Arts >> Art >> Art Supplies

How to Scrape Old Paint Off a Palette

When painting on canvas or another medium, it helps to have a palette in your hand so your colors are always accessible. If you stop painting and forget to clean your palette, your paint will dry to a rock-hard finish, making it difficult to remove. Although it's difficult to take off, with a few tools and the right chemicals, the palette will come clean and you'll have a fresh surface for painting.

Things You'll Need

  • Palette knife
  • Turpentine
  • Razor blade
  • Clean cloth
  • Linseed oil
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Attempt to scrape off the paint from the palette using the palette knife by holding the knife at a sharp angle to the palette and dragging it down the palette.

    • 2

      Apply turpentine to a cloth. Wipe the turpentine across the palette using the rag, then allow the turpentine to soak for 30 minutes.

    • 3

      Scrape off any remaining paint from the palette with a razor blade. Apply linseed oil to the palette if the palette is made of wood to help protect the wood.

Art Supplies

Related Categories