How to save left over printmaking ink

Use small containers to save your left over Printmaking ink.
Look for the smallest containers to save your left over ink.

I try to put small amounts of ink on my palette, so I don’t end up throwing it away. I say,

“You can always put more out, but you can’t put it back in the tube.”

I found some very small plastic containers with a snap tight lid, like those of an old film canister. I also found some a little bigger as you can see in the picture.

The smaller the better for tiny amounts of ink. There will be less air in the container, so the ink will dry out more slowly.

I usually:

  • Use a palette knife to scrape the ink off the palette and into the container
  • Then I give it a little spritz of water to keep it damp
  • And I try to use up the ink with in a day

I have tried making a “freezer paper pouch.”

  • Cut a small piece of freezer paper
  • Scoop up the ink and
  • Put it on the shine side of the paper
  • Lightly spritz the ink with water
  • Fold the paper loosely so you don’t squish the ink
  • Tape over any air holes
  • Use the next day

Do you have any tricks you use to save left over inks?

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