To remove mold from a watercolor palette, particularly from the paints themselves, a common and effective method shared on platforms like Reddit involves using ethanol. This approach aims to kill the mold and prevent its recurrence by ensuring the paints are kept dry.
Understanding Mold Growth on Watercolor Palettes
Mold thrives in damp, dark, and still environments. Watercolor paints, being water-activated, can become a prime breeding ground for mold if not properly cared for. Mold not only looks unsightly but can also affect the pigment's integrity and potentially spread to other art supplies.
The Ethanol Method for Mold Removal
Based on shared experiences, a friend successfully used ethanol to treat mold on their watercolor paints.
Steps for Removal:
- Isolate the Moldy Paints: Carefully identify which paint pans or sections of your palette are affected. It's often best to address them individually to prevent cross-contamination.
- Apply Ethanol:
- Dip a clean brush, cotton swab, or dropper into ethanol (also known as rubbing alcohol, typically 70% isopropyl alcohol or higher).
- Gently dab or brush the ethanol directly onto the moldy areas of the paint. The ethanol acts as an antiseptic, killing the mold spores.
- Allow to Dry Completely: This is a crucial step. After applying ethanol, leave the palette (or the specific paint pans) open in a well-ventilated area to allow the ethanol to evaporate and the paints to dry thoroughly. Do not close the palette until the paints are completely dry to the touch.
- Reference: "A friend had that problem and she used ethanol on her paints to kill the mold off and then let it dry every time or leave the palette slightly open to let air flow."
Why Ethanol?
Ethanol is effective because it's a desiccant (dries things out) and a disinfectant. It helps to dehydrate and kill the mold spores without significantly harming the watercolor pigments, as it evaporates cleanly.
Preventing Future Mold Growth
Prevention is key to maintaining a mold-free watercolor palette.
Key Preventative Measures:
- Ensure Proper Drying:
- After each painting session, leave your palette open for several hours, or even overnight, to allow all the moisture in your paint pans to evaporate.
- Reference: "Keeping paints dry as possible as mentioned above is key."
- Promote Airflow:
- Store your palette in a location with good air circulation. Avoid airtight containers or damp drawers immediately after use.
- Reference: "leave the palette slightly open to let air flow."
- Clean Your Palette Regularly:
- Wipe down your palette's mixing areas and edges with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess water and paint residue.
- For plastic palettes, a light wipe with a dilute bleach solution or vinegar (and then thoroughly rinsing/drying) can help sanitize surfaces, but avoid getting these on the paints themselves.
- Use Clean Water: Always start with fresh, clean water for mixing paints. Contaminated water can introduce mold spores.
- Avoid Over-Wetting Paints: While you need water to activate watercolors, avoid leaving standing puddles in your paint pans, especially in tube paints squeezed into wells.
- Consider Palette Type: Some materials, like ceramic or porcelain, dry faster and are less prone to harboring mold than certain plastics.
Quick Reference: Mold Removal & Prevention
| Action Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mold Removal | Apply ethanol (rubbing alcohol) directly to moldy paint areas. Allow the palette to air dry completely afterwards, leaving it open until all moisture has evaporated. |
| Prevention | Keep paints dry: Always allow paints to dry thoroughly after use. Ensure airflow: Store palettes with good ventilation or slightly open. Cleanliness: Use clean water and regularly wipe down your palette. |
By diligently applying ethanol for removal and adopting consistent drying and airflow practices, you can effectively combat and prevent mold on your watercolor palette, ensuring your paints remain in good condition.
