Sustainable Ways to Use Acrylics and Reduce Waste

Acrylic paints are bright, adaptable, and popular to all artists yet they also have a cost to the environment. The good news? You will be able to enjoy the creative process and think of simple and sustainable habits that will help to reduce waste and make your art practice more friendly to the planet.

As a hobbyist, professional or someone experimenting with eco-friendly art, the following practical methods will help learners to use acrylics in ways that are more sustainable without affecting the quality of his or her work.

1. Use Only What You Need

One of the biggest sources of acrylic waste is leftover paint that dries on palettes. Start by squeezing out small amounts and adding more as needed. You’ll be surprised how much this reduces waste over time.

Pro Tip: High-pigment paints like Drawlish Acrylic Paints offer excellent coverage, so a little truly goes a long way. This naturally helps you use less product while still achieving rich, smooth layers.

2. Switch to Reusable Palettes

Disposable palettes may be convenient, but they contribute to unnecessary waste. Reusable options like glass, ceramic, or airtight stay-wet palettes keep acrylics workable longer and prevent premature drying.

Simply scrape off the dried paint when cleaning (and dispose of it properly never wash acrylics down the drain).

3. Create a “Scrap Canvas” for Leftover Paints

Instead of throwing away small amounts of leftover acrylic paint, designate a canvas or sketchbook page as your “scrap surface.” Use these leftovers to build abstract backgrounds, underpaintings, textures, or color swatches.

This not only reduces waste but often leads to unexpected creative ideas.

4. Repurpose Your Rinse Water

Acrylic paint wastewater contains microplastics and pigments that shouldn’t go into the environment untreated.

Here’s a safer method:

• Let the paint residue settle overnight.
  

• Pour off the clear water.
  

• Scrape out the dried pigment sludge and throw it into the trash.
  

It’s simple, effective, and much more eco-friendly.

5. Upgrade to Long-Lasting, High-Quality Materials

Cheap, low-pigment paints may require more layers, more product, and eventually more waste. Investing in good quality acrylics means better coverage, longer-lasting pigments, and fewer repurchases.

Artists love Drawlish Acrylic Paints for their smooth texture, vibrant finish, and excellent opacity making them both cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. You can easily shop them anytime at Drawlish.com.

6. Recycle & Up cycle Your Surfaces

Sustainability isn’t just about the paint your surfaces matter too.

Try:

• Painting over old canvases or practice boards
  

• Using scrap wood panels
  

• Turning cardboard packaging into textured art bases
  

• Reviving failed paintings by creating fresh layers on top
  

This helps you save money and reduce the demand for new materials.

7. Store Your Acrylics Properly

Proper storage prevents paints from drying up prematurely. Make sure tubes are tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. Even a small crack in a cap can lead to wasted product.

Quality paints like Drawlish Acrylic Paints are formulated to stay creamy longer when stored correctly preventing clumps and making every tube last.

8. Choose Eco-Friendly Brushes & Tools

Opt for synthetic brushes (cruelty-free) and reusable tools over single-use applicators or sponges. When cared for properly, high-quality synthetic brushes can last for years.

9. Donate Unused Supplies

If you have colors you don’t use often, consider donating them to:

• Art schools
  

• Community centers
  

• After-school creative programs
  

• Local art clubs
  

This keeps materials in circulation and supports creativity in your community.

Sustainability in art doesn’t mean sacrificing color, creativity, or quality. With mindful habits and the right products, you can reduce your environmental impact and still enjoy the bold, beautiful possibilities of acrylic painting.