i'm a gouache artist, i found pigments like pr209 (quin red) tend to mold on me, but mainly during the summer. i don't keep them in stay wet palettes. i let them dry out and then wake them up with a spray of distilled water. i use distilled water because we are on well water, with a very high iron and mineral content. i use a spray of denatured alcohol for molded pans. i also periodically refresh the pans by putting a few large drops of water in them, letting it sit and stirring up the pigments again thoroughly. if they look a bit grainy as they wake up, i'll add a bit of glycerin and a tiny bit of water with a dispersal agent (oxgall). i'm glad you're doing this, as well as the lightfast tests, it's a good start for anyone to know what the other artists have found, as well as helping decide on what pigments to add to your palette. i do lightfast tests on all my pigments. i think that is a good idea for any artist to do. i'm so thrilled to see gouache getting a following. i keep having to explain to people what it is, and that it's not the matt acrylic stuff called gouache

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Agree, definitely worth doing your own lightfast tests! Including with white tints

HEADS UP: I've used clove oil (the strong stuff) and it has the ability to melt certain plastics. I have the same palette as Sarah and my palette wells are fine, but the hinge of the lid has indeed melted a little during the filling of the palette. Out of caution I don't use the mixing space because it's made of the same type of plastic as the hinge. You can't really wipe it off once the melting process has started (the internet tells me to soak it in a vinegar solution but the palette is full of gouache now), so I've just left it and now have a gooey looking hinge. It still works, but it's an important little heads up for those of you who want to add clove oil (or any other essential oil to a plastic container)!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard that about lemon oil, but only for certain plastics. I’ve been using mine for over a year (going on 2) and never had issues. Diluting the clove bud oil is a good step (also ensures you don’t use too much)

You can also use potassium sorbate. It’s a food grade mold inhibitor that you can buy either in a solution or as a powder. They use it in many many things.

The timing for this video couldn't be more perfect. I was struggling to scrape the mold out of my pallet yesterday 😆 Thank you for your tips! 💚

Clove oil used in an essential oil . Every essential oil has anti-bacterial and anti mold property. Some oils ( essences) more than other. Tea Tree is one of the most powerful, but it is a ' matter of taste ' , that is if you like or not the parfume. You can also try with ORIGAN essential oil, one of the powerful too. All this to say that you can chose

Such great information, Sarah. I store my gouache palette in the refrigerator, that has cut way down on any issues. It is very usable from the refrigerator, I've not had any issues. Otherwise, in my climate, mold is a common problem. I also use alcohol, but will try the clove bud oil. Thanks for all of this good info!

@LivingwithManali

6 ай бұрын

How do you use alcohol?

Yesss I've been hoping for a video like this for so long 😍

Your gouache mold test is how I found your content online originally! Thank you for maintaining this data and sharing it.

I’m super pumped for your gouache brand explorations! Thank you so much for the time, effort, and money you’ve put into this!!

Thank you for making these videos for us! ☺️🙏

Thanks for doing what you do and being such a great inspiration!

I have a TON of watercolor sets, both student and artist grade, and I love them all. I’m glad I didn’t obsess as much with gouache. I have Arteza tubes and Caran D’ache pans, and I’ve been tempted to get himi numerous times but i just could never get myself to buy because I cannot imagine myself doing all that maintenance. Kudos to those who have all the patience with gouache maintenance!!

Thanks so much for doing this extensive study & testing of gouache, mold, maintenance, & how they each perform on the paper. I am really enjoying & looking forward to seeing your results. I have enjoyed reading the gouache database blog posts already! Have a great weekend!💖💕😊

I live in humid Alabama so mold is always a concern. It's kind of odd, but the only gouache I have that grew mold is the M Graham Titanium White. None of the other colors, a mix of brands, have given me any issues. I'm trying spritzing my palette with alcohol and water because I have inside cats and don't want to take a chance with the oils. In case someone isn't aware, essential oils can be toxic to cats and birds so please use with care. It's also kind of weird that I have only a couple of watercolors that tend to mold. The same colors in other brands have not had the same problem. I don't know if I did something different with the palettes, or if it is just weird luck. Anyway, thanks for the video. If the alcohol doesn't work, I'll try the peroxide someone mentioned in a comment. If that doesn't work, I'll just shut the cats out of the painting room. That'll be fun. We all know how cats love to be shut out of places. lol

