Find out how to best store your oil paints in this beginners guide to keeping your oil paints organised to help maintain and extending the life of your products.  

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to organise oil paints by colour, store them correctly, and keep your studio space tidy and efficient in a bid to help maintain and extend the life of your paints.

Why organising your oil paints matters

The best ways to organise oil paint tubes

How to store oil paints properly

Bonus tips for a tidy art studio

 

Why organising your oil paints matters

An organized painting setup boosts creativity, saves time, and helps you avoid wasting materials. Whether you're working in a dedicated studio or a compact space, a good system for sorting and storing your oil paints will make a noticeable difference.

The best ways to organise oil paint tubes

1. Sort paints by colour family
Group your oil paint tubes into colour families:

• Warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows)
• Cool tones (blues, greens, purples)
• Neutrals and whites

This makes it easier to find the exact shade you need while painting.

2. Match your palette layout
Arrange your paint tubes in the same order you use them on your palette—for example:

• From lightest to darkest
• In colour wheel order (red > orange > yellow > green > blue > violet)

Consistency between your palette and storage improves workflow and colour mixing accuracy.

3. Label and group by brand or grade
If you use multiple brands or paint grades (like student vs. artist quality), group and label them clearly. This helps:

• Differentiate between practice and final-use paints
• Quickly grab the right tube for the job

4. Keep frequently used colours accessible
Designate a small tray or section for your most-used colours, such as:

• Titanium white
• Ultramarine blue
• Burnt umber

This keeps your go-to paints within reach, streamlining your process.

If you're new to oils, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your oil skills.

How to store oil paints properly

Proper oil paint storage helps prevent drying, separation, and waste.

1. Choose a cool, dry location
Keep your oil paints away from:

• Direct sunlight
• Heat sources (like radiators or sunny windows)

Heat can cause the paint to dry out or separate over time.

2. Seal paint tubes tightly
Always screw the caps back on tightly after use. For stuck caps, gently twist using a cloth or pliers to avoid damage.

3. Use storage boxes, drawers or organisers
Ideal storage solutions include:

• Transparent plastic boxes (for easy visibility)
• Stackable drawer units (to save space)
• Kitchen drawers or repurposed containers from thrift shops

Artist tip: A vertical storage system (like jars or trays) makes it easy to see labels and colours.

 

4. Store paint tubes upright
Storing tubes upright helps prevent:

• Leakage
• Separation of oil and pigment
• Accidental punctures or messy spills

5. Consider long-term storage techniques
For paints you don’t use often:

• Vacuum-seal or wrap tubes in cling film to minimize air exposure.
• Store in labelled containers for easy retrieval.

 

Bonus tips for a tidy art studio

• Clean as you go: Wipe down tubes after use to avoid paint build-up.
• Create a travel kit: Use mini tubes or decant into small containers for plein-air painting.
• Discard old paints: Safely dispose of dried or separated paint at a hazardous waste facility.

A well-organised oil paint setup doesn’t just look good, it supports better work habits and more inspired creativity. By sorting your paints, using smart storage solutions, and maintaining a tidy space, you'll paint more efficiently and enjoy the process even more.

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