acrylic paint. By understanding these factors, you can better manage the drying time and keep your paint workable for longer periods.

Type of Acrylic Paint

Different types of acrylic paint have different drying times. For example, heavy body acrylics are thicker and take longer to dry than fluid acrylics. It’s important to consider the type of acrylic paint you’re using and adjust your painting techniques accordingly.

Type of Surface

The type of surface you’re painting on can also affect the drying time of acrylic paint. Porous surfaces like raw canvas or unprimed wood can absorb the moisture from the paint, causing it to dry faster. In contrast, non-porous surfaces like primed canvas or plastic take longer to dry since the paint can’t penetrate the surface.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity can also affect the drying time of acrylic paint. In general, higher temperatures and lower humidity can cause acrylic paint to dry faster. Conversely, lower temperatures and higher humidity can slow down the drying time.

Thickness of Each Layer

The thickness of each layer of paint can also affect the drying time. Thick layers take longer to dry than thin layers. It’s recommended to work in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Use of Mediums and Additives

Using mediums and additives like retarders or extenders can also affect the drying time of acrylic paint. These products can slow down the drying time, making the paint more workable for longer periods.

Tips to Prevent Acrylic Paint From Drying

Now that we’ve covered the factors that affect drying time, let’s explore some tips and techniques to prevent acrylic paint from drying.

Use a Wet Palette

A wet palette is a useful tool for keeping acrylic paint workable for longer periods. A wet palette consists of a tray filled with water and a permeable paper or cloth on top. The paint sits on top of the paper, and the water below keeps the paint moist and workable.

Add a Retarder or Extender

Retarders and extenders are additives that you can mix with acrylic paint to slow down the drying time. Retarders contain glycols or other chemicals that slow down the evaporation rate of water, while extenders contain acrylic polymer emulsions that increase the volume of the paint without affecting the color.

Cover the Paint With a Damp Cloth or Plastic Wrap

Covering the paint with a damp cloth or plastic wrap can also prevent it from drying out too quickly. The moisture from the cloth or plastic wrap helps keep the paint moist and workable.

Use a Stay-Wet Palette

A stay-wet palette is a specialized palette designed to keep acrylic paint moist and workable for longer periods. It consists of a palette with a lid and a sponge or paper that is soaked in water. The paint sits on top of the sponge or paper, and the lid keeps the moisture in.

Keep the Paint in a Sealed Container

If you’re not using the paint immediately, it’s important to keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out. You can use an airtight container like a jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing the container.

Store the Paint in a Cool and Dark Place

Storing the paint in a cool and dark place can also help prevent it from drying out too quickly. Direct sunlight and heat can cause the paint to dry out faster, so it’s important to store it in a cool and dark place like a closet or a drawer.

Techniques to Slow Down Drying Time of Acrylic Paint

In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are also several techniques you can use to slow down the drying time of acrylic paint.

Use a Glazing Technique

Glazing is a technique that involves painting a transparent layer of color over a dry layer of paint. This technique allows you to build up layers of color without disturbing the previous layers, and it also slows down the drying time of the paint.

Work in Thin Layers

Working in thin layers is another technique to slow down the drying time of acrylic paint. Thick layers take longer to dry, so it’s important to work in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Use an Airbrush or Spray Bottle

Using an airbrush or a spray bottle can also help slow down the drying time of acrylic paint. Spraying a fine mist of water over the paint can help keep it moist and workable.

Use a Slow-Drying Medium

Using a slow-drying medium like a gel or an impasto medium can also help slow down the drying time of acrylic paint. These mediums contain a thickening agent that slows down the evaporation rate of water, allowing the paint to stay workable for longer periods.

Common Mistakes That Speed Up Drying Time of Acrylic Paint

Finally, let’s explore some common mistakes that can speed up the drying time of acrylic paint. By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your paint workable for longer periods.

Using Too Much Paint

Using too much paint can cause it to dry out faster. It’s important to use thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Using a Dry Brush

Using a dry brush can also cause the paint to dry out faster. Make sure to wet your brush before dipping it into the paint.

Using a Porous Surface

Using a porous surface like raw canvas or unprimed wood can cause the paint to dry out faster. It’s recommended to use a non-porous surface like primed canvas or plastic.

Not Cleaning the Brush Properly

Not cleaning the brush properly can also speed up the drying time of acrylic paint. Make sure to clean your brush thoroughly after each use to prevent the paint from drying on the bristles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry?

The drying time of acrylic paint can vary depending on several factors, including the type of paint, the type of surface, temperature and humidity, thickness of each layer, and the use of mediums and additives. In general, acrylic paint dries to the touch in about 20-30 minutes and is fully dry in 24-48 hours.

Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying time?

Using a hairdryer to speed up drying time can cause the paint to dry unevenly and can also cause it to crack or peel. It’s not recommended to use a hairdryer to speed up drying time.

Can I mix acrylic paint with water to prevent it from drying?

Mixing acrylic paint with water can make it thinner and more workable, but it can also cause the paint to lose its adhesion and durability. It’s recommended to use mediums and additives specifically designed for acrylic paint to slow down the drying time.

Can I store acrylic paint in the freezer?

Storing acrylic paint in the freezer is not recommended, as it can cause the paint to break down and lose its adhesion and durability. It’s best to store acrylic paint in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Conclusion

Keeping acrylic paint from drying out too quickly can be a challenge, but with the tips, techniques, and common mistakes to avoid mentioned in this article, you can extend the working time of your paint and achieve your desired results. Remember to consider the factors that affect drying time, use the appropriate tools and techniques, and avoid common mistakes that can speed up the drying time. With practice and patience, you can master the art of using acrylic paint and create beautiful works of art that will last for years to come.