
Watercolour pans are a convenient, easy-to-use, and portable option for watercolour painting. They are also more economical than ready-made alternatives. While watercolour pans can be purchased, many artists prefer to make their own pans by pouring tube watercolours into empty half pans. However, the paint may crack, shrink, or fall out of the pan. To prevent this, artists can add a drop or two of distilled water to the pan, allow the paint to soften, then add a drop of glycerine and stir. Alternatively, some artists use hot glue, double-sided adhesive tape, or Blu Tack to secure the pans. Others have suggested using honey as a binding agent to prevent the paint from drying out and falling out of the pan.
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What You'll Learn

Using water to glue watercolour pans
Watercolour pans can be glued using water. This method can be used when a whole block of paint falls out of the pan. To glue the watercolour pans, follow these steps:
Firstly, add a few drops of water to the pan. This will help to soften the paint and create a sticky surface for the paint block to adhere to. You can use distilled water for this purpose.
Next, place the dried cake of paint back into the pan. Allow it to sit for about half an hour so that the bottom layer of the paint block absorbs the water and becomes soft.
After that, gently push on the top of the paint block to ensure it is securely wedged into the pan.
Finally, let the paint dry completely. This process will help the watercolour pans stay in place and prevent them from shrinking or falling out.
Additionally, some artists suggest adding a drop of glycerine to each pan after adding water. Glycerine helps to moisturise the paint and prevent it from drying out too quickly. However, it is important to note that glycerine may soften the paint, so it should be used sparingly.
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Glycerine as an adhesive
Glycerine is a colourless, odourless, viscous liquid that is widely used in watercolours. It is a humectant and plasticizer ingredient in commercial watercolours today. Glycerine is soluble in water and is hygroscopic. It is sweet-tasting and non-toxic.
Glycerine can be used as an adhesive for watercolour pans. If a block of paint falls out of the pan, you can add a few drops of water to the pan and then stick the paint block back inside. After half an hour, the bottom layer of paint will absorb the water and soften. You can then let it dry and the paint will adhere to the pan walls.
You can also add a drop of glycerine to the pan to help the paint stay soft and prevent it from drying out and shrinking. This is especially useful for paints that are prone to drying out and becoming crumbly, such as Viridian. However, it is important to note that you should not add too much glycerine, as this can affect the consistency of the paint. Usually, one to two drops are enough, but for paints like Viridian, you may need three to four drops.
When choosing glycerine for this purpose, it is important to select the right type. There are three types of glycerine: vegetable-based, animal-based, and synthetic. Animal-derived glycerine tends to yellow with time, especially if heated, so it is recommended to use vegetable-based or synthetic glycerine for watercolour pans. Food-grade glycerine is commonly used, but you can also find it in pharmacies.
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Blue tack as an adhesive
Blue tack, also known as "Patafix" or "wondergom", is a reusable putty-like adhesive. It is commonly used to attach lightweight objects such as posters or paper to walls, doors, or other dry surfaces. It is made of synthetic rubber and does not possess hazardous properties under normal conditions. It is non-soluble, denser than water, and non-flammable. It is also available in various colours.
Blue tack can be used as an adhesive for watercolour pans. To use blue tack effectively, ensure that your hands and the surface you wish to apply it to are clean and dry. Remove the release paper on one side of the blue tack and apply it to the surface. Then, remove the release paper from the other side and apply the watercolour pan, using thumb pressure to ensure a strong bond.
Blue tack is a versatile adhesive with a variety of applications beyond its traditional use. It can be used to create three-dimensional models, hold items in place, remove dust from hard-to-reach places, pick up small objects, and even as a graphite eraser for artists. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for various tasks around the home, office, school, and hobby projects.
When using blue tack with watercolour pans, it is important to note that it works best on non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, or painted surfaces. Additionally, ensure that the surface is free from grease and loose materials to achieve the best adhesion.
Overall, blue tack is a safe, effective, and reusable adhesive option for attaching watercolour pans. Its putty-like consistency allows for easy application and removal, making it a convenient choice for artists and hobbyists alike.
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Honey as an adhesive
I could not find specific information on using honey as an adhesive for gluing watercolour pans. However, here is some general information on honey as an adhesive.
Honey can be used as a natural adhesive, but it is not as strong as other types of glue. It has been used as an adhesive for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and ancient China. Honey is a natural substance that is produced by bees, and it has a thick, sticky consistency that can be useful for adhering lightweight items.
To use honey as an adhesive, you can apply it directly to the surfaces you want to glue together. However, for a stronger hold, you can create a honey-based glue by mixing honey with other natural ingredients. One simple recipe involves mixing equal parts honey and warm water, then heating the mixture over low heat until it thickens. You can also add a small amount of vinegar to the mixture to prevent mould growth.
It is important to note that honey-based adhesives are not suitable for all materials. They are best suited for porous surfaces, such as paper or cardboard, where the adhesive can be absorbed into the material. Honey can also be used as a temporary adhesive for lightweight items made from non-porous materials, but it may not provide a strong or long-lasting bond.
When using honey as an adhesive, it is important to consider the type of honey you are using. Different varieties of honey will have varying levels of stickiness and moisture content, which can affect the strength and longevity of the adhesive. Raw, unprocessed honey tends to have a thicker consistency and may provide a stronger bond.
While honey can be used as a natural adhesive, it also has some limitations. It is not suitable for heavy-duty applications or for bonding materials that will be exposed to extreme conditions. Additionally, honey can attract insects and, over time, it may become mouldy or discoloured.
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Hot glue as an adhesive
Hot glue, also known as hot-melt adhesive (HMA), is a thermoplastic adhesive that is commonly sold as solid cylindrical sticks of various diameters. It is designed to be applied using a hot glue gun, which melts the plastic glue, and the user then pushes it through the gun using a trigger mechanism or direct finger pressure. The glue is initially hot enough to burn the skin and solidifies within a few seconds to a minute.
HMA can also be applied by dipping or spraying and is popular with hobbyists and crafters for its affordability and ease of use. It provides a strong and flexible bond and can be used to affix a variety of materials, including rubbers, ceramics, metals, plastics, glass, and wood. It is also commonly used in industrial applications, such as in the packaging industry for sealing corrugated boxes and in the manufacture of disposable diapers.
When using HMA, it is important to consider the temperature at which it is applied. If the adhesive is not hot enough, the bond may fail later. Conversely, if it is too hot, it may remain molten for too long and result in a weakened bond. The materials being bonded should be clean, dry, and free of dust, oil, and grease to ensure optimal adhesion.
To strengthen the bond, one can roughen smooth surfaces with sandpaper, providing a better grip for the glue. Additionally, giving the surfaces a quick alcohol wipe ensures a clean bond.
HMA comes in various types, including sticks, granular or powder blocks, and glue guns with different melting rates to cater to different applications and industries. It is a versatile and durable adhesive that delivers consistent results, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and industrial processes.
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Frequently asked questions
If your watercolour pans are loose, you can add a few drops of water to the pan, stick the paint block back inside, and let it sit for half an hour. You can also add a drop of glycerine to each pan.
If a whole block of paint has fallen out, you can put a few drops of water inside the pan, stick the paint block back inside, and push down on the paint block gently.
You can add honey to your watercolour pans to prevent them from drying out and falling out.
You can use clear nail polish or masking tape to label your watercolour pans.
You can use hot glue, double-sided adhesive tape, or glue dots to stick your pans to your palette.











































