Acrylic Paint

Like gouache, acrylics run the same risk of developing mold and drying out. Acrylic paint is a synthetic-based material so it can’t “expire” like a piece of organic matter can. That being said, in terms of materials that will most noticeably become un-useable, Acrylics are big offenders and dry out very fast. It depends on the quality of the paint and you really do get what you pay for with Acrylics. Try and buy good, “artist quality acrylics, not “student quality” paints. Keep them very dry and use them quickly. You can buy mediums to assist with the wetness of the paint such as acrylic wetting agents and mixers which can help resuscitate dried paint.

An easy way to tell if gouache or acrylics have gone bad is to smell them. They often develop a sour, mildew stench when they’re past their prime. They may still be useable, but you can tell they’re on their way out when they start to smell sour and off.

Shelf life: 2-5 years, until they start to smell sour or dry.