
Watercolour pans come in two sizes: full pans and half pans. The latter are half the size of full pans. Filling a half pan with paint is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips that will help you get the best results. First, shake the tube well. Hold the tube with one hand at the bottom and gently squeeze it as you take the lid off. Squeeze a small amount of paint into the corners of the pan and half-fill it. Stir the paint with a toothpick and allow it to dry. Once dry, fill the rest of the pan, leaving a small space at the top. Stir again and leave to dry in a well-aired place.
Characteristics and Values of Pulling Paint from a Half Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | Watercolor |
| Paint State | Dry |
| Paint Consistency | Hardened, gooey, or dried in layers |
| Tools | Toothpick, palette knife, paint knife, butter spreader, Gerber multi-tool |
| Techniques | Scraping, prying, scooping, or digging out paint |
| Challenges | Messy process, tedious, time-consuming |
| Refill Option | Buying new pans or refilling with tube paint |
| Refill Considerations | Cost, convenience, paint wastage, storage |
| Environmental Factors | Humidity, temperature, airflow |
| Drying Time | 24-48 hours, or more depending on conditions |
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What You'll Learn

Spritz with water to soften
Spritzing with water is a great way to soften paint in a half pan. This method is ideal for watercolour pans, which are typically dry. By adding a bit of water, you can transform the hard cake of paint into a usable, soft consistency.
To do this effectively, use a spray bottle to spritz a light mist of water over the paint in the half pan. Allow the paint to sit for about 30 seconds to a minute to soften. You can adjust the amount of water you spritz depending on the consistency you desire. It is important to note that adding too much water can be messy and may affect the binding agents in the paint.
If you don't have a spray bottle, an alternative method is to use a wet brush to activate the paint. Simply rub your damp brush onto the paint in the half pan. However, this method can be harder on your paintbrush and make it tricky to control the amount of water added.
Spritzing with water is a convenient way to soften paint in your half pans and create beautiful watercolour paintings. It is a simple technique that allows you to easily adjust the consistency of your paint to your desired preference.
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Scrape out with a knife
To remove paint from half-pans, you can try to physically dig it out with a pocket knife. Some paints are gooey, while others are hard and require a lot of digging. If the paint is dry, it will be easier to pry out with a palette knife. Try to pry up a corner, and if it looks like it will peel, continue to peel the paint out. If not, scrape out as much paint as possible.
If the paint is wet, it will be messier, but you can still use a palette knife to scrape out as much paint as possible. If the paint has started to get holes in the middle, place the pans in a small airtight container to prevent evaporation and wait a few days before digging the paint out. You can spritz the pans with water until the paint is soft and then scoop it out with a butter spreader or paint knife. You might need to add more water during the process.
After removing the paint, save the empty pans so you can fill them with tube paints if you want to use pans again.
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Squeeze paint into corners
Squeezing paint into the corners of a half pan is an important step in the process of preparing your own paint pans. This technique ensures that the paint adheres well to the pan and creates a smooth and even paint cake. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:
Start by shaking the tube of paint well. Some colours tend to separate in the tube, especially if they have been stored for a long time. Hold the tube with one hand at the bottom, on the widest part, to have better control over the flow of paint. Gently squeeze a small amount of paint into the corners of the half pan. It is important to start by filling only the corners and not adding too much paint at once. This helps to create an even distribution of paint and prevents the pan from overflowing.
Use a toothpick or a blunt needle to stir the paint gently. This ensures that the paint is evenly mixed and helps to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed. Air bubbles can cause cracks and uneven drying, so it is important to remove them. You can also tap the pan gently on a tabletop to bring any remaining air bubbles to the surface.
Once you have stirred and tapped the pan, let it dry. Drying times can vary depending on temperature and humidity, so it is generally recommended to let the paint dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoid using an oven or hairdryer to speed up the process, as this may melt plastic pans or create a mess. After the initial drying period, check the paint and if it is still soft, let it dry for a few more days.
If you are filling a palette with multiple pans, it is best to fill and dry one pan at a time. This way, you can ensure that each pan is filled correctly and avoid any mistakes that may occur when working with multiple pans simultaneously. Once the first layer is dry, you can add more paint to the pan, filling it closer to the top but leaving a small space for mixing. Stir the paint again and allow it to dry completely.
