Hobby Paint

If the lid is stuck tighter than a rusted bolt, you might be tempted to toss it, but give it a shake first. Often, a bit of separation is normal, and a good stir with a toothpick can bring it back to life. However, if your Hobby Paint has turned into a rubbery puck or smells like a damp basement, it is probably time to retire it. We usually suggest testing a small dab on a scrap piece of wood before you commit to your project; if it doesn’t level out smooth, it is likely destined for the bin.

Rinsing them out immediately after you are done is the only way to keep your bristles from turning into a stiff stick. For most water-based Hobby Paint, a little bit of warm, soapy water is all you need to get the color out. We like to swirl the brush in the palm of our hand to work the soap deep into the ferrule where the stubborn bits like to hide. Once the water runs clear, reshape the tip with your fingers and lay it flat to dry so you are ready for the next round of detailing.

Getting anything to stick to silicone is about as easy as herding cats in a thunderstorm. Because silicone is designed to repel moisture and oils, a standard Hobby Paint will usually just bead up or peel off in a single sheet once it dries. We have found that even the good stuff from Krylon struggles with that slick surface unless you are using a very specific primer, and even then, it is a gamble. If your project involves a silicone sealant, you might want to consider a different material if you have your heart set on a custom color.