@purplestarkatz

Жыл бұрын

Yep, same here with M Graham, except mine was Zinc White. I'd heard some people have mold issues with the brand but man I was not expecting how easily it happened for me. I don't have any other paints from them and well...I don't think I'm going to lol. I live in Illinois, so both humidity and dryness are an issue depending on the time of year, but I was honestly surprised mine got moldy in the winter.

@gingerblue

Жыл бұрын

M Graham for me, too- had to throw out the entire line of gouache- I splurged on all the colors, and a few months later they all had to be trashed :(

@aeli999

Жыл бұрын

@@gingerblue I have several M Graham colors in gouache and only had problems with the titanium white. I plan to keep using it, just going to be extra vigilant. The watercolor brand I've had trouble with mold in is Winsor Newton. M Graham watercolor has never molded on me.

@aeli999

Жыл бұрын

@@purplestarkatz None of my other M Graham gouache paints and none of the watercolors have molded. I have no idea why the white did. It's very strange.

@alinam8854

Жыл бұрын

@@nmhrunner Honey is 80% sugar, and fungi feed on sugar, so it makes sense

Thank you for this! I appreciate the hard work you put into this video 😊Lovely paintings. I love that you made each one different ❤

What a nice video! I always like to have your videos as background noise and peek every now and then. I think the information is very useful and I might try and get some of the clove bud oil to try and make my own palette! Thank you for another informative video, can't wait for future parts

Thanks for this topic and your “experiments,” Sarah - I’m at just the point of wanting to start a stay-wet palette for gouache, and you’re helping me get going with good understanding and (most important) good habits! 😊 I’m so glad that I found your art and your channel ❤ I’m painting happily along with you 👏

I'm very excited about your upcoming reviews and the results of your experiments. I'm super curious about Daniel Smith's entry into the gouache market. Thank you so much for the great information 🩵

I'm excited about the reviews. I think I'll hold off on buying more until I see it.

Thank you so much for the explanation! I was looking for someone with gouache knowledge and watching Paul Clack and he recommended your channel, ❤ Blessings

Thank you. I just started using gouache. I found this video very informative and I like the way you present your information.

thank you so much for breaking down how you use the clove bud oil! my google searches weren't turning up many helpful results 😅 looking forward to your reviews of all the different gouache brands and the results of the mold test!!

I love your channel Sarah. You are very inspiring and I am learning a lot. Thank you

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I’ve used oils, watercolor and acrylics for years. I’ve been wanting to try gouache for a long time and thanks to your videos I’m ready! I now have a the supplies setting in my studio. I’m so excited to begin this journey! 😅

Oh i cant wait for all these vids! I have a cheap set (used and really awful), a mid range set (not used yet) and a quality set (trying tonight)... Cant wait to see what your opinions are too!

Great information Sarah.

@Sarah Burns Studio Great idea! I haven't found mold in my gouache, but over the years, I ran into the stuff, especially in my large plastic palettes. I used them a lot outside, so it may have even been something picked up while painting. I do know that it didn't show up after just a week. It was usually several weeks of no light or fresh air. I noticed it more in my traditional paints - my cadmiums and cobalts and ultramarine. I found that when I found it, spraying alcohol on them and then cleaning it off was most effective. Adding water seemed to make it more difficult. Even a touch of mold could mean a lot more was there but it hadn't changed color. In watercolor, it would be more scummy, and pulling that out usually took care of it. I am curious what it would be like in gouache since the actual texture of the paint is thick to begin with. My watercolors were often very wet. I live in western Oregon, which is not very humid even though it rains a lot half the year. Now I'm going to have to check my gouache. I have a couple of those 24 well plastic palettes and love having my gouache in them. I used one for my Himi and the other for the tubes I've had for years, some having hardened and needed to be peeled out of the tubes and refreshed.

