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Michael Harding
Project · Michael Harding

Storing Paint Tubes

Over time pigment may separate from oil in the tube. To resolve this situation store your tube upright on the cap to ‎allow gravity to pull the heavier pigment to the cap. This will alleviate oil from seeping out when the cap is opened.‎ Remember to wipe away paint that may be around the neck [&hell

Storing Paint Tubes

The best way to store your oil paints is upside down. Why? Because pigments are heavy they can often sink within the oil and therefore separate.
Storing your oil paints cap down thus allows the lighter weight oil to naturally flow up and the weightier pigment to flow down to the cap. ⁠

Over time pigment may separate from oil in the tube. To resolve this situation store your tube upright on the cap to ‎allow gravity to pull the heavier pigment to the cap. This will alleviate oil from seeping out when the cap is opened.‎

Remember to wipe away paint that may be around the neck of the tube so your tube is easy to open and the cap aligns correctly with the tube threads providing for complete closure to maintain the integrity of the oil paint.

If the cap is‎ stuck, gently use pliers to unscrew the tube or dip the cap into hot water then use a cloth to unscrew the cap.

Be wary of over tightening your caps!

Product Information & Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is based on research and testing conducted by Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd and is intended as general guidance on the characteristics and potential uses of our products in established painting practices.

While we take care to provide accurate and reliable information, individual materials, techniques, working conditions and applications can vary. Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd cannot guarantee that any product will be suitable for every individual purpose or application. Users should carefully read all product labels, instructions and safety information and carry out appropriate testing before use, particularly when developing individual techniques or combining materials.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd makes no express or implied warranties as to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and accepts no liability for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss, arising from the use or application of its products.

Colour Representation

Colours displayed on this website and in printed materials are for guidance only. Their appearance may vary depending on screen settings, device, lighting conditions, printing processes and other factors, and may therefore differ from the appearance of the physical product.

For the most accurate representation of colour, texture and finish, we strongly recommend viewing a physical product sample or swatch in person before making a final selection or purchase. Where colour accuracy is important, please do not rely solely on digital or printed representations.

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