Watercolour Full Pans: How Much Paint?

Watercolour pans are a convenient, easy-to-use, and portable option for watercolour painting. They are also more economical than ready-made alternatives.

Pans come in two sizes: full pans and half pans. Full pans are larger, and half pans are half the size of full pans. The term pan can refer to the empty container or the tub of dried paint inside.

When filling your own pans, it is important to consider the type of paint you are using. Different brands of paint dry differently depending on their ingredients. For example, honey-based paints like M. Graham and Sennelier remain moist even after several weeks, while other brands may dry too hard and crack. Daniel Smith watercolours, which are glycerin-based, dry to form a normal cake of paint that reactivates easily with water.

The process of filling pans is relatively simple. First, select your colours and gather your supplies: empty pans, watercolour tubes, a small stick for stirring, and a label for each pan. Before opening your tubes, massage or shake them to mix the ingredients, as pigments can separate from the liquid vehicle over time. Then, squeeze the paint into the corners of the pan, filling it no more than halfway. Stir the paint and tap the pan on a tabletop to remove any air bubbles. Let the paint dry for at least 24-48 hours, then fill the pan a second time, leaving a small reservoir at the top. Allow the paint to dry completely before placing it in your palette.

By making your own watercolour pans, you can create a personalised colour palette that suits your needs and preferences.

Watercolour pans and cakes

Pans come in two different sizes: full pans and half pans. Full pans are larger, and half pans are half the size of full pans. The standard full pan holds 1.5 times the amount of a half pan, which is about 2.8 ml. However, it's important to note that pan sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer.

When filling your own watercolour pans, it's best to do it in several layers to prevent cracking and ensure optimal results. Start by filling the corners of the pan halfway and stirring the paint with a small stick to remove any air bubbles. Leave the pan to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before filling it again, this time not quite to the top. This will leave a small reservoir for water, making it easier to activate your watercolours. Repeat this process until the pan is full, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding a new one.

The type of paint you use will also affect the drying process. Paints with honey, such as M. Graham and Sennelier, will remain moist even after several weeks. Paints with glycerin, such as Daniel Smith, will dry to a normal cake that reactivates easily with water.

When choosing between full and half pans, consider your painting style and needs. Full pans are ideal for those who use large brushes, paint on a large scale, or want to create a studio set. Half pans are more suitable for well-used travel sets, painting with small to medium-sized brushes, and sketchbooks or smaller-scale paintings.

What kind of paint to use to make pans?

When making your own pans, the type of paint you use will affect the final results. Tube paints are usually made up of coloured pigments and a liquid that holds the pigments in suspension. The ingredients in this liquid are designed to improve the handling attributes of the paint.

Two ingredients that seem to affect the drying characteristics of tube paints when put into pans are "plasticizer" and "humectant". A "plasticizer" makes the paint less brittle and reduces cracking when the paint dries. In modern paint formulas, this is usually glycerin. A "humectant" is added to preserve moisture and make the paint easier to dissolve. Most brands use some kind of sugar syrup or honey, the latter being more efficient at retaining moisture.

Depending on the ingredients in the paint, the drying time will vary. For example, honey crystallizes but never really dries completely. This is why brands that use honey for the humectant, such as M. Graham and Sennelier, remain moist even after several weeks. Some brands will dry too hard and crack, and may be difficult to activate when wetted. If your chosen brand of watercolours reacts like this, a simple solution is to add a drop or two of glycerin when you make your pans.

Other brands, like Daniel Smith, which are glycerin-based, will dry to form a normal cake of paint that reactivates easily when you add water. The majority of artists want classic dry pans of paint. To make dry cakes, be sure to avoid any brands formulated with honey. A lot of artists like Winsor & Newton, although some say they can be difficult to activate once dried. If this is the case, try adding some glycerin during the pan-making process.

What kind of palette box to choose?

When choosing a palette box for watercolours, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you select the right one for your needs:

Material

The most common materials for palette boxes are plastic, metal, ceramic, and porcelain. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic palettes are typically the cheapest option and are lightweight, making them a good choice for beginners or those on a budget. However, they are less durable and can be tricky when trying to create puddles of colour. Metal palettes are usually the most durable and come in various sizes, but they often need to be prepared before use. Ceramic and porcelain palettes provide a smooth surface that makes mixing colours easier and helps retain moisture. They are, however, heavier and more fragile, making them less portable.

