This must be one of those days when the forces of the universe and the modeling gods are smiling upon me because I mixed my anti-fouling red for my 688 and it looked just like that in the reference photo!

That said, I want to use the same mix for my Ohio but it could be up to two weeks before I can have it ready to paint. How long can I save this mix before I should toss it?

I know a lot of people will tell you that you can't save it for one reason or another, but I'm hoping there is someone out there who gleefully disregards conventional wisdom and has successfully saved paint like this.

Oh, and I'm using enamels

Best Wishes
Steve

Hey Steve i'v stored mixed paints many times (all sorts) and the best way i found for them to keep is to turn the bottle (paint) upside down. Doing this keeps the air from getting in and drying up the paint and keeping in the thinner. I was able to keep paint up to about 10 days.

Steve - I have always custom mixed my paint colors and stored them in separate containers. Many of my mixes have lasted over a year in this practice.

I use Badger 2 oz. Bottles (Stock Number 50-0053). You can get these as low as $1.90 each - with or without Airbrush Siphon Tubes. I just plug in a bottle color to the airbrush and go. No wasted paint, no color cups to fill, and I keep bottles of clean Lacquer Thinner ready to plug in to backflush the airbrush for color changes.

To store them, I only make sure the lids are on tightly and keep them out of direct sunlight. I keep them in the garage next to my workshop - so no elaborate temperature control system either. This works fine for me with Tamiya, Polly Scale and ModelMaster Acryl acrylic brands.

I label each bottle with a mix date, ratio and colors used. Sometimes, for a special project, I also list the model applied to in case a future repair or touch-up is needed. This practice has served me without fail for 10 years now...

Gunnie

Thanks guys for the information and the advice on techniques. This has made me feel better because I know to get the same mix...I would have a better chance in being struck lightning. :-)

Best wishes
Steve