How to Store Gesso

the ol’ slumbering paint bottle! 🖌️ When acrylic paint has been sitting quietly on a shelf for a while, especially in a clear bottle or jar, you might notice some separation—pigment at the bottom, binder on top. Totally normal. But sometimes, a shake just won’t wake it. Here’s what to do:

⸻

🎨 If Shaking Doesn’t Work…

1. Stir, Don’t Shake.

If shaking doesn’t re-emulsify the paint, it’s time to open the lid and give it a proper stir. Use:

Scrape all the way to the bottom and fold the pigment and binder together like you’re mixing cake batter—go slow and steady to avoid bubbles.

⸻

2. Add a Drop or Two of Acrylic Medium or Water.

If it’s still too thick or gluggy:

Stir again. You’re looking to re-awaken the emulsion, not dilute it into soup.

⸻

3. Decant Into a New Container (if needed).

Sometimes the original bottle is gunked up or has dried bits clinging to the sides. If you’re doing CPR on your paint:

⸻

4. Test It Before You Toss It.

Even if it looks separated, test it on paper. If it spreads, layers, and dries with colour integrity, it’s still good! If it’s lumpy, chalky, smells sour, or has mold—it’s time to say goodbye.

⸻

⚠️ When to Let It Go:

🎶 “Let it goooo…”—and use it for textured collage or a base layer, or cut it open and use what’s salvageable.

⸻

🖌️ Pro Tip:

Store acrylic paints upside-down with the cap tightly closed—this helps prevent air from sneaking in and forming dry plugs at the tip.