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Possible to save/rescue GW paints?

The Red Devil
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The Red Devil

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Im getting back to the hobby, after being away for over a decade (5th edition).

I have basically starting preparing for converting and repainting later this year when I have some more spare time. Basically, finding out what I have and what Ill need.

Turns out the GW paints did not really enjoy the extended stay boxed down in the storage area. After reviewing them, it turns out 26 boxes of paint/washes are dried up (I know, I was young and stupid back then and did not consider mixing colors).

For me it seems like the problem is actually the design of their paint pots, as the one where I had been "sloppy" and had paint drying and "locking" the lid has actually staid fresh. While other pots, even new unopened ones I had bought back then is dried up.

Now for the real question, some of the pots were not completely dried up, which makes me thing I might be able to salvage those by mixing in some thinner. But I have no idea which one I can try which would not damage the paint in the process.

If anyone has a suggestion I am all ears.

On a side note, I most probably will need to purchase some more paint but after this experience I am hesitant to purchase more GW paints, as basically after todays prices Ive burned almost $150 on those "unusable" paints, well I guess in worst case they will be nice mixing pots after I clean them, tho expensive mixing pots lol.

I see Vallejo and Reaper paints are mentioned a lot, what is the difference between them? Are there a difference in the consistence of the paint? (thick/thin)
 
I use windex to thin my paint before airbrushing and it doesn't harm the paints ability to do what it does, so that could be worth a shot.

Couldn't answer the other question, the only valejo I have is a gloss varnish. They're both high quality paints however, so I think the differences between the two would be similar to arguing if the snes or sega genesis were better. Both paints have dropper bottles, and that is what is important. When you want to store them for years, turn them upside down so the air bubble forms at the bottom of the pot. Reaper paints also have an agitator inside them to make shaking easier. I think valejo, as a company, started for world war paints so it has less off the wall paint colors as reaper. So if you don't want hot florescent pink for your skinks, either company would work fine.
 
If they are fairly dry, use water to to get them working again. Sometimes even if they are completely dry it is still possible to add water and use them. If you can, distilled water is better, but filtered tap water works ok as well.
 
Thanks for the tips guys!

I think Ill drop by a art store and get some of the paint medium and give that a shot first, the article you linked to Lord Tsunami looks very promising.

Thanks again!
 
I will add my 2 cents here, as most of my paint pots are at least 10 years old and still in use. Add a mixture of 60% distilled water and 40% acrylic extender (I got my extender at a craft store, AC Moore). If the paint is completely dried up, you may need to let this soak for up to a week to get the paint to react with the 60/40 mix. I haven't tried it, but if all else fails I don't suppose you have much to lose by placing the paint pot with the 60/40 mix in the microwave for about 15 seconds just to get it mixing.

Once the paint has softened enough to agitate, stir it up, and eventually you will want to use a motorized agitator to make the paint usable. I have this little cordless mixer: http://www.micromark.com/Cordless-Mixer-for-Model-Paints,7616.html - and it's truly invaluable. The best 10 bucks I ever spent on my painting!
 
I've got the badger version of the same product, it's the coolest thing I ever bought.

As an arts and crafts rule of thumb though, I would advice against microwaving anything ^_^ Toxic fumes come off of just about anything at the right temperature.
 
Thanks for the tip.

How many ml would you add of that mixture to a pot of dried paint T'hink'er?

Ill get myself one of those motorized agitators, seen those at the "1 dollar markets". Might be of a lower quality, but at that price you can just get a new one when it stop working.
 
The Red Devil said:
Thanks for the tip.

How many ml would you add of that mixture to a pot of dried paint T'hink'er?

Ill get myself one of those motorized agitators, seen those at the "1 dollar markets". Might be of a lower quality, but at that price you can just get a new one when it stop working.
Click to expand...

I don't know how many ML, because I don't know how much paint is in your dried up bottle. Fill about a quarter of the available space in the paint pot for starters and see if the dried paint will react with the thinner. If it doesn't you might be out of luck. That's why I suggested heating it. If the microwave is out, you could try submerging the paint pot in boiling water (with the lid closed, of course). I have no idea if this will work...
 
remember that its easy to add more water/medium. it is hard to take it away. best ad it a little bit at a time till you are happy ;)
 
Thanks for the information.

Of the paint pots I got, there is multiple degrees of dried up paint, everything from fully dried up, to still semi liquid so it will be interesting to see how good this works.

If anyone is interested I can make notes/images and then post the result here on the forum when I get going with this in December.
 
Yeah, anything you learn that could be of use should be shared, thanks!
 
I'd be interested as well. One of these days I'm gonna do a post on different white glue qualities for terrain.
 
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