By following these steps and squeezing paint into the corners of the half pan, you will create a well-prepared paint pan that is ready for use. This technique ensures that your paint is evenly distributed, free of air bubbles, and securely adhered to the pan, providing a smooth and enjoyable painting experience.
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Stir with a toothpick
When filling a half pan with paint, it is important to ensure that the paint is evenly distributed and free of air bubbles. This is where a toothpick comes in handy.
First, squeeze some paint into the pan, filling it only halfway. Use a toothpick to gently stir the paint, pushing it into the corners and nooks and crannies of the pan. This helps to ensure that the paint is evenly distributed and that there are no air bubbles trapped in the paint. Stirring with a toothpick can also help to smooth out the top of the paint, making it easier to dip your brush into when you are ready to paint.
Additionally, a toothpick can be useful for creating a colour guide. After stirring the paint with a toothpick, wipe the excess paint onto a palette. Use this paint to create a small dot on a scrap piece of paper. Label the dot with the corresponding paint colour. This colour guide will help you keep track of your paint colours, especially if you are using custom colours or mixes.
When dealing with minor imperfections or small areas that need touch-ups, a toothpick can be a precise tool. Dip the tip of the toothpick into the matching paint and carefully fill in the desired area. This allows you to make detailed adjustments without affecting the surrounding paint.
Stirring with a toothpick is a simple yet effective technique that can enhance your painting experience. It ensures even paint distribution, helps with colour organisation, and facilitates precise touch-ups.
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Allow to dry
Allowing your paint to dry is an important step in the process of filling half pans. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through this stage:
Layering and Drying:
Start by squeezing paint into the corners of the half pan and filling it halfway. Use a toothpick or a fine tool to stir and smoothen the paint, ensuring it adheres to the pan's inner surface. Then, allow the paint to dry completely. This first layer drying is crucial, and you can speed it up by placing the pan in a well-ventilated area. A windowsill is an ideal spot, as suggested by artist Jane Blundell.
Adding More Paint:
Once the first layer is dry, you can add more paint. Fill the pan close to the top but not completely, and stir the paint again with your toothpick. Now, let this second layer dry. This two-stage process ensures the paint dries thoroughly and helps prevent issues like paint shrinkage or pulling away from the pan's sides.
Drying Time and Conditions:
The drying time for each layer can vary depending on temperature and humidity. In low-humidity conditions (below 20%), a full half pan may dry within a couple of days. However, in high-humidity environments (above 50%), it could take a week or longer. To speed up the drying process, keep the palette open, lower the humidity, and increase airflow around the paint. Avoid using ovens or hairdryers to accelerate drying, as this may damage the paint or the pan.
Labelling and Storage:
Before placing the half pans into a closed travel palette, ensure they are completely dry. Label each pan with the paint colour to avoid confusion. If you have young children or pets, keep the half pans out of their reach during the drying process and storage.
Refilling and Cost Considerations:
Refilling half pans with paint from tubes is a cost-effective option. A single tube can refill a pan multiple times, making it significantly cheaper than buying pre-filled pans. When refilling, pay attention to the paint consistency and separate any clear binder that may have formed before filling the pan.
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Frequently asked questions
First, shake the tube well. Squeeze a little paint into the corners of the pan and half-fill. Stir the paint with a toothpick and allow to dry. Once dry, fill the rest of the pan, stir again, and leave to dry.
The drying time depends on the temperature and humidity. In low humidity, the paint should be dry in a couple of days. In high humidity, this could take a week or more.
You can try spritzing the paint with water until it is soft, then scoop it out with a butter spreader or paint knife. You could also try using a palette knife to pry the paint out.
Avoid wetting the paint as this will make it gooey. Try to pry up a corner with a palette knife and, if it looks like it will peel, continue to peel the paint out.
This is the binder separating from the pigment. Take a piece of kitchen towel and gently squeeze the tube to remove the excess binder.

























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