Here’s a quick frugal tip- cut some circles from the top portion of a foam egg carton, the same diameter as the cap lid of a small paint jar- Testor’s/ Paasche/ Model Master, etc. Make sure the jar top is clean on the inside threads, then place inside the lid and screw back on the jar, where it will easily conform to the interior and make a nice airtight cap liner for your paints. This really is much better than those waxed cardstock liners that tend to decay quickly. I also use these egg carton lids for 91% alcohol and paint thinner, both of which I keep a small bottle of for hand painting use at the workbench.
This probably has been mentioned before, but as the Romans used to say: repetitio est mater studiorum (repetition is the mother of study).
Then go have a nice omelet with some of those eggs from the same carton[:P]!!!
I cut a small square of saran wrap, put it over the neck of the jar, and screw the cap back on. This keeps the cap from sticking and is easily replaced each time the jar is opened.
“Will the solvent in solvent based paints attack the foam?”
Actually, that’s a good question! The mineral spirits/ thinner I have in one of those small jars doesn’t seem to be affected, and my other jars are a mix of acrylics and enamels (with oil).
I know that some small paint jars I have purchased at Michael’s have similar foam liners.
I am no expert on food packaging, but the type of foam used for egg cartons may be of an “inert” material, sufficient to resist various chemicals.
You can cut small squares out of Saran Wrap??? You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din. Every time I try to cut off a piece to wrap a piece of food in, it attacks me, wraps around my hand, curls and folds at the edges and I wind up with a little ball of plastic wrap. It’s a fight every time. Saran Wrap and I just don’t get along together.
You are not the problem. The Saran Wrap is the problem. It is designed to do that. Just like gray duct tape that will stick well to everything except what you need it to stick to.