keeping enamels...?

Not really that much you can do except make sure your jars are closed tightly.

After you pour the paint that you're going to use from the jar, wipe down any spills from the screw threads - a build-up over time may cause the lids to not tighten down completely. Also another tip that I have seen suggests putting cling-wrap on the jar before you put the lid on.

PS: I have some Tamiya acrylics that are probably 20 years old, and (I think) still as good as the day I opened the jars

thanks!

What has happened, is that solvents have escaped from the jar, causing the vehicle to thicken, eventually hardening in the jar. Testors recommends that you tighten the lids and store them upside-down. The paint will self-seal and prevent most of the solvent escaping and evaporating. I've tried this with my enamels, and every bottle is still fresh after 10 years. FYI..Source is Testors Model Master Technical Manuel. Hope this helps!

QUOTE: Originally posted by plasticmod992 What has happened, is that solvents have escaped from the jar, causing the vehicle to thicken, eventually hardening in the jar. Testors recommends that you tighten the lids and store them upside-down. The paint will self-seal and prevent most of the solvent escaping and evaporating. I've tried this with my enamels, and every bottle is still fresh after 10 years. FYI..Source is Testors Model Master Technical Manuel. Hope this helps!

I agree with Greg.
If kept upright the solvent evaporates leaving only the paint pigment

Mike

thanks guys!

amazing, never thought of it that way. pure genius.