Ella Walter
Watercolour pans are available in various sizes, including full pans, half pans, quarter pans, and eighth pans. The full pan is the largest, and the eighth pan is the smallest. The half pan is half the volume of a full pan and usually holds around 2ml of paint. Artists may prefer pans over liquid tube paint for various reasons, such as cost, customisation, portability, and convenience. When it comes to tube paint, larger tubes are more cost-effective, but tubes can be less convenient for travel due to their liquid form and potential for leakage during flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.9 x 1.6 cm (0.75 by 0.63 inches) |
| Capacity | 2ml |
| Cost | More economical to buy full pans than half pans |
| Use case | Well-used travel sets, small to medium-sized brushes, sketchbooks, smaller-scale paintings |
| Customization | Can be customized by buying empty tins and filling them with the desired colours |
| Portability | Lightweight and portable, easy to transport |
| Comparison with tubes | Tubes are more cost-effective, but pans are more convenient for travelling |
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What You'll Learn
Cost comparison of tubes and pans
The cost comparison between tubes and pans of watercolour paint depends on several factors, including the volume, brand, and concentration of the paint.
Firstly, tubes are generally more economical than pans, especially when purchased in larger sizes. Small tubes (5ml-11ml) are often more expensive per volume than larger tubes (14ml-24ml or 37ml), as the fixed per-unit cost is distributed across a larger volume of paint in the larger tubes. This makes them a more cost-effective option. Larger tubes also tend to be a better value than small tubes during sales, similar to how buying milk in larger quantities is more economical.
However, it's important to note that tubes contain more water than pans, which can affect the comparison. When refilling a pan with tube paint, the water in the tube paint will evaporate, causing the paint to shrink. As a result, it can take one and a half to two 5ml tubes to fill a full pan. This makes the cost comparison between tubes and pans more complex, as the concentration of pigment in pans is higher.
Another factor to consider is the frequency of use and the desired level of saturation. Pans can be more cost-effective for colours that are used infrequently, as they tend to last longer. Additionally, achieving a strong colour with pans can be challenging, as it requires more effort to lift the paint from the pan, and the paint may appear lighter. In contrast, tube paint is easier to dilute and provides a stronger colour with a tiny amount of paint.
The portability of pans and tubes also plays a role in cost comparison. Pans are lightweight and ideal for outdoor painting, as they do not count as liquids for travel purposes. Tubes, on the other hand, can be messier and less convenient for travel, especially on planes, as the paint can expand and leak during flights.
Lastly, customisation is another factor to consider. Buying empty tins and filling them with tube paint allows for a customised palette, which may be advantageous for artists who work with a wide range of colours.
In summary, while tubes are generally more economical, especially in larger sizes, the higher pigment concentration in pans, their longevity, and portability should also be considered when comparing costs. Artists should evaluate their specific needs, usage patterns, and preferences to make an informed decision between tubes and pans.
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Customising your palette
Firstly, you can buy an empty tin from an art store, which is designed to be filled up with your choice of pan colours. This is more expensive than buying a pre-filled tin, but you can customise your palette to exactly what you want. Some empty tins are designed to accommodate both half and whole pans, which is handy if you use a lot of certain colours and less of others.
If you want to travel light, it is recommended to build your palette with mostly half-pans. They are small and lightweight but hold a decent amount of colour. They are also compatible with most travel watercolour tins, cases, and boxes on the market.
Metal quarter-pans and eighth-pans are made of steel and are much flatter, providing more surface area for your brush to manoeuvre while saving space and weight in your palette. They are most compatible with the Art Toolkit Pocket Palette and Demi Palette.
Another option is to refill pans with tube paint. This allows you to save money, customise your palette, and have the widest range of colours available. To do this, fill half of the tray, leave it to dry in a warm spot, and then fill it up to the top. It should take a day or two for each half to dry but may take longer in hot weather.
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Transporting tubes vs pans
Watercolour pans are available in standard half pans and full pans, as well as a few larger sizes. Watercolour pans come in two rectangular sizes: a full pan and a half pan. A full pan is a little rectangle of around 2.9 x 1.9 cm (1.18 x 9.75 inches) and has a capacity of around 5ml. A half pan is about 1.9 x 1.6 cm (0.75 by 0.63 inches) and has a capacity of about 2ml. The measurements can vary by a millimetre or two between ranges.
