storing oils

[godfather]

I usually keep my palette of oils until a figure is completely finshed I store it in the fridge should I be storing it in the freezer instead? How long should I wait for the oils to "thaw" before using?

 

[Guy]

I'd like to know that answer too!

 

[Larry R]

If I left oils in the fridge or freezer my kids would eat it!

 

[Patrick Kirk]

Brother,
If Jake didn't get them first, you know I'd scarf'em down!
:lol:

 

[KeithP]

For what ever it's worth, I tried both methods and the paint tended to dry out past the point of resucitation in the Freezer.

I wrapped the palette in foil and placed in zip lock bag. I also add "DAD"S PAINTS - DO NOT TOUCH" to the bag..

Haven't tried submerging in liquid helium yet, though!

Also, you can leave them under your hobby light for a few minutes and they thaw.
You'll definately need to add thinner or some carrier.

Keith

 

[rdclaeps]

I store the oils in the freezer in a tupper-ware container. I've found that they stay workable for about a week, any longer and they dry out.

 

[Soldaten6]

I use the freezer for storing my oils. I also use a tupperware container but turn it upside down and use the lid as a backing for my palette. I tape squares of palette paper to the lid, mix my colors and, when done for the night, snap what was the bottom (and is now the top) of the container over the paints. This goes into the fridge. I use a Tupperware number 11 which is rectangular and not too deep so I have enough room to mix and work two or three colors at once.

I have found that the time they stay open depends on the color. If they are slow driers in the open air they stay workable longer in the freezer as well. Earth colors only last a few days at best. Also depends on how thick the "puddle" of paint is on the palette as well - if its a thicker pile it will frequently skim over and there will be sufficient paint below that is still good. Since I often miss the right color the first time I mix I normally end up with quite a bit on the paper!

Also, this might be obvious, but if you use additives that speed drying keep them out of whatever paint you want to keep in the freezer.

Regards,

Bob Petrillo

 

[Patrick Kirk]

Ok...got it...
But not being a Chemist by any stretch of the imagination, how quickly does the paint thaw so that you can use it again? Can you add something to the frozen paint to help the thawing process?

Patrick

 

[John Long]

That's interesting Einion. I freeze mine, but have never bothered to cover them.

Patrick, I usually give them a 5-10 minutes to thaw, it doesn't seem to take long.

 

[olly_usafsoc]

I think someone told me once that the reason they don't take long to thaw is something to do with the solvent that is included with them, if thats any help!

 

[Einion]

Different machine dufus, you might want to log in before you post <bangs head on table>

Patrick, I wouldn't add anything to the paint you wouldn't normally and as John and others say it doesn't take too long for them to thaw at room temperature. A minute or so under a table lamp would probably do it also if you're in a rush.

Einion

 

[Lou Masses]

Does the oil develop a "skin" as it does normally.

 

[John Long]

Not really. But, if you use it a day and then freeze it, then after a few days use it and freeze it again, it will. This isn't a result of the freezing, but of the air drying during the painting sessions. I have also noticed some of my mixtures becoming a tad gummy as well. This isn't that hard to work with though.

 

[Patrick Kirk]

Thanks a lot John and Einion; really appreciate your patience with me...I'll give this a try this weekend...


All the best, guys!

Patrick

 

[pkess]

I never put my oils in the freezer or frig. I just cover the palette with saran wrap. Since I always mix too much paint, there is usually plenty left for touch up. I use ziploc bags as palettes. If I want to use the paints for an extended period, I just press the saran wrap down around each little pile of paint. It stays wet for several weeks this way. The wrap is preventing air from getting to the actual paint, much like the cap on the tube.