Art Supplies 101: Caring for Your Tools and Materials Like a Pro

As an artist, your tools and materials are more than just accessories—they are essential to bringing your creative visions to life. Whether you're just starting or refining your techniques, properly caring for your art supplies can extend their lifespan, improve performance, and save you money in the long run.

In this guide, we'll explore the best ways to maintain your art tools, including brushes, alcohol markers, paints, paper, and palettes. Plus, we'll highlight the new Artistry by Altenew Petal Palette; a beautifully designed ceramic watercolor palette that blends elegance with functionality.  

DISCLAIMER: We appreciate hearing how different crafters organize their supplies and what works best for them. Our recommendations below are just suggestions based on input from our designers, but there's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach—do whatever works for you! Crafting is all about finding what suits your style and workflow. 

6 Ways to Care for Art Supplies and Tools

1. Caring for Your Brushes: Keep Them Soft & Lasting  

Your brushes are one of the most important tools in your art kit. Proper cleaning and storage can prevent bristle damage, fraying, or hardening over time.

Cleaning Brushes After Use

• Watercolor & Acrylic Brushes: Rinse in lukewarm water immediately after use. Gently swirl the bristles in a mild soap solution and rinse thoroughly.  

• Oil Paint Brushes: Use odorless mineral spirits or brush cleaner to remove paint, then wash with soap and water.  

Storing Brushes Correctly

• Store brushes with bristles facing upward to maintain their shape. *This method works well for most artists, but always do what works for you and your storage solution. 

• Let them air-dry fully before placing them in a brush holder.  

• Use brush guards to keep bristles straight and intact.

2. How to Care for Watercolor Palettes

Crafted from high-quality white glazed ceramic, this palette is inspired by Altenew’s signature florals and features a petal-shaped design with 12 wells for easy color mixing. Its gold-trimmed edges add an elegant touch to your workspace.

Important Note: This palette is not microwave or dishwasher-safe.  

How to Care for Your Altenew Petal Palette

• Cleaning After Use  

• For watercolor paints: Simply rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth to remove residue.  

• For dried paint stains: Use a soft sponge with mild soap to gently clean the surface. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the gold trim.

• Proper Storage 

• Store in a dry, dust-free area to keep the glaze intact.  

• Avoid stacking heavy objects on top to prevent chipping.  

• What NOT to Do 

• Don’t put it in the dishwasher—hand-washing only!  

• Avoid metal scrubbers that could scratch the surface.  

• Keep away from extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking.

3. Alcohol Markers: Prevent Drying and Streaking

Alcohol markers are fantastic for blending and shading, but they need proper care to stay vibrant. Nobody wants dry and streaky alcohol markers!

Marker Storage & Maintenance  

• Store horizontally to prevent one side from drying out. Please note that some of our designers store them vertically and they work fine too.  *This method works well for most artists, but always do what works for you and your storage solution. 

• Keep caps tightly sealed to avoid ink evaporation.  

• Refill instead of replacing! Use alcohol inks to refresh dried-out markers.  

• Use a colorless blender to fix blending errors or remove excess ink.

4. Paint Tubes & Watercolor Pans: Prevent Drying & Cracking

Storage Tips for Watercolors & Acrylics

• Close caps tightly to prevent paint from drying out.  

• Store watercolor pans in a dry area; humidity can cause mold growth.  

• Use airtight containers for gouache or acrylics to prevent skinning.  

• If acrylic paint starts to thicken, add a few drops of acrylic medium to restore consistency.  

5. Paper and Sketchbooks: Protect Your Artwork

Keeping your paper and sketchbooks clean and flat ensures your artwork looks professional and lasts longer.  

Best Storage Practices

• Keep paper in a cool, dry place to prevent warping.  

• Store watercolor paper flat rather than upright to avoid curling. *This method works well for most artists, but always do what works for you and your storage solution. 

• Use Altenew’s Storage Pockets to keep sheets organized and dust-free.  

• If using charcoal or graphite, place tracing paper between pages to prevent smudging. 

6. Cutting Mats and Tools: Maintain Precision

A good cutting mat and tools make all the difference in your creative process.  

Caring for Cutting Mats

• Use a self-healing cutting mat to extend blade life and keep cuts clean.  

• Store flat to prevent warping.  

• Clean with a damp cloth—avoid harsh chemicals.  

Maintaining Craft Knives & Scissors

• Replace dull blades to prevent tearing.  

• Wipe blades clean after each use to prevent glue buildup.  

• Use separate scissors for paper and fabric to maintain sharpness.  

Why Proper Care Matters

• Saves money – Well-maintained tools last longer.  

• Improves artwork quality – Consistent color output and precision.  

• Reduces frustration – No dried-out paints, streaky markers, or warped paper. 

Keep Art Supplies Looking New with These Pro Tips!

Caring for your art supplies doesn’t have to be complicated, but it makes a huge difference in your creative journey. By following these simple maintenance tips, you’ll extend the life of your tools, improve your workflow, and get better results in your artwork.  

Want to elevate your art game? Check out the Artistry by Altenew Petal Palette and other premium art supplies for a seamless creative experience!

How do YOU take care of your art supplies? Leave a comment below! See you in the next one!