Portability

If you plan to paint outdoors or travel with your palette box, portability is essential. Plastic and metal palettes are generally more lightweight and durable for transport. Ceramic and porcelain palettes, while providing excellent mixing surfaces, tend to be heavier and more fragile, making them less suitable for outdoor painting. Consider the weight, durability, and ease of transport when choosing a palette box for travel.

Mixing Space

The size and quality of the mixing area are crucial considerations. A spacious mixing area allows for more comfortable and efficient colour mixing. Some palettes have mixing areas in the lid or pull-out trays, while others have built-in mixing flaps. Consider the types of brushes you use and ensure the mixing area is large enough to accommodate them without damaging the bristles. Additionally, a white or light-coloured mixing surface is preferable as it helps you see the colours and their strengths more accurately.

Number of Wells

The number of wells, or paint compartments, in a palette box can vary from around 12 to 48. Consider how many colours you plan to use regularly and choose a palette with enough wells to accommodate them. If you intend to expand your colour range in the future, opt for a palette with extra wells. Larger wells are also beneficial as they provide more space for mixing and help prevent paints from drying out too quickly.

Fixed vs. Loose Pans

Palette boxes may have fixed paint wells moulded into the palette, or they may use loose pans that can be moved around. Fixed wells provide a more stable option, while loose pans offer the flexibility to rearrange your colours as needed. If you prefer the convenience of pre-filled paint pans, look for a palette that accommodates loose pans, as these can often be purchased pre-filled or filled from tubes.

Budget

Palette boxes can range from very affordable to quite expensive, depending on the material, size, and features. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a cheaper palette and gradually invest in higher-quality options as you develop your skills and determine your preferences. Remember that the cost of the palette box does not reflect your artistic abilities, and you can create beautiful paintings with more affordable options.

Step-by-step process of filling pans

Filling your own pans with watercolour tubes can save you money. Here is a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Select your colours

Choose the colours you want to use.

Step 2: Prepare your equipment

You will need an empty pan, a tube of paint, and a small stick for stirring (the end of an old brush or a toothpick will do). You may also want to label your pans with the paint name, brand, and pigment number on each pan. Use a sharpie marker or a waterproof pen.

Step 3: Open the tube

Be careful when opening your tubes. If they have been untouched for a while, the pigments can become separated from the liquid vehicle, so it’s a good idea to massage or shake the tube before opening so all the ingredients mix together. Sometimes paint gushes out of the tube, so be ready to catch it in a pan.

Step 4: Fill the pan

Start by squeezing paint into the corners of the pan. Don’t fill the pan completely – no more than half full is good. Stir the paint with your stick to avoid any air bubbles and get the paint to adhere to the inside of the pan as it dries. You can also tap the pan on your tabletop a few times to chase bubbles to the surface.

Step 5: Leave to dry

Leave the pan to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, then check the results. Drying time varies depending on temperature and humidity and can take a few days. Just let it dry naturally. Don’t try to speed up the process by heating.

Step 6: Fill the pan a second time

Fill the pan a second time but don’t fill it right to the top. Part of using watercolour pans is getting your paint to the right consistency before you start painting. You do this by adding a few drops of clear water at the beginning of each painting session to pre-wet the paint. When you make pans, if you fill them right to the top, there is no room to hold any water. You want to leave a small reservoir at the top of the cake which makes it easy to form a pool of water and activate your watercolours.

Step 7: Check for cracking or shrinking

You may notice a small amount of cracking or shrinking. The advantage of filling your pans in stages means that you can fill any gaps with a new layer of paint and improve the adherence of the cake to the inside of the pan. Make sure all your pans are completely dry before putting them in a palette box.

How to organise pans in your palette

When it comes to organising your pans in your palette, there are a few different approaches you can take. One popular method is to arrange the colours in a spectrum, like a rainbow. This makes it easier to locate similar hues and reduces the risk of colour contamination between pans. For example, having yellow next to orange is less of an issue.

Another approach is to follow the colour wheel, starting with yellows on the left and moving through the other colours. You can also keep your bright colours on the top two rows, earth tones on the bottom row, and darks on the second-to-bottom row. Fluorescent and pearlescent colours can also be kept together.

If you're using a combination of full and half pans, it might be a good idea to keep them separate, with the full pans in one palette and the half pans in another. This way, you can easily reach for the right size when you need it.

Additionally, you can organise your pans by value, temperature, or finish. For example, keeping all your shimmery colours together and separate from the matte ones.

Whatever method you choose, the key is to find a system that works for you and that you can easily replicate each time you set up your palette. This will save you time and effort in the long run.

Frequently asked questions