How and with what you can dilute dried gouache, how to dilute it in a liquid state
Gouache is one of the most commonly used paints for creativity. The usual shelf life of an opened container is 14 to 60 days. This means that the manufacturer guarantees the normal condition of the product during this period. But sometimes the paint deteriorates earlier - more often it dries. There are several basic methods for diluting gouache that has dried in a jar.
Why gouache paint is drying up
Gouache contains water, coloring pigments, a glue base. The paint is suitable for painting on various surfaces - paper, glass, plywood, fabric and others. There are three main reasons for drying out:
- expiration of the shelf life of paints (initially displayed on the packaging, after opening the container it is significantly reduced);
- improperly closed lid (a common reason why the composition must be restored using additional funds);
- poor product quality.
To reduce the risk of paint drying out, it is important to follow several rules for handling paint, not to leave jars open or with loose lids.
All the ways to dilute if dried
Before "reviving" the paint, you should carefully inspect the container. There should be no external damage, cracks, due to which the gouache can quickly deteriorate again.
If the pigment thickens only slightly, you can try placing the container in a warm place - on a sunny windowsill or near a heater, wait a few hours.
With water
Gouache is a water-based dye. Ordinary water allows you to quickly dissolve the pigment, but not to spoil it. How to operate the paint:
- inspect the container;
- pour water - the level of liquid should slightly cover the dried pigment;
- tightly close the lid, leave for 24 hours at a temperature not below zero;
- if after the specified time the paint remains dry, the procedure must be repeated.
Water is used most often. It is an affordable, economical and environmentally friendly solvent that will not damage the pigment, retain gloss and other properties.
Attention! It is important not to pour too much liquid. If you overdo it, the layer will become light, transparent, and after drying it will begin to crack even on the paper.
water bath
An additional recovery method is a water bath. First you need to prepare a metal steamer (combine two metal containers of different diameter), boiling water, toothpicks. Instructions:
- boiling water is poured into a jar, slightly above the level of dried pigment;
- the container is placed in a saucepan of a smaller diameter, the second - a larger one, filled with water, sets the structure on fire (if the lids are placed in a liquid, the old layer will drag behind them);
- the water is brought to a boil, the heat is reduced to a minimum - the liquid should bubble a little;
- cover the structure with a lid;
- water is added if necessary;
- after some time, check the degree of dissolution of the liquid in the paint with a toothpick.
If the pigment is not too dry, you can make a liquid paint in 20 minutes. If the composition can be struck, it will take at least an hour. The main indicator is stirring with a toothpick until uniform.
Prevention of drying out
Masters do not advise mixing shades inside the container - for this there is a special device called a palette. If not available, any smooth surface (plate, board, small tray, etc.) will do. Before starting work, each color is carefully mixed in its own pot, then a part is transferred to the palette.
Gouache is not diluted much, the consistency should resemble thick sour cream. It is not recommended to draw from jars - in an open container the pigment dries faster, the paint can mix with other colors. It is important to recover the containers after work, to close each jar well, to check.
Jars should not be placed in places where low (subzero) temperatures can be set. Storage at room temperature is sufficient. You can even use very old kits, including Soviet ones. The main thing is to constantly check the condition of the pigment, if necessary, add a little water (preferably distilled), mix well until smooth.
Attention! Acrylic type gouache should not be thinned with these methods. The pigment has a special composition, which will turn water into a hard mass, unsuitable for painting.
Thinned paint is not suitable for professional painters.Despite the simplicity of the technique, the pigment is diluted and slightly loses color saturation and other properties. These methods are suitable for amateur drawing or creativity with children.