Tiffany Haney
Watercolour pans and tubes have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between the two depends on several factors, including the level of accuracy of the shade required, the size of the painting surface, the quantity of paint needed, and the size of the brushes being used. While pans are easy to carry around and are suitable for small paintings and brushes, tubes provide a concentrated amount of colour and are ideal for large surfaces and projects. Artists can also choose to use a combination of the two, depending on their requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint consistency | Tube watercolours have a toothpaste-like consistency, while pan watercolours are solid cakes of pigment. |
| Moisture content | Tubes have a higher moisture content and are ready to use immediately, while pan watercolours need to be rehydrated before use. |
| Flexibility | Tubes offer more flexibility in terms of paint quantity, brush size, and painting area. |
| Ease of use | Pans are easy to carry around and are low-maintenance, making them ideal for small paintings and botanical art. |
| Colour vibrancy | Tube watercolours provide a concentrated amount of colour, resulting in a more vibrant appearance. |
| Economical | Tubes are more economical and suitable for refilling empty pans. |
| Waste | Tubes may result in more waste due to paint drying in the lids or leftover paint in the tube. |
| Customisation | Tubes offer a wider range of colours and the ability to create custom palettes, while pans come in pre-determined colours. |
| Paint activation | Tube watercolours can be used directly or squeezed onto a palette and reactivated with water. Pan watercolours are activated by dipping a wet brush into the pan. |
| Storage | Pans are dry to the touch and easy to transport, reducing concerns about leaks during travel. |
| Paint contamination | Pans require careful handling to avoid contaminating the paint with other colours. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cost comparison: Pans are cheaper, but tubes are more cost-effective in larger sizes
- Travel: Pans are more convenient for travel, especially by plane
- Pigment concentration: Tubes offer a more vivid, concentrated colour
- Quantity and flexibility: Tubes offer more flexibility in terms of quantity and brush size
- Ease of use: Pans are easier to use, especially for beginners
Cost comparison: Pans are cheaper, but tubes are more cost-effective in larger sizes
When it comes to cost, pans and tubes each have their own advantages. Pans are generally cheaper than tubes, making them ideal for beginners or those who are cost-conscious. They are more cost-effective for small studies and paintings and are perfect for painting outdoors due to their compactness and portability.
However, tubes offer more value for money in larger sizes. For instance, a 14ml tube typically costs less than a 5ml tube. If you're a professional artist using a lot of paint, purchasing larger tubes and refilling pans can be more economical. Tube paints also have more pigment and less filler, so you need less paint to achieve the desired colour intensity.
The cost comparison between pans and tubes can be influenced by factors such as brand, colour, and availability. Some companies only sell their full range of colours in tube form, and the number of colours available in pan form may be limited. Additionally, the size of the pan can vary across brands, affecting the overall price.
In summary, while pans are generally cheaper, tubes offer better value in larger sizes and provide more pigment per unit, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
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Travel: Pans are more convenient for travel, especially by plane
Pans are a great option if you're travelling, especially if you're taking a plane. They are much more convenient and easier to carry around as they are compact and lightweight. You can slip them into your bag without worrying about leaks or spills, which can be a concern with tubes. There's no risk of squeezing out too much paint and ending up with a mess in your bag. Pans are also less likely to be restricted by airline liquid limits, making them a more reliable option for air travel.
Pans are generally smaller and more portable, so they won't take up much space in your luggage. They are also less fragile than tubes, reducing the chances of damage during travel. You won't have to worry about crushing or damaging the pans, whereas tubes can be more vulnerable to leaks or damage if they are squashed or punctured.
Another advantage of pans for travel is their longevity. Pans of watercolour can last a long time as they dry out slowly, especially if you're careful to close the lid tightly after use. This means you can take your time and paint at your own pace without worrying about the paint drying out quickly. With tubes, once you've squeezed out the paint, it will dry out faster and you might feel rushed to use it before it dries.
Additionally, pans are often more affordable, so if you're travelling on a budget, they can be a cost-effective option. You won't have to worry about running out of paint or needing to buy more while you're away. They are also more convenient in terms of preparation and clean-up. You don't need to spend time squeezing paint out of tubes or worry about storing the paint overnight; you can simply dip your brush into the pan and start painting.
Overall, pans are a more travel-friendly option, especially for air travel. They are compact, lightweight, and convenient, with a lower risk of leaks and spills. Their portability, durability, and affordability make them an excellent choice for artists on the move.
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Pigment concentration: Tubes offer a more vivid, concentrated colour
When it comes to choosing between pan and tube watercolours, one of the key considerations is pigment concentration. Tubes contain a more vivid and concentrated form of the pigment, offering a more intense colour payoff. This is particularly advantageous if you're seeking to create bold, vibrant pieces with rich hues. The higher concentration of pigment in tubes means that a small amount goes a long way, allowing for greater versatility in your painting process.
The higher pigment concentration in tubes also lends itself to creating more nuanced and subtle shades. By mixing the concentrated colour with water, you can achieve a wide range of tones, from light pastels to deep, dark shades. This makes tube watercolours ideal for artists who want to explore a full spectrum of shades in their work, from the delicate to the dramatic.
