“I have a question regarding acrylic paint in tubes. When the lid breaks, as it so often does on a new tube, is it okay to keep the paint in a small glass jar and should I add water to it to keep it from going solid.” — Lyn
Yes, and if the lid is airtight you shouldn’t have to add water to it. You’ll easily tell if it’s drying though, and then a little water does the trick, just don’t leave it for weeks before you check! If in doubt, put a piece of clingfilm over the top before screwing on the lid for a tighter seal.
It’s worth saving caps from used-up tubes as spares (in wherever you put your tubes, not in a never-to-be-found-again safe place). Also check the size of other things with caps, starting with your toothpaste, as often while the cap itself is bigger overall than a paint tube’s but the screw thread is the same size.
If you’re in a hurry, invert the tube in a container with a little water, enough to cover the broken cap.
I do not know how you receive prescription drugs over there, but here they come in clear plastic tubes of various sizes with snap on lids. Instead of throwing them away I have used these for saving particular colors that I mixed too much of, both oils and acrylics. When the label is removed you will always be able to see the color. If the cap breaks or the tube splits (oils) just squeeze the remaining paint into the tube. Use your palette or painting knife to get out what you need. Although the prescription tubes are air tight, I would suggest one or two drops of water in acrylics to help maintain a damp atmosphere.
Great tip! And a plastic container won’t break if it’s dropped!