Half Pans: How Much Paint?

Watercolour half-pans are a popular choice for artists due to their compact size and portability. They typically hold around 1.5ml to 2ml of paint, although this can vary slightly depending on the brand. When filling half-pans, it is recommended to only partially fill them at first and let them dry before adding more paint to avoid cracking and shrinkage. Half-pans are commonly used for travel sets and small to medium-sized brushes, balancing space and paint quantity. They are a versatile option for artists who want a lightweight setup without compromising on colour options.

A half pan holds around 2ml of paint

When filling a half pan, it is important to leave some space for mixing and to allow the paint to dry thoroughly between pours. This can take a couple of days or even a week, depending on the environment. It is also a good idea to shake the tube before filling, as some colours separate, and to squeeze the tube gently when opening it, as the paint may come out suddenly.

Half pans are popular among watercolour artists because they are small and lightweight, making them ideal for travel. They are compatible with most watercolour tins, cases, and boxes on the market and can be used with small to medium-sized brushes.

Using half pans can also be more cost-effective than buying pan refills. A 5ml tube of paint can fill a half pan two and a half times, and a 15ml tube can fill it seven and a half times. Additionally, some colours are more suitable for half pans due to their high tinting strength, such as Phthalo and Quinacridone colours. Only a tiny bit of these colours is needed to create a strong wash.

A 5ml tube of paint can fill a half pan 2.5 times

A half pan of paint has a capacity of around 2ml. This means that a 5ml tube of paint can fill a half pan 2.5 times.

Half pans are a great option for those who want to paint outdoors. They are lightweight and portable, and you can simply moisten the pan with a wet brush and start painting. You don't need to carry tubes of paint and spend time squeezing out paint onto a mixing tray. Once you're done, you can easily transport the half pans back home by blotting any excess liquid and shutting the lid.

Half pans are also a good choice if you want to create a well-used travel set or if you paint with small to medium-sized brushes. They balance space and the quantity of paint, as they are small and lightweight but can still hold a decent amount of colour.

If you're looking to test out a new colour or brand, a 5ml tube is a good option. It's also a good size to start with if you're trying to figure out your painting style, as tubes can dry out and go bad, so there's no point in getting a bigger tube if you don't love the colour.

However, if you know you'll be using a particular colour frequently, it might be more economical to buy a larger tube. A 15ml tube typically costs twice as much as a 5ml tube, but you're getting almost three times the amount of paint.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a 5ml or larger tube depends on your personal preferences, how much you paint, and the scale of your pieces.

A 15ml tube can fill a half pan 7.5 times

A half pan has a capacity of around 2ml. This means that a 15ml tube of paint can fill a half pan 7.5 times.

Half pans are a great option for those who want to travel with their paint set. They are small and lightweight, but still hold a decent amount of paint. If you are looking to travel light, it is recommended to build your palette with mostly half-pans.

When filling your half pans with paint, it is important to note that the paint will shrink as it dries, so it is recommended to fill the pans in multiple stages, allowing each layer to dry before adding more paint. This will ensure that your paint dries thoroughly and reduces the likelihood of cracking.

Additionally, some paints may require the addition of glycerine to prevent cracking. If you are using Cotman student colours, for example, you will need to add glycerine, otherwise, they will crack and fall out of the pan. Da Vinci paints, on the other hand, do not need any additives as they are incredibly creamy and consistent.

Overall, a 15ml tube of paint will allow you to fill a half pan 7.5 times, providing a cost-effective and convenient option for artists who want to travel with their paint sets.

Tube paints are more cost-effective than buying pan refills

A half pan of paint has a capacity of around 2ml. With a 5ml tube, you can fill it 2.5 times, and with a 15ml tube, you can fill it 7.5 times. Tube paints are more cost-effective than buying pan refills.

Tube paints are extremely similar to pan watercolours in how you use them. The biggest difference is that with a tube, you squeeze the paint into a pan or palette to create cakes. Tube paints contain much more paint than a single pan. You can refill the same pan several times with a single tube, making it very cost-efficient.

Tube paints offer tons of flexibility with your palette. Instead of the standard set of colours, you can purchase tubes of all your favourite or most-used colours and create a pan palette perfectly customised for you. You can mix custom colours with tube paints. While the paint is fresh from the tube, use a palette knife or toothpick to create specific hues like skin tones or brand colours.

Tube paints are also more cost-effective in the long run. A 5ml pan may cost $8, while a 15ml tube costs $10. Even if the tube only fills the pan twice, you are still saving money. This is especially true if you consider that some colours don't come in pans.

Tube paints are also more convenient if you need to mix large washes. Imagine having to wet and rewet a pan colour multiple times to get the same amount of pigment. With tube paints, you can squeeze out the exact amount of liquid paint you need, making it easier to control and less wasteful.

Finally, tube paints allow you to customise your palette. You can buy empty tins from art stores that are designed to be filled with your choice of pan colours. This way, you can create a palette that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Tube paints are also more convenient for travel

In contrast, half pans are small and portable, making them ideal for travel. They are compatible with most travel watercolour tins, cases, and boxes and can be easily customised to create a unique palette. Additionally, they are more compact and lightweight than tube paints, reducing the overall weight of your luggage. Half pans are also more affordable than full pans, making them a cost-effective option for travel.

Overall, while tube paints offer versatility and convenience in the studio, half pans are the superior option for travel due to their portability, customisability, and affordability.

Frequently asked questions