Cody Casey
Filling up a watercolour pan from a tube of paint is a cost-effective way to replenish your paint supply. It is a simple process that involves squeezing the paint into the pan and leaving it to dry. However, some paints may shrink or crack as they dry, so it is important to choose a good-quality paint and to fill the pan in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding more paint. Some artists also recommend adding a drop or two of distilled water or glycerine to the pan to prevent cracking.
Characteristics and values of filling watercolor pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost-effectiveness | Refilling pans with paint from tubes is cheaper than buying new pre-filled pans |
| Paint Brands | Schmincke, Maimeri Blu, Old Holland, Daniel Smith, Daler Rowney, Nobel, M. Graham, Grumbacher’s Finest, and Cotman are some brands that can be used to refill pans |
| Paint Quality | Artist quality paint is recommended for refilling pans |
| Stirring | Stirring is not necessary unless there is a big separation of pigment from the medium |
| Drying | It can take several weeks for a newly filled pan to dry fully. Covering the pan while drying prevents dust from settling on the paint |
| Air Bubbles | A pin can be used to remove air bubbles |
| Water | Adding a drop of water to the paint will give it a smoother look |
| Glycerine | Glycerine can be added to the paint to prevent cracking |
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What You'll Learn
Filling pans with tube watercolours
Filling your pans with tube watercolours is a simple process that can save you money in the long run. It also allows you to create a custom palette and is more environmentally friendly than constantly buying new pans.
To begin, make sure you have your pans close by before opening the tube. Gas may have built up inside if the tube has been stored for a long time, so when you open the cap, the paint may start gushing out. Squeeze the paint into the corners of the pan, filling it no more than half full. You can use a spatula or a needle to press down and mould the paint into the corners, making sure the corners are filled.
Next, you'll want to get rid of any air bubbles. Stir the paint with a stick or needle and tap the pan on the table a few times to bring any remaining bubbles to the surface. Leave the pan to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, but be aware that drying time varies depending on temperature and humidity and can take several days. Do not try to speed up the process by heating, as you may end up melting the pan or making a mess.
Once the first layer is completely dry, you can add another third of a layer. Repeat the drying process, then fill the final third of the pan and leave it to dry. This will allow the paint to dry flat, instead of bumpy or hollowed out.
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Removing air bubbles
When filling the pan, start by squeezing the paint into the corners and edges of the pan. This helps the paint adhere to the inside of the pan as it dries. Avoid overfilling the pan—leave a small reservoir at the top to make it easier to form a pool of water and activate the watercolours.
To remove air bubbles, use a small stick, such as a toothpick or the end of a brush, to stir the paint and release any air bubbles that may have formed. You can also tap the pan on a tabletop a few times to help bring air bubbles to the surface.
Repeat the filling and drying process 2-3 times, filling the pan a third full each time. This helps prevent shrinkage and creates a stronger adhesion between the paint and the pan.
Make sure all your pans are completely dry before putting them in a palette box. The drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity and can take a few days.
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Drying pans
Once you've filled your pans with paint, the next step is to let them dry. If you've filled the pans directly in your watercolour box, make sure the box is covered or closed while they're drying, to prevent dust from settling on the paint. It's normal for the paint to take several weeks to dry fully. After about 24 hours, it will be touch dry, but there will still be wet paint underneath the dry "skin" on top.
If you're using Schmincke tubes to make pans, you don't need to add glycerine. Just shake the tubes, partially fill the pans, and stir with a toothpick, then allow the paint to dry. If you're using other brands, such as Cotman, Art Spectrum, or W&N, you may need to add a drop or two of glycerine to each pan. If you're using Daler Rowney watercolours, be aware that they can be quite runny, so fill the pans little by little.
Some pigments will dry in the pan with a weird texture or cracks. This is normal and nothing to worry about. If the appearance of the paint bothers you, you can add a little water and it will dry with a more even and smooth look. You can also fill the pans in several stages, allowing each layer to dry before adding more paint, to prevent the edges from pulling away from the sides of the pan and sinking in the middle.
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Recommended paint brands
When it comes to choosing a paint brand for your watercolour pans, there are a variety of options to consider. It is important to note that the quality of the paint is more important than the brand itself. However, here is a list of some recommended paint brands for filling your watercolour pans:
- Winsor & Newton: This is a widely available and well-known brand that offers both student-grade and artist-grade paints. Their Cotman line provides essential colours at a more affordable price point.
- Jacksons Art: Based in the UK, Jacksons Art offers worldwide shipping at reasonable rates. Their professional-grade watercolours are more affordable than big-name brands, making them a great option for those on a budget.
- Old Holland: This brand offers artist-quality paints, as mentioned by Ida Andersen Lang in her video on refilling watercolour pans.
- Maimeri: The artist-quality line, Maimeri Blu, is recommended by both Ida Andersen Lang and Jenna Rainey, who has created an "Ultimate Guide to the Best Watercolor Paint".
- Schmincke: Ida Andersen Lang mentions using their Horadam artist-quality watercolours. Schmincke is also praised by a Reddit user for its satisfying pour and dry properties.
- Daniel Smith: While this brand may be prone to shrinking and cracks, as noted by a Reddit user, it is still recommended by Ida Andersen Lang and has been used by another artist on Reddit.
- White Nights: This Russian brand offers watercolour paints that are a bit harder to come by, but they are worth considering if you can get your hands on them.
Remember, the choice of brand ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific colours you desire. It is always a good idea to invest in artist-quality watercolours to ensure the best results and a more enjoyable painting experience.
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Cost comparison
Filling up a watercolour pan from a tube of paint is a cost-effective option for artists. Buying pre-filled pans can be up to five times more expensive than buying tubes of paint and refilling the pans. This makes tube paints a budget-friendly option for artists who use a wide range of colours.
Artists can save money by investing in tubes of paint and refilling their pans as needed. This method is not only cost-effective but also convenient, as it allows artists to create their desired colours by mixing and matching different tubes of paint.
When it comes to tube paint brands, artists have a wide range of options to choose from. Some popular brands include Schmincke, Maimeri Blu, Daniel Smith, and Old Holland. While the price range of these brands may vary, artists generally recommend using artist-quality watercolours for the best results.
Additionally, it's worth noting that some paints may shrink or crack when dried in the pans, which can be a concern for artists. To address this, artists can add a drop or two of distilled water to the pan, allowing the paint to soften, before adding a drop of glycerine to reduce cracking. This process may vary depending on the paint brand and the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Overall, refilling watercolour pans with tube paint is a cost-effective option for artists, offering flexibility and the ability to create customised colours while saving money in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
Buying pre-filled pans can be expensive, so it is recommended to buy tubes of paint and refill your pans. This can be up to five times cheaper.
There are several ways to fill your pans. One method is to fill the pan 1/3 full and let it dry for a few days. Once dry, add another 1/3 layer and repeat the drying process. Finally, fill the pan completely and let it dry. You can also add a drop of distilled water to the pan and stir with a toothpick if you want a smoother finish.
It can take several weeks for a pan to dry fully. After about 24 hours, the pan will be touch dry, but it is important to keep it covered to prevent dust from settling on the paint.
Some good brands of paint that work well for filling pans include Schmincke, Old Holland, Maimeri Blu, and Daniel Smith. It is recommended to use artist-quality watercolours.
