Question 1

If you put some Listerine onto the sponge (or wet paper towels, if you get tired of cleaning the sponge), less mold will form.

Accepted Answer

Avoid using chemicals in your wet palette that threaten to affect the characteristics of the paint like dish soap, peroxide, alcohol, and vinegar. FOR EXAMPLE:  dish soap reduced surface tension of water and will change how the paint flows;  vinegar is an acid and could change the pH of the acrylic - destroying its pigment binding chemistry and potentially causing the paint to reactivate when it gets wet; alcohols (including Listerine with alcohol) significantly speeds up the paint drying time (exactly what you don't want in a wet palette);  and hydrogen peroxide will cause pigment clumping - causing interesting but uncontrollable effects on saturation and contrast.  Three one-cent pennies under the sponge will effectively inhibit mold, mildew, bacteria because copper ions are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.  The thin copper plating on the newer zinc (post 1982) pennies are enough to prevent microbial growth. Do use distilled water.

Question 2

Does it come with one sponge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It comes with the spongy layer and some paper. The paper is actually washable, so I just rinse it off and reuse it. I've even scrubbed it lightly with a sponge. It's a different kind of paper. Some stains remain but they don't hurt anything. I use one side then turn it over and use the other side. I've used one sheet of paper for awhile now.

Question 3

I didn't get directions can anyone fill me in?

Accepted Answer

I do as Jerry Harber does up to a point...I wet the sponge and the paper and put my paints directly on the paper.  Then I mist the paints when I finish and close the palette.  I also use regular palette paper when I run out of the special paper that came with the palette.  I have also used copy paper.  Hope this helps you...

Question 4

my acrylics stay wet but get runny, almost completely useless after a couple of days, any solutions?

Accepted Answer

Hi, You are using too much water.  Wring the sponge well, flap or pat dry the paper after wetting.  If paint continues to get too thin, leave lid off to allow evaporation.  Add a touch of household ammonia to the water before soaking sponge and paper.  This keeps everything fresh and helps reduce skimming while open.  When dry enough, mist lightly to maintain proper moisture and prevent skim.

ASIN	B000C18GTE
Best Sellers Rank	#6,465 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ( See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ) #15 in Palettes
Brand Name	Masterson
Color	White
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,567)
Finish Types	Matte
Global Trade Identification Number	00738998085708, 00798527257785
Included Components	sponges, tray
Item Dimensions L x W x H	8.5"L x 7"W x 1"H
Item Type Name	Unique sponge and palette paper
Item Weight	18.14 g
Manufacturer	New Wave, LLC
Manufacturer Part Number	11000002
Material Type	Plastic
Model Number	11000002
UPC	798527257785 729498071537 738998085708 777904292465
Unit Count	1 Count

Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette Airtight Paint Palette Keeps Paint Fresh for Days, 8.5 by 7 Inches, Made in USA

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