Emilie Meyer
Watercolour pans can be a convenient and practical way to paint, but one of the main problems artists face is how the paint dries. Different brands of paint dry differently depending on their ingredients, and the humidity and temperature of the environment. Some paints with honey or glycerin may not dry at all, while others may dry too hard and crack. To avoid this, some artists add a drop or two of glycerin to make the paint set softer and easier to re-wet. Others suggest filling only a third of the pan with paint and letting it dry overnight before adding another layer.
How to dry a pan of watercolours
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to dry | Overnight to a few days |
| Layers | Fill 1/3 of the pan, let it dry, then add another layer |
| Climate | Dries faster in low humidity |
| Honey-based paints | Tend not to dry at all |
| Glycerin | Reduces cracking when the paint dries |
| Heat | Pans can melt at high temperatures |
| Misting | Helps to soften the paint |
| Sunlight | May affect the colour |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of climate and humidity
The ideal humidity level for optimal drying is between 40% and 70%. If the humidity is too high, it can lead to issues such as compromised adhesion and flash rust on surfaces. On the other hand, if the humidity is too low, it can cause the paint to dry too quickly, resulting in defects and poor adhesion. These factors are particularly important when considering the long-term durability and visual appeal of the final product.
To mitigate the impact of high humidity, it is recommended to use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the environment. This can be done by renting a dehumidifier or, if available, adjusting the settings on a home heating or cooling system. Conversely, in low humidity environments, it is crucial to ensure that the paint is not too dry and that the surface is properly prepared to avoid cracking and peeling over time.
Additionally, temperature plays a role in the drying process. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can negatively affect the smoothness and finish of the painted surface, leading to potential cracks and peels. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain moderate temperatures when drying watercolour pans.
By understanding the interplay between climate, humidity, and temperature, artists can better control the drying process of their watercolour pans, ensuring optimal results and the longevity of their artwork.
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Layering techniques
Layering or glazing is a popular watercolour technique that involves applying multiple layers of paint on top of each other. Each layer of paint is left to dry completely before the next layer is applied. This technique is often used to add depth, richness, and intensity of colour to a painting. It is also useful for controlling the colour, tone, and transparency of the watercolour.
When layering watercolours, it is important to let each layer dry completely before adding a new layer. If you apply a new layer of paint too quickly, you can easily lift the previous layer, and the pigments will mix together. This technique is called
The "wet on dry" technique is the most common technique used in watercolour painting as it gives the artist the most control over their strokes. It is also a good method for adding details to the final layers of a painting without disturbing the underlayers.
You can also combine the glazing technique with other wet-on-wet methods, or use it to glaze an entire project if your painting style requires a lot of hard edges.
Additionally, the transparency of watercolours is a unique feature that can be utilised when layering. When you layer one colour on top of another, you change the value (lightness or darkness) and the temperature/tone of the painting.
Finally, it is worth noting that the drying time of watercolour pans can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used in the paint formula. Some paints may dry too hard and crack, while others may never fully dry. Adding a drop or two of glycerin can help make the paint set softer and easier to re-wet.
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The role of glycerin
Glycerin is a key ingredient in the process of drying a pan of watercolour. It is a plasticizer, added to watercolours to prevent cracking and crumbling. It helps keep the paint soft and moist, and acts as a wetting agent.
When a pan of watercolour dries out, it can shrink and become crumbly. This is where glycerin comes in. By adding a few drops of glycerin to the paint, you can prevent this from happening. Glycerin is particularly useful for paints that are notoriously difficult to re-wet, such as Viridian. It is also added to watercolours to improve their handling attributes and drying characteristics.
The amount of glycerin to be added depends on the paint brand and the pigment. Some paints, like Viridian, may need 3-4 drops, while others may only need 1-2 drops. It is important not to add too much glycerin, as this can prevent the paint from drying. It is also recommended to use a dropper for accuracy and to mix thoroughly.
Glycerin can be added to a pan of watercolour in a few simple steps. First, wet the pan and let it soak. Then, add a drop or two of glycerin and mix. Finally, allow the paint to dry. This process can be repeated in stages, allowing each layer to dry before adding more paint.
Glycerin is a useful ingredient for artists working with watercolours, helping to keep their paints soft, moist, and easy to work with.
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Honey-based paints
Honey-based watercolours have been used for centuries, with artists such as Paul Cézanne and William Turner using watercolours to create masterpieces. Honey is used as a preservative and additive, giving the paint brilliance and smoothness. Honey-based watercolours are known for their luminous, brilliant, and intense colours, which mix together perfectly.
Honey-based watercolours are created by layering small amounts of paint into the pan and letting it dry before adding a new layer. This process can take a long time, with some artists reporting that it took months for their pans to set. The paint is soft and easy to reactivate with water, but it can be difficult to get a sufficient concentration of pigment.
One advantage of honey-based watercolours is that they resist hardening on the palette or in the tube, even after months of disuse. This is due to honey's natural properties, which also allow for stronger, truer colours. Honey also acts as a natural preservative, increasing the longevity of the paint.
Artists who use honey-based watercolours praise them for their vibrant and rich pigments, with some noting that they are a pleasure to paint with due to their smooth, intense colours. Honey-based watercolours are available in a wide range of colours, with 98 colours available from some manufacturers.
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Drying time and travel
The time it takes for a pan of watercolour to dry depends on several factors, including the type of paint, the ingredients used in the paint formula, the number of layers, and the humidity and temperature of the environment. Some paints may dry overnight, while others may take a few days or even weeks. Paints with honey or glycerin added to them may take longer to dry or may not dry completely, resulting in a soft and moist cake of paint.
When travelling with watercolour pans, it is important to allow sufficient drying time to avoid potential issues. If you are travelling by plane, you may need to classify your pans as "liquid" during the security check if they are still wet. To prevent messes during travel, you can wrap each pan individually with cling wrap before packing them in your bag. Keep in mind that the orientation of the pans during travel may affect the distribution of the paint within the pan, so it is advisable to avoid shaking or dropping the palette.
The drying process can be accelerated by filling the pans partially, such as filling only one-third of the pan and letting it dry before adding subsequent layers. This method ensures that the paint dries thoroughly throughout the pan and reduces the risk of cracking and falling out. Additionally, exposing the pans to sunlight or placing them in front of a fan can expedite the drying process.
For artists who prefer softer paints, there are techniques to prevent the paint from drying too hard. Adding a drop or two of glycerin to the paint before filling the pans can help achieve a softer consistency. Alternatively, misting the pans with water before adding paint can also maintain moisture and softness. However, it is important to be cautious when using these techniques, as excessive moisture can lead to mould issues.
Overall, when it comes to drying time and travel considerations for watercolour pans, it is essential to plan ahead, allow adequate drying time, and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential issues during transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the type of paint and the humidity and heat of your environment, it can take a few days to a few weeks for a pan of watercolours to dry. Paints with honey mixed in may not dry at all.
To dry a pan of watercolours, some artists recommend only filling the pan 1/3 full and letting it dry overnight before adding another layer. This process is repeated until the pan is full. Leaving the pan open in a dry environment can also help speed up the drying process.
You can tell if your pan of watercolours is dry by touching the surface of the paint. If it is hard and no longer sticky, then it is dry.