Great 👍 and timely info. I have a similar palette (rectangular with 24 spaces) with Schmincke Akademie Gouache. Only the viridian green got moldy 🤷. I added a drop of organic pure clove oil to all colours, which is an all natural antifungal oil. I cleaned the silicone cover, rinsed with alcohol and then added a couple of drops of clove oil to it and buffed it with a paper towel. The palette is mold free and smells amazing! Plus, I try to bring distilled water if on the go, to keep the colours clean from anything that tap water might bring. Good to see your silicone lid stains too.

So valuable! Thanks!

New to gouache. Ordered paint, clove bud, sprayer, 2 pallets like yours, paper, etc. can’t wait for it to arrive. LOVE, LOVE your tutorials. Thanks for the wonderful information!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

How exciting!

Nice! Good luck with the experiments, I'm excited to see the results. I have the clear pallet with the clip and haven't had any issues with my gouache since I started using it last year. Even times where I went a month without checking in. I tried making two for watercolor, ones all White Nights and the other one has Schmincke, WN, & Holbein. The White Nights one was completely covered in mold in a week 😵 Holbein dried out in a week, WN in two. The Schmincke started getting mold after a month of use. I ended up letting them all dry out 😏 and then dousing them with alcohol & getting rid of the mold. I've heard that mold can ruin the paint or paper later on, but I haven't seen any issues after ~6 months. I couldn't get myself to throw it out either knowing how much $ would be thrown away 😵 Maybe next time I'll try the clover bud, the dried watercolors not too bad 😅

Looking forward to more mold research 😀.

This will be great. Living in a dry climate, I thought there wouldn’t be problems here. Well surprise that has nothing to do with it. I cleaned out the mess and went back to the James Gurney way, just squeeze out what is needed on a damp paper towel. So I need to be educated. I am a little surprised no one ever talks about DaVinci gouache. They have nice big 37 mil. Tubes at reasonable prices and I like it but it’s just what I started with. So I will be watching.

I use clove bud oil too, i put a drop or two into each color. My gouache palette is over 3 yrs old and never any mold! I also use some peroxide with water in my spray bottle used to moisten them up a little. I think I'm going to try the clove bud oil in the spray bottle too. Have you ever tried Murphy's Oil soap for brush cleaning? It's helped my brush bristles stay moisturized Thanks for all you do for us❣️

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I have a HUGE container of my current brush cleaner that will probably last me years but if I ever run out I’ll look into Murphy’s :)

Excellent timing. I filled 2 of the same palettes yesterday. One with Holbein and one W & N . I only filled them 1/3 of the way. I used toothpicks to level them & mix. I've been using M Graham Watercolor for years and have never had a problem with mold. I swatched the gouache with the paint from the toothpicks. Waiting for your brushes to be in stock!❤

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

The brushes should be restocked by the end of this month 😊

Thank you! Very helpful.

I am really looking forward to your upcoming videos. Currently I own four different gouache paints, ranging from budget to an artist mixing set. I also own your brush set but sadly have not been able to use them due to persistent health issue of last three months. Hopefully by it's all said and done, you complete your reviews, I am on the road to recovery and painting 🖌️!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I wish you a swift recovery!

@MeanColleen

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio Thank you Sarah. It's been a rough three months.

Love this ❤️

So sorry you've had a rough time and hope this year is really good for you. You have a wonderful style and your videos are well received and real. Thank you for sharing them with us and inspiring so many of us.

I had an issue with Arteza Gouache going moldy that I put in a sealed pallet. I had to scoop out quite a bit of the paint to remove the mold so that was a bit of a waste. So far I have not had any issues with my Himi Gouache.

Excited for the results/comparisons of all this gouache research and experimentation! I think the brand of gouache my local art store carries is one of the few that isn’t in your mold experiment 😂. My shop carries Maimeri and, as someone new to gouache, I wish they carried one of the brands that is used more commonly so when I want to look something up it would be easier to find info. I have ordered some Schmincke and W&N online though, so I do have some “common” tubes lol. Helpful tips on mold prevention, that’s something that worries me especially since I often only have painting time on weekends. I might be better off using my stay wet palette.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I really wanted to try Maimeri but I can’t get it imported here :(

@starr-starr

Жыл бұрын

Maimeri is really nice gouache! You are lucky, it’s really expensive where I am.

