Tiffany Haney
Watercolour paints are available in tubes and pans, and it is possible to transfer tube watercolours into pans. Artists may opt to do this for various reasons, such as practicality, cost, and personal preference. The process involves squeezing the paint from the tube into the pan, allowing it to dry, and then using it like a regular pan watercolour. Artists should be mindful of the paint consistency, drying time, and potential waste when transferring tube watercolours into pans. Some artists prefer to use a combination of tube and pan watercolours in their practice, depending on the specific needs of their artwork.
Characteristics and Values of Putting Tube Watercolors into Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Refilling pans with tube paint is more economical in the long run than buying new pans. |
| Practicality | Tube paints can be reused after drying in a mixing palette, but this can result in some paint wastage. Pans are more practical and produce less waste. |
| Customization | Filling your own pans allows you to create a personalized color palette and avoid buying pre-made palette sets with unwanted colors. |
| Storage | Tube paints can dry out and become difficult to squeeze out if lids are not secured properly. Pans are easy to carry and transport, and the paint is "activated" when you add water. |
| Paint Characteristics | Tube watercolors produce more vivid colors, while pan watercolors may require more paint and less water to achieve the same shade. |
| Paint Consistency | Some brands of tube paint may not dry properly in pans, resulting in a chewy or runny consistency. This can depend on the ingredients and environmental factors like humidity. |
| Paint Preparation | When filling pans, it is important to ensure complete drying and prevent cracking by filling in layers. Squeezing out excess binder before filling the pan can also improve paint quality. |
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What You'll Learn
Cost-effectiveness of refilling pans vs buying new ones
Refilling pans with tube paint is a more cost-effective option than buying new pans, especially if you use a large number of colours or go through paint quickly. Buying a set of pre-filled pans can be cheaper than buying individual pans, but it may result in you having a collection of unused colours.
For example, a set of 12 Cotman half pans costs $20, whereas buying ONE half pan is around $3-4. If you were to replace all 12 colours, you would be paying about $60, whereas you can get the colours, palette, and brush for $20.
When refilling pans, you can get 2-4 refills from a single tube for just a slightly higher price than a commercial half pan. Buying paint in tubes, especially in larger sizes, is a more cost-effective way to purchase watercolour paint. A 14ml tube typically costs only twice as much as a 5ml tube, so you are getting just under a third extra for your money.
However, it is important to note that the paint from tubes may shrink when dried in pans, so you may need one and a half to two 5ml tubes to fill a full pan. Additionally, some companies, such as Winsor & Newton, advise against using their tube paint to refill pans as the paint may re-wet and flow less effectively.
Ultimately, the decision between refilling pans and buying new ones depends on your budget, convenience, and specific needs.
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Differences in paint consistency and drying times
Yes, you can put tube watercolours into pans. However, there are some important differences to consider when it comes to paint consistency and drying times.
Tube watercolours tend to have a softer and creamier consistency due to the presence of more moisture and humectants, which help the paint retain its moisture. This higher moisture content also affects drying time; tube watercolours will generally take longer to dry compared to pan watercolours.
When tube watercolours are transferred into pans, the paint consistency can change. The paint may become harder and more solidified as the water evaporates, resulting in a drier surface. This transformation can be beneficial as it allows for easier colour lifting and mixing. By adjusting the water content, artists can control the paint's consistency and create a personalised palette with their desired paint consistency.
The drying time of tube watercolours in pans can be influenced by various factors. The climate and humidity of the environment play a significant role. In drier climates or during winter months, the paint may dry faster, requiring the addition of a wetting agent or distilled water to slow down the drying process. Conversely, in more humid environments, the paint may take longer to dry, potentially leading to mould or bacterial growth if not properly cared for.
It is worth noting that the drying time of tube watercolours in pans can also be affected by the specific brand and pigment used. Some brands may include additives that influence the drying time, resulting in variations across different manufacturers. Moreover, certain pigments inherently dry faster or slower than others, impacting the overall drying time of the paint.
By understanding the differences in paint consistency and drying times between tube and pan watercolours, artists can make informed decisions about their materials and techniques. Transferring tube watercolours into pans offers the advantage of customising the paint to one's preferred consistency and drying rate, providing greater control and flexibility in the creative process.
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Techniques for squeezing paint from tubes
Yes, you can put tube watercolors into pans. This is a great way to create your own personalized color palette and save money. However, different brands of paint dry differently, so it is important to test the paints before committing to a palette.
