My Paint Turned to TAR!

Yep, it sure did. I introduced myself on the other board so I'll get right to my question. Being new, I don't really know how to care for my paints properly. I was spraying them every time I wanted to load a sponge or brush and sometimes just leaving them wet and closing them up. Thank goodness it's only my black and white that's gone bad. They're both DFX 90g kegs and the top layer is exactly like tar. I began trying to rework that layer with a sponge and just ended up with a huge sticky glob that sits on top of what feels like good,solid paint about 1/4 inch below. My question is, what do you think I should do and are the entire kegs ruined? I could remove the sticky to try to get to the good but I'm not sure if there is any good left. Gah! I have the same size and colors of Wolfe on the way so I'm not totally freaking out but it's still a lot of paint and money to throw away. If I do remove the sticky glob, should I keep it for brush practice in a separate container? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

Don't remove the sticky glob, just press it down and let it dry out.

Some basic maintenance here. First things first ALWAYS let your paints air dry after using them. Covering them with a lid while still wet not only does this (turns into goop) but can also promote growth of bacteria.

I sometimes spray the cake when loading a sponge if it's bone dry, but after it's best to spritz the sponge and not the cake.

Ok to fix this first let them dry out as much as possible by leaving the lids off and put in a cool place. Don't put them in direct sunlight, or near any source of heat. You can also stick them in the fridge for 20min to 1hr to help them harden up again. (remember fridge NOT freezer).

Also give them a wipe with something clean, and then a spritz of 99% iso to help get rid of any bacteria that may have grown from keeping them in a damp environment.

That should do it!

I leave the lids off full time, even during storage.

Ok, lids are off. Thanks!
Where do you get your 99%? I keep trying CVS because they claim to order it but never seem to have it. It's cheap on eBay, but the seller wants an astronomical amount for shipping. If there's a common store that stocks it regularly, that would be awesome but I'll order it online if I have to. Thanks again!

most pharmacy's have it. In canada you can get it just about anywhere.
shoppers drugmart
london drugs
walmart
dollar stores
superstore
save-on-foods

anywhere really. just keep looking. it;s cheap stuff, no need to order it online.

oh also since you said you were new, here's a handy write up i posted recently for another newbie LOTS of information on things to have in your kit.

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t16069-the-kit-essentials

Ooh, thanks! Since you don't mind responding and I'm unfamiliar with the forum, question about sponges.
I bought those foam rollers from Sally's beauty and they really do seem to be the same as other FP sponges, but being new, I wouldn't know. Any thoughts on the rollers and what sponge would you recommend? I'm itching to place another order so great timing on the link, thanks a lot!!

Rollers????

Image that comes to mind.


I don't know any face painters who use sponge rollers.

Here's get your self some of these
https://www.facepaintforumshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=740

They are my favorite.

Cut them half (like half moons), and then to load it with paint spritz with water and wipe back and forth in your paint cake. To apply, tap/pounce the sponge on the skin, don't drag or wipe.
Like this: https://youtu.be/SyraOGmwIv8?t=1m11s

Anything else I can help with? Feel free to Private Message me too.

Lol, yeah! Check them out if you ever make it to a Sally's hahaha. I know, I thought the same thing until I saw them. I'm going to read up on how to post pics here and I'll send you one. How do you PM? I've been over the road so long, I can barely manage Facebook. Gotta learn though! Thanks for the info! You're really nice, I appreciate it.

No problem. and thanks ^.^

to PM (Private Message)
Look to the left here

<---------------

see the envelope and PM there? Click that and you can send me a PM.

Where I am from the 99% was behind the counter at the pharmacy and I had to ask for it. No biggie but took me FOREVER to figure it out. If you are having trouble finding it, try that

Thanks codegirl! I realized after I asked ForestFairy that she's from canada and perhaps they sell it over the counter there. Awesome!