I’m learning so much from you and now have your blog bookmarked, too. I did learn that you can place a tiny piece of a sponge soaked in clove bud oil and just place it in your palette and/or sta-wet palette. I know you use your empty corner for your magnets but maybe you can squeeze a soaked sea sponge in, too? Thank you again for teaching me so much already. 😊

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I heard that with oil paint too. I didn’t think it would work with gouache just because there is much more moisture in there but it’s an interesting idea to test!

You are my fave, go to, Gouache Geek! Thank you!

Wonderful video Sarah! I am primarily an acrylic & oil painter for over 40 yrs ( water mixable oils as well as regular oils ) and the BEST and ironically most inexpensive brush cleaner I use is MURPHY OIL SOAP ( labeled as MURPHY WOOD CLEANER ) this is the concentrate 946 ml not the spray type. It’s currently less that $5 in Canada, is 99% naturally derived ( vegan) and is highly recommended by Rosemary the founder of the UK Artist Brush manufacturer Rosemary & Co. for both natural & synthetic bristle brushes. I paint 6 days a week and wash my brushes after every session, a little goes a long way and the (almost) 1 litre bottle lasts me 11 months; It’s available everywhere in North America, not sure about the rest of the world. I have brushes that are over 30 years old and still look (& perform) like almost new. Hope this helps someone and if you have friends or relatives on this side of the Atlantic I’d ask for a Murphy’s Care package.😊. Sarah, I will be happy to send you a bottle if you would like to try the Murphy’s vs Master’s for yourself, think it would be a great video. Hope this helps someone, keep up the great content! Cheers!

aaaa this was a great video! very informative and helpful. didn't know clove bud oil and general clove oil are different with different purposes, the more you know! I bought the clove oil (not the bud one) but do you think it'll work fine or do I buy the bud version? Also I can't wait to see your reviews on the Himi jelly cups, arteza and royal talens! If I may throw a request, Caran D'Ache pan 8 set or 15 set. They paint surprisingly nice for pan stuff 😄

Hi Sarah. I love your scientific approach, thank you, that's what we call dedication! Have you published a follow-up to your tests yet? Or is it too early?

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Thank you :) you can find a more recent video about my mold results

@Neorhim

Жыл бұрын

Excellent! Is there a link somewhere?

Another tip for the silicone lids! Keep an old toothbrush that you can use to scrub stuff clean like those tiny nooks and crannies. I try to keep a few old brushes for different things like painting techniques, cleaning stuff like this kind of lid, and even jewelry.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Great tip, I do have a 'studio toothbrush' that I usually use for speckled stars

Thx for the video. Right away I started cleaning my palette 😉 I got mold on my palette for the first time. Last time I used it , I was painting in the kitchen... And thinking and eating.... I use Schminke Gouache and I'm sure the some dirt got into one of my colors. Because mold need sugar to grow.

Great suggestions! Essential oil of clove can be an effective antifungal for inside a sealed palette, as can essential oil of thyme, as easily obtained consumer product replacements for paint antimicrobials. Essential oils don't have to be in direct contact with the paint to provide protection; there can just be a small bit in close proximity. Some pigments can be more vulnerable than others- Ivory black seems to develop mold more readily than most. Anyone experimenting with other treatments should take care not to add anything that could affect colors; even weak acids like lemon juice can bleach Ultramarine Blue, for instance. There's a lot of good advice in this video, and an important topic. Thanks for discussing this issue!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I’ve always wondered that (regarding colors), I noticed that pinks seem to be prone to more mold and also smell bad after a while.

I would love to try all these. My mouth is watering. I have a couple tubes of ulrecht which is actually pretty good at least in the tubes I have, winsor and newton (pretty much a full set) a small set of holbein and then I have the arteza 24 set which I use in my sketchbook a lot and bullet journal. Arteza is decent but not nearly as thick. Good for practicing and sketchbook stuff though imho.

