Does paint "go off"?

[Knikki]

I have some paints enamels unopened and opened plus some acylics in a similar state.

Now I know the enamels can seperate out but do they actually go off?

If I stir, shake cna I reuse them or is it just best to throw them and get some new ones?

Bare in mind that some of these paints are over 10 years old

 

[Einion]

Enamels can definitely set in the tin/jar, usually because of a poor seal on the lid or cap that lets air in, but if they're still liquid they should work fine. Basically the same deal with hobby acrylics.

After a very long time to settle an agitator is likely to be needed to get the paint back to a uniform workable consistency, and you're need to shake a lot.

Einion

 

[Figurenfreund66]

Hi

if you give a couple of small balls in your glass / bottle, then shake to mix it's like in a spray can easily, better than.

Cheers

Hendryk

 

[Gary D]

They can also become contaminated when opened repetitively. This will give you off colours and make it hard to brush and airbrush. When in doubt, buy a new jar for a few dollars. It's better than trying to strip the figure afterwords.

Gary

 

[Knikki]

Thanks for the reply chaps.

If I go for the shaking then by the end of it I should be able to mix a mean cocktail :lol:

 

[Hans]

Enamels can stay for decades and Enamels can curdle even when never opened. Remember, there are two different processes when using enamels. The physical process: The thinning agent evaporades and the paint "dries". The chemical process: The binding agent oxidates and the paint get hard. This oxidation sometimes starts within completely unopened tins. IMHO some of the pigments helps that. For example, any ochre or brown pigments based on ironoxide will help any oxidizing process. If opened, close them carefully. And if you want to kill the paint very fast, put any thinning agent in it, white spirit or whatever you are using.

This also will happen with water based acrylics, but not with alcohol based acrylics. The last ones are even more durable than oils! And they can refurbished very easily with fresh alcohol.

 

[TonyT]

And they can refurbished very easily with fresh alcohol

Me too

If the lid is on sealed tight, store your tins upside down, the skin will form in the bottom of the pot