[Chris Saper]

Dear Dean,

How nice to see you again! I actually get my empty tubes from my local art supply store, Arizonaartsupply..

I like to have extra empty tubes on hand , because commercial tubes can be ruined if the caps break, if the tubes crack, or if I need to subdivide an expensive tube of paint. In large tubes, it's more often a problem - so I now order 2 small tubes instead of 1 large tube.

When I tube my colors, I try to squeeze the paint into the tube in small parts, then ferociously tap the tube to try to settle the paint at the bottom(actually at the top of the tube, since you fill them upside down.). I use a hemostat to crimp the bottom edge and to fold it twice to prevent littele snakes of paint emerging where they are unwelcome.

Of course, if you are sufficiently organized, you can tube your own mixed paints. I also save my undamaged tube caps when a tube is empty.Too bad there isn't a standard size.