Excellent material. I have that same small palette that I've filled with some Arteza paints. It sat for about 1 month before I opened it just the other day with the intention of cleaning using your recommended method and adding some clove oil. Sadly, 3 of the wells had some full-blown mold growing. I just now emptied out the entire palette and scrubbed it clean. I was quite happy when I pulled you up on KZread to see if you've done a mold specific posting. I've actually been fairly satisfied with (surprisingly) with the Arteza until now. The huge drawback is that I don't believe you can buy any open stock. I am all out of white and will have to refill with a different brand.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I’ve finally tried Arteza myself for my upcoming huge gouache comparison and I can see why you used up your white so quickly. It’s really unfortunate that they don’t sell it open stock. I recommend the Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache primary white if you can get it, it even comes in a larger 37(?) ml tube which is awesome.

@TracieWho

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio I am really looking forward to that video!

Nice video!

I don't use gouache but I use at work acrylic housepaint diluted to yoghurt consistency. It molds and get smelly and sometimes it has so much bactreial/fungus growth that paint discolors throught. My favorite ways to prevent it or at least slow it down is adding two things to the paint: liquid soap and vodka. So far it works! I also hope to try baking soda solution in the future.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Sounds nasty!

I just cleaned my gouache travel palette last week. Hadn’t opened it in weeks and it was a little dry but no mold. I have used clove with handmade watercolors but never thought to put it in gouache. Colorful hummus had me 😂🤣! I have a new himi gouache palette that I haven’t opened yet. Interested in getting the Daniel Smith gouache but need to use what I have now first to justify spending money on more.

@SarahBurnsStudio What a great timing. ❗Do you know Miranda Watson - Alkali Creek Art ? She just posted a video about this topic YESTERDAY and showed exactly the same kind of palette and mold in it. 😂 👌

@aeli999

Жыл бұрын

I was going to mention that in my comment and completely forgot to!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

No I haven’t heard of them but I’ll check them out! 🙏

@moma-b

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio She watched your video in her morning. 😂

Very interesting sharing, so nice video,😍

I have the arteza gouache in my airtight palette and I had issues with two of the blue colors, I just ended up taking them out of the palette since they weren't primary blues and it wasn't worth fighting with them. I have some W+N gouache I'm going to put in there as the arteza runs out and I'm interested in if it will have less of a problem

I’ve only had my yellows mold. Seattle is "moist"… I spritz with a little isopropyl alcohol (just the stuff from the drug store). Has worked great!

I think the primary reason you’d see mold is continued disuse in a humid climate. I live in a tropical place and homes aren’t really climate controlled here. I had a himi goache pallet that never grew mold in the months I was using it semi regularly (broke it out every few weeks) but I switched mediums and didn’t open it for about a year and there was a thin mold layer. I feel like if your paints are exposed to air periodically, the extra moisture won’t build up enough to mold over

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the disuse - leaving it in the palette practically guarantees mold

Would be really interested in finding out about lightfastness for the cheaper brands. .Also wondering if you have ever tried using a medium added to your gouache before you put the colours in a pallette? Here in Australia my gouache dries so quickly I was considering adding a watercolour honey base medium.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Lightfast tests are coming :)

I had wondered about the seawater since it could have tiny beings in it. Thanks for mentioning it.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

If using seawater it’s probably good to clean / refresh your palette pretty soon after painting.

I have had mould on my watercolours and found the solution to be very simple … letting my paints dry before I place the cover on

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

That’s fine for watercolor

I’m not using gouache regularly but as the daughter of 2 scientists I am curious to see how your experiments turn out. Also I was asking myself how much of the mould problem could be caused by introducing “things” into the wells when you paint. I’m guessing there could be a difference in the amount of mould forming in an unused vs in a used palette. Looking forward to your (hopefully not too furry) reveals! 😂

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

That’s part of the experiment - round 1 I’m seeing whether any of them naturally grow more mold (the ones that dont might have some kind of anti-fungal added) Round 2, I will paint with each color then close it, and see if that makes a difference

@ayokakaiser

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio Yay! This is going to be so interesting - love your approach!

you have the most beautiful voice ❤

I got a Nevskaya Master Class Gouache set, and besides other issues, I found mold growing in the Ultramarine paint just a few days after I opened it for simple tests and swatches. I tried alcohol 70⁰ but the effect didn't last. So I read about clove bud oil, which I didn't have. Turns out I had Melaleuca oil, which has similar properties. So I mixed it with alcohol and gave it a try. It worked right away, but I have been quick-spraying the mix over time, as I don't paint with gouache as much as with watercolor. Haven't had any problems ever since.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Ahh good to know!

