How to Keep Galkyd Fresh: Stop Your Medium from Drying in the Bottle

As an oil painter, I’ve had my share of struggles with alkyd mediums, particularly Galkyd. These useful but sometimes tricky mediums can thicken and become unusable if not stored properly. Let me share what I’ve learned about keeping them fresh, along with some money-saving tips.

What is an Alkyd Medium in Oil Painting?

Alkyds are synthetic resins commonly used in oil painting mediums. They speed up drying time and add gloss and durability to oil paintings. Think of them as modern alternatives to traditional oil painting mediums like dammar and stand oil. Some of the most popular alkyd mediums include:

• Gamblin’s Galkyd line (Galkyd, Galkyd Lite, and Galkyd Slow Dry),
• Winsor & Newton’s Liquin Original, and
• M. Graham’s Walnut Alkyd Medium.

While I’ll be specifically talking about Galkyd in this guide, these storage tips work well for all alkyd mediums since they share similar properties.

Why Does Galkyd Dry Out in the Bottle?

The main issue with alkyd mediums is their tendency to cure when exposed to air. This is the same property that makes them excellent drying agents in our paintings, but it becomes problematic during storage. Once air gets into the container, the medium starts to thicken and eventually becomes unusable.

Best Ways to Store Galkyd Medium

Here’s my preferred method for storing Galkyd:

• Buy a large bottle of Galkyd (more cost-effective)
• Decant it into several small airtight containers
• Keep one small bottle at the workspace
• Store the rest until needed

Alternative Storage Methods for Alkyd Mediums

Other artists have developed their own clever solutions:

• Store bottles upside down (if skinning occurs, it happens at the bottom)
• Add clean glass marbles to reduce air space in partially used bottles (WetCanvas forum)
• Use a wine vacuum sealer to remove air (Brad Teare)
• Replace the cap with a rubber stopper for a tighter seal (Brad Teare)

Basic Care Tips for Maintaining Alkyd Mediums

No matter which storage method you choose:

• Always wipe the rim and cap threads after use
• Keep bottles tightly sealed between uses
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Never leave the bottle open while painting

How to Save Thickened Galkyd

If your Galkyd has developed a jelly-like consistency, you can still save it by adding some Gamsol solvent and stirring well. However, if it has completely hardened, it’s unfortunately beyond rescue.

Save Money on Galkyd: Cost-Effective Storage Solutions

Buying a large bottle and decanting into smaller containers isn’t just about preventing waste – it’s also economical. Small bottles of Galkyd typically cost more per ounce than larger ones. By properly storing smaller amounts, you ensure the medium stays fresh while saving money.

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What storage methods have you tried with your alkyd mediums? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.