Tiffany Haney
The Altoids tin is a popular choice for artists to create their own travel watercolour palettes. The process involves cleaning out an empty tin, filling half pans with paint, adhering them to the bottom of the tin, and customising the tin with a colour chart, a mixing area, and a sheet of wax paper or thin plastic. According to one source, 12 half-pans fit nicely inside an Altoids tin, with some extra room for tools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of half-pans that fit inside | 12 |
| Use | Watercolor paint set, travel palette, storage box |
| Materials | Metal, resin-coated |
| Adhesive used | Double-sided tape, rubber cement, small magnets |
| Additional items | Wax paper/plastic sheet, watercolor paper, acetate, paintbrushes, sponges |
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What You'll Learn
Using magnets to secure the half pans
To secure the half pans in an Altoids tin using magnets, you can use thin, self-adhesive craft magnets. These are easily available at craft stores or the dollar store. You can glue these magnets to the bottom of the half pans. Depending on the size of the magnets, you may need to cut them to fit the pans using regular craft scissors.
Magnets make the half pans movable, changeable, and removable. They also make it easy to switch out colours and create minimal mess. You can also use magnet adhesive sheets, cut to size, and placed on the bottom of each half pan.
If you are using a wooden box, you can cut a thin sheet of steel from the hardware store to cover the bottom, and then place magnet sheets on the bottom of the half pans. This way, the magnets will stick to the steel sheet, securing the half pans in the box.
Another option is to use small magnets that can be adhered to the bottom of the pans with rubber cement, double-sided tape, or Loctite adhesive putty.
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Adhesives to secure the half pans
Adhesives are essential for securing half pans in an Altoid tin, and there are several options available. One popular choice is to use magnets, which can be adhered to the bottom of the half pans with glue or self-adhesive craft magnets. These magnets allow for easy removal and rearrangement of the pans. Standard craft scissors can be used to cut the magnets to the required size.
Another option is to use double-sided tape, which can be placed on the bottom of the half pans to secure them in the tin. Rubber cement is another adhesive option that is removable, easy to use, and inexpensive. Loctite adhesive putty is also mentioned as a possible adhesive for this purpose.
For a more permanent solution, gorilla glue can be used to attach the half pans to the tin, although this makes changing out colours more difficult. Some artists prefer to use a combination of adhesive methods, such as magnets with additional adhesive sheets or putty, to ensure a strong hold.
When using adhesives, it is important to consider the weight and portability of the Altoid tin. A strong adhesive will ensure that the half pans remain secure during transport, preventing spills or damage to the artwork. It is also crucial to allow adequate drying time for the adhesive and paint to avoid any unwanted stickiness or messes.
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Filling the half pans with paint
Filling half pans with paint is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to decide on the colours you want to use and gather your paint tubes. When filling the half pans, it is recommended to only fill them halfway initially, allowing the paint to dry before filling the rest of the pan, not quite to the top. This process helps to reduce shrinkage and the formation of gaps in the paint. Stir the paint with a toothpick or a blunt needle and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Some paints may require additives to prevent cracking. For example, Cotman student colours benefit from the addition of glycerine, while Da Vinci paints do not need any additives. M.Graham paints contain honey, which helps to prevent drying, but this may not be ideal in humid climates.
When filling the half pans, it is important to consider the environmental conditions, as humidity will impact the drying time. Lower humidity and increased airflow will help the paint dry faster. Using multiple thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next, can also speed up the drying process.
It is important to label the filled half pans to avoid confusion when using them. Additionally, ensure that the paint is completely dry before placing the half pans in a closed travel palette.
There are various methods for securing the half pans in an Altoids tin, such as using small magnets, double-sided tape, or rubber cement. The pans can be customised with the colours of your choice, making them a versatile option for artists.
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Drying the paint
Firstly, it is important to prepare your workspace. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Cover your workspace with newspaper or any other material that can get paint on it. Put on old clothing that you don't mind getting paint on and consider wearing gloves, a dust mask or respirator, and protective eyewear.
Next, prepare your Altoids tin. Wipe the tin with a damp cloth or steel wool, removing any oils from your skin. If your tin has existing paint or coatings, use sandpaper or steel wool to scuff it up and remove as much of the paint as possible. Wash your hands after handling the tin to avoid any potential toxins.
Now, you can start filling your half-pans with paint. Squeeze or carefully pour the paint from tubes into the half-pans, filling them to your desired level. Leave some space at the top to avoid overflow when the paint expands as it dries. You can use any paint that comes in tubes and dries upon exposure to air, such as watercolour or acrylic paint. Some paints may dry more slowly than others, so be patient.
Once your half-pans are filled, place them inside the Altoids tin. You can secure them with a small amount of rubber cement, double-sided tape, Loctite adhesive putty, or magnets. If using magnets, stick them to the bottom of the half-pans before placing them in the tin. Ensure the magnets are firmly attached and cut them to size if necessary.
Finally, let the paint dry. Drying times may vary depending on the type of paint used and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Leave the paint undisturbed for at least overnight, or follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times. Once the paint is completely dry, you can reassemble your tin, and your DIY travel watercolour palette is ready to use!
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Using the Altoids tin for mixing
The Altoids tin can be used as a mixing palette for watercolours. The process is simple: first, eat all the mints in the tin, then clean the tin thoroughly. Next, gather your watercolour tubes and plan your colour arrangement. Carefully fill half pans with paint, and secure them to the bottom of the tin using double-sided tape or another adhesive. You can also use small magnets, which can be cut to size if necessary.
It is important to leave some space around the pans so that you can easily remove them later. You can also place a wax paper sheet or thin plastic over the paints to protect them and provide a surface for your tools to rest on. Allow the paints to dry thoroughly before doing this to avoid sticking.
The inside of the tin can be spray-painted to prevent rusting and to provide a good colour representation. You can also use Sculpey to make the inside of the tin, following the baking instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The Altoids tin is a versatile and adaptable solution for artists, providing a portable and customisable palette. You can choose your favourite paint colours and arrange them to suit your needs, making it a fun and creative project.
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Frequently asked questions
12 half-pans fit nicely inside an Altoids tin.
First, eat all the mints in the Altoids tin and rinse the box. Then, fill the half pans with paint from the tube. After that, use double-sided tape or other adhesives to stick the half pans to the bottom of the tin.
Apart from being used as a storage box for half pans, an Altoids tin can also be used as a travel watercolour palette, a pencil box, a wallet, a survival kit, and a storage box for small items.