I filled a brand new stay wet palette for a trip to Scotland. They were Holbein paints and my red paint was moldy when I opened the palette a little over a week later in Scotland, I hadn't even used it yet. I scraped off the mold and it came back. I put some rubbing alcohol in the palette areas and the mold hasn't come back. Not sure if it's bad for my gouache, but it seems to be working fine.

would mould happen for a dry gouache palette setup? I have a travel palette that I am going to fill with gouache and let dry like watercolour but when spraying water and leaving it in I am wondering if I'll run into this issue thank you for your videos and experiments they've been very informative

I got the palettes because I could no longer unscrew the lids of the tubes. They would twist the tubr top completely until it bursts or the lid was so damaged because pliyers did even work I thought this would make it easier to use but I got mold because I was busy. Very sad but hopefully I've learned and these tips will help me.

So I don't use my gouache as often as I would like. And right now all I have in a pallette is that paul rubens opaque set. Not exactly lightfast, but while some have given the paint poor reviews I love it. It's super opaque, smoothe, bright, and I love it. So I use it without reservations. Other than selling the work. With that said I leave mine closed for weeks, not treated, and I've never gotten mold.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

That’s great! I haven’t tried that kind yet

I have more experience with watercolours than gouache, but either way... The ones that get mouldy for me are pans rather than liquid paint in wells/boxes. Not that it happens often to me. Right now I live in the British Isles, so as rainy and humid as it gets, but hadn't got any issues. I did have several moulded ones (some beyond rescue) while I was traveling. My bet is weather/environment over anything else. From mould in tiles/walls to not clean enough brushes & water.

Do you have any posts or videos about the colors you have in your palette/ do you pre mix the colors at all? I’m just starting out and I’m trying to get a nice base palette to get me going

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

This video shares some of my favorites kzread.info/dash/bejne/aGemrrCofqWbf5c.html Also on my Fearless Brush blog I share my favorite art supplies and core gouache colors

I've actually experienced mold with the arteza gouache after about 3 months+ in a stay wet pallette, even though only the most middle colours (purple and dark blue) were moldy, the other ones were fine. I don't know, if the location in the stay wet pallette was the issue or if those colours are just more prone to mold than others or if it's a mixture of different factors. The Mia gouache didn't mold at all.

@jennice1240

9 ай бұрын

😭 my himi gouache have molds

HELP! What are those airtight palette boxes that you used called? Are they available in the US? I’ve looked and looked and I can’t find them!

I have a question, I was looking over your supply list for Gouache but I noticed that some on your list say acrylic gouache. Did you combine your acrylic and watercolor gouache together? Which would make sense since they’re both gouache, I just wanted to make sure bc I’m looking for specific watercolor gouache. Thanks and love all your help and suggestions.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

No, I don’t combine them. If have used them like this: acrylic gouache underpainting, regular gouache on top. I don’t do it often though. I recently shared a video about it actually.

Interesting, thank you for the video! I opened one of my blue jars of gouache last year, only to find it all fluffy with green mold inside. Yuck!! That was an unpleasant surprise haha.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Yikes!

