Should I keep the lids on my paints?

Just curious... does it matter if I keep the lids on my paints? It's such a hassel trying to keep up with all the lids. I spend several minutes taking all the lids off, organizing and then getting them stored in my case. I'm thinking about taking all my lids off and using some of the tops for split cakes.

I think it's optimal to store the paints without lids. The lid traps moisture which can contribute to bacterial or fungal growth.

Thanks! I'm ditchin' the lids and using them for something else! I didn't know that about trapping the moisture. I thought maybe the air would dry them out and make it hard to get moist again.

They will dry out in the air, but as long as you have them covered, somehow, to prevent dust and other things from settling on the surface while not in use it won't hurt them.

I vote for getting rid of the lids... I would but I need to find a case or a palette to put the paints in first... It could get messy otherwise... Haha

I couldn't get the $30 paint storage case but I went to staples and found a hot pink plastic storage clipboard for $5. It holds 12 paint rounds and with the lids off it closes perfectly. I don't know what to do with the clippy thingy on the front but other then that it's perfect. Also, the plastic 'project boxes' from the office supply store works great. The paints move around a little and it's not as snug as I'd like.

Use velcro on the bottoms...I strip it across the case with the soft ones, and put the catchy ones on the bottom, and it's easier to wipe down when you need to that way.

Yes, I am using a plano gun case right now, not totally happy, but it works, I use velcro to keep them stuck. Bubble wrap covers them to keep the dust out for travel, and I do keep a couple of lids for the times that I have a paint that is too wet and might run. I like drying mine out so that the bacteria don't have a good moist medium to grow in, but watch the snaz, they can get crumbly!

I toss a black towel across the paint--soaks up dribbles, looks professional when I pack & unpack...doesn't show stains.

No lids for me, except on my one strokes. I have this issue where I can't throw things away, so I have a bag full of lids and empty paint cakes in my basement. Sigh.

Melody... you should throw those in the swap shop. People always want them for making splits and rainbows.

Kat's FacesForFun wrote:Melody... you should throw those in the swap shop. People always want them for making splits and rainbows.

The good ones I should, you're right! Not the old snaz ones though, their lids just fall right off. Good tip, thanks hun!

Agree with Julie and Shannon.

Oh my gosh! I do that too! Even though I know I don't re-cap I cant get rid of the lids! I just keep them in an old easter basket in the drawer. What's wrong with me?

Face paint cakes are moist cake makeup aka pan makeup. While you can store them w/o lids in a container that is covered, they do need to be covered. Moist cake makeup will dry out. And if storing for long period they should be stored with lids. Other than an occasional over wetted cake due to useer error, very very long gigs, and rainy days no cake should get so moist and wet as to risk bacteria growth. All or most all the major brands have chemicals to prohibit such growth. If a cake is wet - dry it out quickly - but keep your makeup in a moist cake form to get optimal use.

Omg! I didnt know I could make splits & put them on lids!!! What a great idea!

I keep my lids on after Im finished working. As much as I pay for these paints/lids, I want to keep them good as long as possible. Its just a matter of minutes to put on and take off. Get a plastic lunch box/bag you can zippen to keep your lids. Zip lock may even work.

Thanks for the input regarding bacteria. I took out some of the paint, out of a few of the bottoms and put it in the top lids. I cleaned the bottoms and now I have a few empty sets I put put my rhinestones in. I even used one container for flower gems I found at a thrift store yesterday for a buck. The lids are a little bigger but it allows space for water if I get too much water on the paint.

hmm...I have spent a lot on the $30 plastic storage cases. The clipboard storage boxes are a good idea! I'll have to pass that on to my mom. (although... looking at staples online just now they are $15.79).

Yea, I got mine with a news paper coupon. I'd watch the ads or see if anywhere else has them. I'm going to look around myself and I'll let you know what I find. Even at 15.79 it's half the price. I love the pink one I got. It was for breast cancer awareness.

You can also use presentation cases from Office Depot $6.99 or less.
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/444112/Innovative-Storage-Designs-Project-Case-Letter/
Have two and use one for my splits and another for bling/glitter. Here is size compared to laptop case. Same width and height but a little deeper. Thinking about some paint for plastics for all three-maybe purple to match my bag.

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