Additionally, the tube format offers more control over the dilution of colours. You can easily squeeze out a small amount of paint and gradually add water to create the precise shade and consistency you desire. This precision is particularly beneficial for detailed work and creating intricate gradients. The ability to control the dilution also allows for more accurate colour mixing, helping you achieve the exact shades you envision.
The concentrated nature of tube watercolours also contributes to their longevity. As a small amount of paint can cover a relatively large area, tubes tend to last longer, making them a cost-effective option over time. This feature also makes tube watercolours ideal for artists who paint on a large scale or work on projects that require multiple sessions, as the paint can be stored and reused without drying out.
Furthermore, the tube format offers convenience and portability. The paint can be easily squeezed out and does not require the same level of rewetting as pan watercolours. This makes tube watercolours a practical choice for artists who paint outdoors or require quick access to their colours, as the paint can be readily applied without the need for extensive preparation.
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Quantity and flexibility: Tubes offer more flexibility in terms of quantity and brush size
Quantity and flexibility are important factors to consider when choosing between pan and tube watercolours. Tubes offer a distinct advantage in this regard, providing artists with greater flexibility in terms of quantity and brush size.
When it comes to quantity, tube watercolours offer a higher degree of customizability. Artists can easily squeeze out the exact amount of paint they need for their project, ensuring that no paint goes to waste. This is especially beneficial when working on larger pieces or projects that require a significant volume of paint. In contrast, pan watercolours may not provide the same level of flexibility, as the paint is already set in a solid form.
The flexibility of tube watercolours extends beyond quantity to brush size as well. Tubes allow artists to work with a variety of brush sizes, from small detail brushes to larger brushes for broad strokes and washes. This versatility enables artists to create a diverse range of marks and achieve varying levels of detail in their work. With tube watercolours, artists are not limited to the smaller brushes that pan watercolours typically accommodate.
Additionally, tube watercolours offer the convenience of being able to mix colours directly on the palette. Artists can squeeze out multiple colours onto their palette and mix them to create a customised range of hues. This mixing technique allows for a more seamless blend of colours, as the paint is combined before being applied to the paper. With pan watercolours, mixing colours directly on the palette can be more challenging due to the solid form of the paint.
The flexibility of tube watercolours also lies in their ability to be reactivated with water. Artists can easily add water to the tube paint to create their desired consistency, whether they prefer a thicker, more opaque paint or a thinner, more transparent wash. This adaptability allows artists to explore a variety of painting techniques and achieve different effects in their watercolour paintings.
In summary, tube watercolours offer a higher degree of flexibility in terms of quantity, brush size, colour mixing, and paint consistency. Artists seeking customizability and versatility in their watercolour paintings may find tube watercolours to be a more suitable option compared to pan watercolours.
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Ease of use: Pans are easier to use, especially for beginners
Pans are generally easier to use than tube watercolours, especially for beginners. They are more convenient as they are usually sold in sets, meaning you have a ready-made palette of colours to work with. Pans are also easier to transport and store, as they are more compact and less messy than tubes. With pans, you don't need to worry about squeezing out too much paint or wasting paint by mixing directly on the palette. You can simply add water to the pan to activate the paint, and mix colours directly on the pan itself, making clean-up much simpler.
Pans are also more forgiving for beginners as they allow for more control over the amount of paint and water used. It's easier to build up colour gradually with pans, as you can add more water to create lighter washes and then add less water for more intense colour. This makes pans ideal for glazing techniques, where multiple layers of colour are built up gradually.
Additionally, pans are often more affordable than tubes, especially when starting out. They offer a cost-effective way to experiment with different colours and techniques without committing to a large quantity of paint.
For beginners, pans provide a convenient, portable, and affordable way to learn the basics of watercolour painting. They offer a lower-stakes option for practising and refining techniques before moving on to tubes, which may be preferred by more experienced artists for their greater flexibility and ability to mix custom colours in larger quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
Tube watercolours provide a concentrated amount of colour, resulting in a more vivid appearance. They are ideal for large paper formats and filling in large sections of work. Pan watercolours are easy to carry around and are suitable for small paintings and small brushes.
Tube watercolours offer flexibility in terms of paint quantity, brush size, painting area, and painting size. They are also easier on brushes as you don't need to scrub the brush to pick up colour. Tube watercolours are more economical and can be used to refill empty pans.
Tube watercolours can be messy when travelling by plane as the paint can expand and leak. They can also dry out if the lid is not screwed on tightly, and paint can be wasted in the lids and at the bottom of the tube.
Pan watercolours are convenient for travelling as they are small and lightweight. They are also more affordable than tube watercolours and can be easily mixed and matched to create custom palettes.
Pan watercolours may not provide the same colour intensity as tube watercolours and can be more time-consuming to build up colour. They may also cause more wear on brushes as you need to scrub the brush against the pan to pick up colour. Additionally, keeping the pans clean and preventing colour contamination can be challenging.