Thanks for this. I’m a newbie. What are the brand names of your airtight containers. That would be helpful.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

It's in my supply list I think it's Studio Essentials or something

I’ve been away for over a month and opened my palette and its mouldy and powder mould at that!!! I was so sad

After getting mold in this same palette that Sarah uses, I put one drop of lemon essential oil instead of clove bud bc that's what I had on hand in each section, and it caused my (very cheap) gouache to show very obvious oil spots in my work bc oil and water do not mix. So, I think I ruined the paint, but I have not had a problem with mold since, and it smells great. I may continue to use it just in my sketchbook for practice. I am not sure if this would be the same for more expensive gouache or if lemon oil is more oily than clove bud oil? Glad it was just my cheap stuff. I just purchased the 10 tube W&N gouache set and do not plan to put them in this palette for now. Thanks for the video Sarah!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Aw bummer! I’ve never had issues with oil spots or strange consistency with my clove bud oil. I wonder if the lemon is more acidic and does something else to the paint

@emgjagogg

Жыл бұрын

@Sarah Burns Studio Oh, I guess that could be possible! Can't wait to see the results of your experiment across all of the brands!

@Neorhim

9 ай бұрын

I got mold on my Ivory black and I'm considering adding clove bud oil to prevent it. But this is something I'm wondering, if clove bud oil can leave oily spot on my painting: especially because I mainly paint on black paper… I heard essential oil does not have to be in direct contact to paint to prevent mold, so maybe I will simply spray the inside of the hinge… thoughts?

Hello! May I know what percent of essential oil did you add to the water? or how much is the volume of water you prepared to add drops of how much essential oil to? I can't estimate the size. :')

I spray with colloidal silver, seems to work. No smell or contamination.

Is the oil okay for paper?..

Thanks for the tips! I've just gotten a new gouache palette and am doing some research before using them for the first time, so this is super helpful! I have a few questions- I'm not sure if you have to worry about your paints getting dry with the frequent uses, but if ever you need to rehydrate them, do you go the extra length to use distilled water or will regular tap water work fine? Or do you just use the clove mixture as the means of rehydration? (Wondering because distilled water is sold by the gallon and I don't know if I want to buy that much of it unless I'm sure I need it)

@SarahBurnsStudio

9 ай бұрын

If I notice them drying a little, just a couple drops of water and mix well. I usually used up the color before it got too dry, so I never had to do it too much. Maybe burnt umber is the worst for drying out

@spiceo2

9 ай бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio And any water will do as long as the paints already have the clove oil in them? Just making sure since I’ve seen a lot of people warning to only use distilled water

@SarahBurnsStudio

9 ай бұрын

I've always used tap water. Just a tiny drop of clove oil when I first setup the palette. Use frequently enough or at least open and stir once a week. Try not to let 'extra' water from the painting process sit in the wells between uses.@@spiceo2

@spiceo2

9 ай бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudioAlright cool, thank you for the tips!

In Seattle you look away and then look back ..and voila mold! 🤦🏽‍♀️ . My watercolour palette or even eyeshadow palettes I leave open for 24 hours - thus so far no mold, I just bought a Himi Miya palette, which I won’t keep open obviously after use 😛 so this video is handy.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow even makeup!? That sucks!

@marlbboro8091

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio that’s when I /we / beauty community wet our brush to use on the shimmer shades to load up on our lids 😛.

Do you think the wet palette it also work for Acrylics?

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

No I wouldn’t - if it dried it would be in there permanently

My acrylics molded really bad!! What to do?! Help.

You might want to leave it open over night so it dries, then it doesn't get moldy. The colors can easily be activated with the water atomizer, there's no need to keep it wet at all times. And the casing looks cool, but those watercolor cases where the half pans can be slightly distanced between them on rails are precisely so you don't have color contamination. Some products aren't designed well, in my opinion. 👍👍

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

No I don’t like using dried gouache. It requires water to reactive, and the second you add water (even a tiny amount) you reduce the opacity. Since I paint on toned paper its very noticable when there’s any water added.

@JohnSmith-xb4ux

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio I'm not sure what some products do, some things are very confusing by concept. The thing is, professional paints don't do that, but then again if you like this product you have to care for it as it requires to be cared for. The mold comes because there's fungus in the water and it will slowly incubate and grow the mold. Anything that will not destroy the product will work. It might even work if you add some perfume because it has alcohol and the fungus will be killed, or alcohol drops. If these are not neutralized by the chemicals in the paint they will themselves remain in the solution and work as a fungus removal agent. You will know if these aren't working that they have been neutralized and removed by the chemicals in the paint, which would be most likely the binder.

yum colourful hummus 😝

Miya the jelly gouache brand has mold spray in 2 sizes

Do you think clove would even prevent M. Graham gouache from molding?