Now, here are some techniques for squeezing paint out of tubes:
Firstly, you can use a tube wringer, also known as a tube squeezer. This device has two grooved rollers that squeeze the paint tube as you turn a key on the side. Tube wringers are available in plastic and metal, with metal being more durable but more expensive. They can be purchased from art supply stores or online.
Another method is to use a paint key, which works similarly to a toothpaste tube key. You place the flat end of the tube into the slot of the key and then roll up the tube.
If you don't want to purchase any tools, you can try using a piece of plastic plumbing waste pipe. Place the tube inside the pipe and apply downward and forward pressure to roll it out. Alternatively, you can simply push the paint up to the neck of the tube using your foot, preferably while wearing hard-soled shoes.
Finally, if you have a vice, you can use it to squeeze out the remaining paint, although this method can be messy. A narrower palette knife can also be used to scoop out the paint from the neck of the tube.
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How to avoid contamination and colour mixing
To avoid contamination and colour mixing when putting tube watercolours into pans, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that your tube watercolours are stored correctly when not in use. If you don't screw the lid back on firmly, your paint will dry out and form a plug, which can be difficult to remove without wasting paint.
When filling your pans, one trick is to open new tubes and let the paint flow out onto a piece of plastic. You can then scoop up the paint and put it into your pan. This helps to avoid any clear binder from the tube ending up in your pan, which can be a "show-stopper". You can gently wash the lid with warm water and clean the tube opening with a damp cloth.
It is also important to let each layer of paint dry fully before adding more paint to the pan. This prevents cracking and the build-up of contaminants. Make sure your pans are completely dry before putting them into a palette box. Different brands of paint dry differently, so be sure to test this out before committing to a certain brand.
To avoid colour contamination between pans, organise your colours harmoniously, such as in a colour spectrum. This makes it easier to locate similar hues and reduces the risk of colour mixing.
Finally, always ensure the lid on your box of paints is shut firmly or at least covers the paints. This prevents dust from getting into the pans and causing stains in your pictures. You can also combine tube watercolours and pans in your palette, depending on the accuracy of the shade you need. Tube watercolours tend to be more vivid, while pans are more practical and economical.
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Practicalities of pans vs tubes for different projects
Watercolour paints come in two forms: tubes or pans. The quality of the two formats is the same, but there are some practical differences to consider when deciding which format is best for your project.
The main difference between the two formats is the state of the paint: tubes contain liquid paint, whereas pans contain solid, dry paint. This means that tube paint is immediately ready for painting, whereas pan paint must be reactivated with water before use. Tube paint is also easier to mix in large quantities for big colour washes.
Pans are more convenient for painting outside or travelling with, as they take up less space and do not leak. Tube paint can expand in suitcases and leak when opened, and it can be fiddly to squeeze paint from tubes onto a palette when outdoors.
Tubes are probably more economical in the long run, as you can fill your own pans several times using a single tube. However, pans are also more practical and create less waste, as you do not need to wash out your palette between painting sessions.
The type of paint you might prefer could also depend on the type of art you are creating. For botanical paintings, pans are often preferred as you do not need a large amount of paint. For landscapes, loose watercolour, or still life, tubes might be better.
Some artists also prefer to use tubes for studio painting and pans for painting outside, or to have tubes for a mixing palette and pans for a palette box.
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Frequently asked questions
First, squeeze the tube paint onto a piece of cloth or plastic to separate the clear binder from the pigment. Then, gently squeeze the pigment into the pan, using a spatula to press and mold the paint into the corners. Finally, leave the pan to dry completely before placing it into a palette box.
Putting tube watercolors into pans is more economical in the long run, as one tube of paint can refill a pan two to three times. It also reduces waste, as you can reuse the pan and only need to buy a new tube of paint when it runs out, rather than buying a new pan each time. Additionally, pans are more practical and easier to carry around, as you don't have to worry about the paint drying out or getting jammed inside the tube.
One downside is that different brands of paint dry differently, and some paints may take longer to dry or crack and shrink when they do. This can result in a sticky mess if the paint is not fully dry before putting the pan back into the palette box. Another downside is that some paints may not rewet well, resulting in a less vibrant color. Additionally, if the lid is not firmly shut on the palette box, dust can get into the pan and cause stains in your pictures.
Make sure to fully dry each layer of paint to prevent cracking. Also, test new paints by letting them dry for a week in your palette and then testing how they rewet to ensure you are happy with the workability and flow of the paint. Finally, consider filling your pans in stages to improve the adherence of the paint to the pan and to fill any gaps.
