How to Tell If Your Acrylic Paint Is Still Good

Before starting any painting project with acrylic paint, it’s crucial to check if the paint is still usable. Acrylic paints can spoil if stored in extreme temperatures, or even grow mold. Testing the paint’s freshness saves time and money during your project. First, examine the container. If the lid is swollen, the paint may have been exposed to air. Look for signs of black spots inside the tube or jar. If you see any, replace the paint right away.

Next, open the container and smell the paint. Fresh acrylic paint has a light solvent smell, but if it smells funky, it has lost its integrity. Then, express a drop of paint onto a paper plate. Observe the body. Fresh acrylic paint should be creamy, similar to thick honey. If it’s chunky, it’s unfit for use. You might be able to stir separated paint back together if it’s slightly degraded, but if the texture stays clumpy after mixing, it’s it’s ruined.

Test the paint’s spread by applying a small swatch on your surface. Good paint should blend seamlessly without streaking. If it’s doesn’t flow, doesn’t blend, or curls as it dries, it’s no longer reliable. Another sign is if the paint fails to cure. Finally, https://plitki.com/otdelka-polov-potolkov-i-sten/kak-ozhivit-akrilovie-kraski-effektivnie-metodi-i-rekomendatsii-professionalov.html check the best-by date on the label if it’s still legible. Most acrylic paints last up to 5 years if sealed properly, but exposure to humidity can accelerate spoilage.

If you’re doubtful, do a small test on paper towel before committing to your main project. Let it dry fully and observe how it looks and feels. If it bubbles, the paint has spoiled. Taking these easy checks before you begin ensures that your layers blend well.