Mmm colorful hummus.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

😂

The key to growing mold in palettes really has to do with the addition of excess water. So I do not do this. Actually more water than should be in the gouache keeping it moist. I once grew mold in one of my -bigger palettes like yours. I left it for a couple months but had sprayed it with too much water on top. That is when I set up my smaller sealable palette with the water cup attached. I used a drop of clove oil (I believe) not clove bud oil. I’d have to check. I also had certain colors that dried out faster, usually earth tones. So I added a bit of gum Arabic to each color along with the drop of oil. The gum Arabic is just additional binder and is great when plein air painting because you don’t have gouache drying out in five minutes on a windy day, or the second you put brush to paper. It still give a little working time. I was going through a lot last year and went over 5 months without opening my gouache palette. Aside from a couple of earth tones drying, everything looked terrific. I stirred them up cleaned up my palette and was good to go!

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Yup, having the leftover water sitting on top of the paint is a good way to invite mold 😅 that’s why I soak up my extra water and let them sit open for a short time before closing. It REALLY helps. Side note- When painting outside, I’ve used the Winsor & Newton watercolor blending medium in the paint and it helps slow drying time. Use sparingly!

The question is: can you save a palette that only had one color contaminated, or should you get rid of all the other colors too « just in case »? How would you proceed? Does adding a drop of alcool to each remaining colors can effectively destroy any fungi and save the paint from being contaminated? What can happen if you paint with these colors? Does an artpiece can get contaminated? Anyone has some experience of it to share? Thanks

@SarahBurnsStudio

9 ай бұрын

I have just scraped out the contaminated color (because the individual wells are separated). Didn't have any issues. I no longer keep a wet palette like this - I'm using dried gouache outside or straight from the tubes in the studio...for now.

Does rosemary oil work?

@SarahBurnsStudio

17 күн бұрын

Never tried it

I only use distilled water

Can you make an open pallet like watercolor?

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

The gouache will dry, and when you reactivate it with water, it naturally becomes less opaque. So it’s all about preference.

@ralphherrick596

Жыл бұрын

@@SarahBurnsStudio so best to set up a pallet like you use ... what if you don't paint as much with gouache?

@sarahinscotland

Жыл бұрын

@@ralphherrick596 how often?

@ralphherrick596

Жыл бұрын

Once a month I have little experience but what to learn more to maybe use more often

Came running after I opened my air tight palette to see my Winsor and Newton and sui gouache having a chunky mold party 😭😭😭😭

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Oh nooooo 😭

Anyone use vinegar and water in a spray bottle? That’s my current weapon but haven’t been using it for long enough to know if it works.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

I’ve only disinfected things with vinegar…its powerful! I’d maybe test some small amounts first before using it in all your paint

@edwardhisse2687

Жыл бұрын

I dunno about vinegar. Isn't acids the thing you supposed to avoid to ensure atchival longevity of your paper?

@geckonia

Жыл бұрын

@@edwardhisse2687 good point. Also it stinks. Lol.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

@@geckonia yea, would definitely avoid

Keep it in the fridge it slows down mold .

I thought gouache was re-wettable. Is it wrong to allow it to dry in the same way that watercolors are allowed to dry in half pans? Must it be kept wet? Is that for convenience? Does it matter? Just curious.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

It only matters if you want full 100% opacity. Because if they dry, you have to use water to rewet them, and any (literally ANY) amount of water reduces the opacity, even slightly

Honey based ...gouache usually get moldy easily

@edwardhisse2687

Жыл бұрын

Makes sence, it literally has sugar in it.

@SarahBurnsStudio

Жыл бұрын

Honey is naturally anti fungal but its a humectant so it will hold more moisture. That’s why M.Graham is so easy to reactivate after it dries. But the additional moisture is definitely an issue in air-tight palettes.