When it comes to transporting tubes vs pans, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, pans are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for painting outdoors. You simply need to moisten the pan with a wet brush and you're ready to work, without the need to transport many tiny tubes and spend time setting up a mixing tray. Pans are also easy to transport back home, as you can blot any excess liquid and shut the lid.
On the other hand, tubes can be challenging to use outside of a studio. Previously used tubes can be difficult to open if the paint dries around the cap. Additionally, when travelling by plane, tubes can expand in the hold, causing paint to flow out and create a mess. Tubes are also not suitable for hand luggage, whereas pans are not considered a liquid.
However, tubes offer certain advantages when it comes to customisation and cost. You can fill your own pans with tube paint, allowing you to create your own palette and save money in the long run. Larger tubes provide better value, and buying tube paint in larger sizes is the most cost-effective way to purchase watercolour paint.
Ultimately, the decision between transporting tubes vs pans depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require portability and convenience, pans might be the better option. However, if customisation and cost are more important factors, then tubes may be preferable.
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How to refill pans with tube paint
Refilling pans with tube paint is a popular practice among watercolour artists. This method allows artists to save money, customise their palettes, and have a wide range of colours available. It is also a convenient option for those who work outdoors and prefer the ease of pans over liquid tube paint.
To refill a pan with tube paint, start by purchasing empty pans or tins that can be filled with your chosen colours. These empty pans are available at art stores and can accommodate both half and whole pans. When refilling the pans, it is recommended to use artist-quality watercolour paint.
Before filling the pan, check if there is any clear binder floating out of the tube. If there is, squeeze it out onto a piece of towel first, and then proceed to squeeze out the pigment. Gently squeeze the tube to fill the pan with paint, using a small spatula or a similar tool to press down and mould the paint into the corners of the pan. Ensure that the corners are filled, and smooth out the surface of the paint for a nice finish.
Once the pan is filled, it needs to be left to dry. This process can take a day or two, depending on the temperature and humidity. Place the filled pan in a warm, dry spot, such as a cupboard, and leave it undisturbed until the paint is completely dry.
It is important to note that some manufacturers, such as Winsor & Newton, do not recommend refilling pans with tube paint, stating that it can degrade the paint or affect its performance. However, many artists have successfully refilled their pans with tube paint, and it is a common practice, especially when customising palettes or using a wide range of colours.
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Advantages of pans for travel
Watercolour pans are available in standard half pans and full pans, as well as a few larger sizes. Pans are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for painting outdoors or while travelling. Here are some advantages of using pans for travel:
Lightweight and Portable
Pans are lightweight and easy to transport, making them perfect for painting outdoors or while travelling. You can simply moisten the pan with a wet brush and start painting, eliminating the need to carry numerous tiny tubes and spend time squeezing paint onto a mixing tray.
Customizable Palette
You can purchase empty tins from art stores and fill them with your choice of pan colours, allowing you to customize your palette to your preferred colours. This option may be more expensive than buying a pre-filled tin, but it offers the advantage of customization.
Cost-Effective
While tubes of paint may appear to be more cost-effective when comparing prices, this comparison may be unfair due to the concentrated pigment in pans. When refilling a pan with tube paint, you will need one and a half to two tubes to fill a full pan. Therefore, refilling pans with tube paint or purchasing larger tubes and filling pans can be more economical.
Travel-Friendly
Pans are ideal for travel as they are not considered liquid hand luggage. Tubes, on the other hand, can expand in the hold during flights, causing paint to ooze out and create a mess. Pans are also easy to transport back home; simply blot any excess liquid, and shut the lid.
Longevity and Ease of Use
Pans are known for their longevity and ease of use. With proper care, pans can last a long time, and you can easily reactivate the paint by adding a drop of water and letting it sit for a few minutes. This makes them a convenient choice for travellers who want to paint outdoors or on the go.
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Frequently asked questions
You can fill a half pan about two to three times with paint from a 5ml tube.
A half pan typically holds around 2ml of paint.
Filling your own half pans with tube paint gives you more flexibility in customising your palette. It can also be more economical, especially if you use a lot of paint.
