Easy Paint Removal From Half Pans

Watercolour pans are a great option for artists who want something convenient, easy to use, and portable. Filling your own pans with watercolour tubes can also save you money.

To get paint out of a half pan, you can use a metal palette knife to pry the paint out in pieces. You can also try wetting the pan and using a butter spreader or paint knife to transfer the paint. If the pan is plastic, you can use tin snips to cut open a couple of corners, then break away one end or a side, and the dry paint will probably pop out.

Using a palette knife to pry out the paint

If the paint is particularly stubborn, you can try adding a small amount of water to the pan and allowing the paint to soften before using the palette knife to pry it out. You could also try cutting open the corners of the pan with tin snips or cutting pliers to make the process easier.

Once you have removed the paint, you can then use the palette knife to transfer it to a new container or palette well. If the paint is dry and crumbly, you can add a small amount of water to help it stick to the new surface.

It is worth noting that this process can be time-consuming and messy, so it is recommended to wear appropriate protective clothing and cover your work area before beginning.

Adding glycerin to the paint to prevent it from drying out and cracking

Adding glycerin to paint is a great way to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Glycerin is a humectant, which means it helps keep things moist. When added to paint, it can slow down the drying time, giving you more flexibility while you work.

If you're looking to add glycerin to your paint, here are some steps you can follow:

• Start by purchasing food-grade or medical-grade glycerin from a pharmacy. You won't need a large amount, and it shouldn't be too expensive.
• Prepare your paint pans by filling them about one-third of the way with paint. You can use a toothpick to stir and ensure the paint fills the bottom of the pan.
• Let the paint dry completely. Depending on your environment, this could take a couple of days.
• Once dry, add another layer of paint, filling in any gaps created by shrinkage. Repeat this process a total of three times. This will help reduce the amount of shrinkage and create a smoother surface.
• After the final layer of paint is dry, add 2-3 drops of glycerin to the pan and mix it in with a palette knife or toothpick.
• Allow the paint to dry again. As it shrinks, keep adding more fresh paint and a drop of glycerin until the pan is full.
• Store your paint pans in a well-ventilated area to prevent mould. You can also dry them in the sun or in a warm place like near a heater, but avoid extreme heat that could melt the pans.

By following these steps, you'll end up with paint that stays moist and flexible for longer, giving you more time to work and reducing the chances of cracking and crumbling.

Choosing the right type of paint for your palette

• If you like to craft your own colours, opt for a palette with ample mixing areas. Look for deep wells if you're thinning acrylic paint or using watercolours, and larger flat surfaces for mixing with a palette knife.
• Plastic palettes are the most common type, as they are easy to clean and affordable. They come in various shapes, including the traditional wooden palette shape with a thumb hole, and can be stained by paint pigments.
• Paper palettes are convenient and cheap, but they can be hard to use with a palette knife and create more waste.
• Wooden palettes are traditional but tend to absorb too much paint, so they are not ideal for acrylics or watercolours.
• Glass palettes are favoured by many professional artists as they provide a smooth surface for mixing and can be easily cleaned. However, they tend to be large and heavy.
• Ceramic palettes are commonly used by watercolour painters but can also be used with oils or acrylics. They provide a smooth surface for mixing and stay relatively cool, slowing the drying time of acrylic paint.
• Stay-wet palettes are ideal for acrylic painters, as they can keep paint workable for hours or even days. They typically consist of a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid, a sponge, and palette paper.
• The type of paint you use will also depend on the surface you are painting on and the desired effect. For example, if you are painting on canvas, you might want to consider tube paints that can be squeezed or dripped directly onto the surface.

Filling the pans in stages to prevent cracking and improve adherence

Filling the pans in stages is a good way to prevent cracking and improve adherence.

Firstly, squeeze a little paint into your pan, filling it about halfway. Stir the paint with a toothpick or a blunt needle and allow it to dry. Once dry, fill the rest of the pan, not completely to the top, and stir again. Allow to dry, in a well-aired place.

Filling the pans in stages like this will reduce the amount of shrinkage that occurs as the paint dries. This method also allows you to fill any gaps and improve the adherence of the paint to the inside of the pan.

It is important to note that different brands of paint dry differently, so you may need to experiment to find the best method for your specific paint. Some paints may benefit from the addition of a drop or two of glycerin to prevent cracking.

Organising your pans by colour spectrum

When organising your pans by colour spectrum, it is important to remember that different colours may have different drying times and that some colours may be harder to place than others.

Firstly, you will need to decide on a colour spectrum that works for you. While some people may opt for the traditional ROYGBIV spectrum, others may prefer to organise their pans from dark to light or even group similar colours together.

If you are using the ROYGBIV spectrum, start by placing your red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet pans in a row, in that order. Then, decide where you want to place your white, brown, grey, black, gold and silver pans. For example, you could place gold with cream and silver with grey, or you could put all your metallics together.

If you are organising your pans from dark to light, start by placing your darkest pans on the left and your lightest pans on the right.

If you want to group similar colours together, separate your pans into three or four groups, depending on how you want to organise your spectrum. Then, within each group, organise your pans by colour, placing them in a row from dark to light or vice versa.

Remember to leave some space in each pan for mixing and to always shake your tubes before filling your pans. Good luck!

Frequently asked questions