How long can I contiue to blend two colors? Is that the same as open time?

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Clarification of Question by johnsargent-ga on 12 Jun 2004 21:25 PDT

johnsargent-ga: Open time refers to the interval in which water
dispersible acrylic artist's colors, after being released from the
tube, remain in a workable and usable state,that is, not yet dried and
skinned over. It can be extremely variable, depending on ambient
conditions: long open time in cool, humid conditions, very short if
out doors on a hot, sunny day. You can extend open time on your
palette by lightly spritzing the colors with water from a spray
bottle.
 As for mixing colors, ther is no time limit as long as they remain
open, that is, workable. Nonetheless, one should work quickly as
possible when painting with acrylics.
Regards,
monroe22 "how can I tell , can I see it?

johnsargent-ga: Open time refers to the interval in which water
dispersible acrylic artist's colors, after being released from the
tube, remain in a workable and usable state,that is, not yet dried and
skinned over. It can be extremely variable, depending on ambient
conditions: long open time in cool, humid conditions, very short if
out doors on a hot, sunny day. You can extend open time on your
palette by lightly spritzing the colors with water from a spray
bottle.
 As for mixing colors, ther is no time limit as long as they remain
open, that is, workable. Nonetheless, one should work quickly as
possible when painting with acrylics.
Regards,
monroe22

Thank you , That answers my question. How do i ask another question, I
don't mind paying again. My question is how do I know when the paint
is not open, can I see it.

johnsargent-ga: First, I am not a Google researcher, so there is no
charge for my comment. As for determining when an acrylic color is no
longer open, experience will very quickly let you know. As the artist
color begins to dry through evaporation of the water which gives it a
workable consistency, it begins to thicken (gets stiffer)and
eventually can no longer be applied smoothly and evenly with a brush.
It may not be apparent to the eye.
monroe22