Unlocking Watercolor Pans: Easy Techniques To Remove Them

Watercolour pans are a convenient, portable option for artists, but they can be a little tricky to get out. The paint can dry and shrink, causing it to stick to the pan and making it difficult to remove. One way to remove the watercolour pans is by digging out the dried paint with a pair of scissors or a similar tool. After removing the majority of the paint, the pan can be washed with hot water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue. This process may need to be repeated a few times to fully clean the pan. Alternatively, one can purchase new pans, which are relatively inexpensive. When filling new pans with paint, it is recommended to fill the pan a third full, let it dry, and then repeat the process two more times to prevent the paint from shrinking and leaving gaps.

How to clean out old pans and refill them with new paint

To clean out old pans and refill them with new paint, you'll first need to remove the old paint. You can do this by digging it out with a pair of scissors or similar tool. You can then wash the pans with hot water and dish soap, or leave them to soak in a tub of soapy water before giving them a good scrub. If you want to ensure they're thoroughly sterilised, you can soak them in a diluted bleach solution.

Once your pans are clean and dry, you can start the process of refilling them. This is relatively simple: you just need to fill the pans with paint from a tube and then let it dry. However, there are a few things to bear in mind that will make the process easier and more effective.

Firstly, different brands of paint dry differently, so it's worth testing how your chosen paint dries by filling just one pan to start with. You should also be careful when opening the tubes, as sometimes the pigments can become separated from the liquid vehicle. To avoid this, massage or shake the tube before opening, and be ready to catch any gushing paint in a pan.

When filling the pans, don't fill them completely—no more than half full is good. You can use a small stick to stir the paint and get rid of any air bubbles, and you can also tap the pans on a tabletop to bring bubbles to the surface. You'll then need to leave the pans to dry for at least 24–48 hours, but remember that drying time varies depending on temperature and humidity and can take a few days.

Once the first layer of paint has dried, you can fill the pans a second time, but again, don't fill them right to the top. This is because you'll need to add a few drops of clear water at the beginning of each painting session to pre-wet the paint, and if the pan is already full, there will be no room to hold the water.

Finally, make sure all your pans are completely dry before putting them in a palette box.

Why you should use tube paint to refill pans

Tube paints are a great way to refill pans and can save you money in the long run. Here are some reasons why you should use tube paints to refill your pans:

• Cost-effectiveness: Tube paints are more economical than buying new pans. A single tube can refill a pan multiple times, resulting in significant savings.
• Customisation: Tube paints offer greater flexibility in customising your palette. You can mix two different tube colours to create a unique shade and fill an empty pan. This allows you to create a personalised palette with your desired colours.
• Convenience: Tube paints are more convenient for refilling pans, especially when travelling. Carrying multiple tubes and refilling pans as needed is easier than carrying a large number of individual pans.
• Portability: Tube paints enable you to carry a wider range of colours in a smaller space. Half pans take up less space than tubes, allowing you to create a lightweight and compact travel kit.
• Ease of Use: Tube paints are easier to use and result in less waste. With tubes, you can squeeze out the exact amount of paint you need, reducing the chances of wasting paint. Additionally, tubes are already moist, so you don't need to spend time and effort rewetting the paint.
• Large Paintings: Tube paints are ideal for creating large paintings. You can quickly mix a large amount of colour on your palette and use a large brush to cover extensive areas. Half pans, on the other hand, are small and better suited for smaller brushes.
• Colour Identification: Tube paints have labels that identify the colour, making it easier to know what you're using. With pans, the colours can look very similar when dried, especially if you don't have a colour chart.
• Brush Wear: Tube paints are gentler on brushes. With pans, you need to scrub the brush against the dried paint to pick up colour, which can cause faster brush wear.

How to avoid mould when refilling pans

To avoid mould when refilling pans, it is important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, choose the right type of paint. Some paints contain honey, which can prevent them from drying completely and lead to mould growth. It is best to avoid paints with honey and opt for those that dry well, such as glycerin-based paints like Daniel Smith.

Secondly, fill the pans in layers rather than all at once. Filling a pan a third at a time and allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped at the bottom of the pan, which can lead to mould.

Thirdly, ensure the paint is completely dry before using or storing the pans. Drying times can vary depending on temperature and humidity, so it is best to allow several days for the paint to dry.

Finally, store your watercolour pans properly. If you live in a warm and humid climate, consider keeping your palette box in the fridge to reduce the chances of mould growth. Additionally, choose a suitable palette box for your needs, such as a watertight box for wet pans or a simple box with a lid for dry pans.

How to avoid air bubbles when refilling pans

To avoid air bubbles when refilling pans, you can follow these steps:

• 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.
• 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.
• Tap the pan on a tabletop a few times to help bring air bubbles to the surface.
• Allow the paint to dry for at least 24-48 hours before checking if it is completely dry. Drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity, so it's best to let it dry naturally without trying to speed up the process with heat.
• 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.
• 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.

How to label your pans

Labelling your pans is an important step in the process of making your own watercolour pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose a Labelling Method

You can choose from various methods to label your pans, such as using a sharpie marker, a waterproof pen, or adhesive labels. Some people also use clear nail polish over sharpie writing to make the labels permanent. Others suggest using special permanent pens designed for non-porous surfaces, such as the Staedtler Lumocolor or Kuretake Painty.

Step 2: Write the Necessary Information

Once you have chosen your labelling method, it is important to include key information such as the paint name, brand, and pigment number on each pan. This will help you identify the colours and their specific characteristics.

Step 3: Be Mindful of the Drying Process

When filling your pans with paint, be mindful of the drying process. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before adding labels, as this will ensure the labels adhere properly and avoid smudging. The drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity, so it is best to let it dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours.

Step 4: Consider Your Storage and Transport Needs

If you plan to transport your pans or use them outdoors, consider using a compact and portable palette box. You can find empty boxes with a built-in mixing surface or just tins with lids to protect the pans from dust. Choose a storage option that suits your needs and ensures the labels remain visible and accessible.

Step 5: Organise Your Pans

Finally, organise your pans within your palette box in a way that makes sense to you. Some artists like to arrange their colours in the order of the colour spectrum, making it easier to locate similar hues and avoid colour contamination.

By following these steps, you will have a well-labelled and organised set of watercolour pans that are ready for your creative endeavours.

Frequently asked questions