Marianne Martinez
Watercolor pans are a convenient and economical way to paint, but refilling empty pans from tubes can be tricky due to variations in paint composition and drying characteristics. Artists may face challenges such as paint separation, cracking, or shrinkage. To avoid these issues, one method involves squeezing the paint onto a towel to separate the clear binder from the pigment. Then, gently squeeze the pigment into the pan, using a spatula to fill the corners and create a smooth finish. Another approach is to open new tubes over plastic to catch the paint, wash the tube with warm water, and then transfer the paint to the pan. When refilling pans, it's recommended to fill only a third of the pan, stir with a needle to remove air bubbles, and allow ample drying time. Some artists prefer specific brands like Sennelier or Schmincke for their drying properties and rewetting capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between tubes and pans depends on personal preference, cost considerations, and the level of cleanliness and ease desired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages of filling pans in stages | Filling gaps with a new layer of paint, improving adherence of the cake to the inside of the pan |
| Paint drying | Put pans in a cupboard to dry; avoid brands that use honey in their formula as they won't dry completely |
| Paint consistency | Squeeze out clear binder first, then use a spatula to press and mould the paint into the corners of the pan |
| Paint quantity | Fill pans only 1/3 of the way |
| Paint preparation | Stir the sides and corners with a needle to release air bubbles |
| Paint drying time | Leave to set for at least a day |
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What You'll Learn
How to prevent paint cracking
When filling your pans with tube paint, you may notice some cracking or shrinking. This is due to the evaporation of water from the paint as it dries. To prevent this, you can fill your pans in multiple stages, allowing each layer to dry before adding more paint. This will also help improve the adherence of the paint to the pan.
Additionally, the choice of paint brand can affect the likelihood of cracking. Some brands may dry too hard and crack due to a lack of glycerin in their formula. In this case, you can add a drop or two of glycerin when making your pans to prevent cracking. Brands such as Daniel Smith, which are glycerin-based, tend to dry just right and reactivate easily when wetted.
Another factor to consider is the presence of a "plasticizer" in the paint formula. This ingredient, often glycerin, reduces cracking by making the paint less brittle. A "humectant", usually a type of sugar syrup or honey, is also added to preserve moisture and improve solubility.
When drying your pans, avoid using heat to speed up the process, as this can be risky and may damage your equipment. Instead, allow the paint to dry naturally, which can take a few days depending on temperature and humidity. Ensure that your pans are completely dry before placing them in a palette box to avoid colour contamination.
By following these steps and choosing the right paint brand, you can effectively prevent paint cracking when filling your watercolour pans.
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Using a spatula to fill pans
Filling empty pans with paint from tubes is a cost-effective way to create your own watercolour palette. It is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid a sticky mess!
Firstly, it is important to consider the type of paint you are using. Each manufacturer uses a different recipe, and some ingredients can affect the drying characteristics of the paint. Tube watercolours contain more glycerin to keep their creamy consistency, so they can take a long time to dry when squeezed into pans.
To fill the pans, start by gently squeezing the paint from the tube into the pan. You can use a small spatula to press down and mould the paint into the corners, ensuring that the pan is evenly filled. It is recommended to only fill the pan about one-third of the way full to allow for expansion as the paint dries.
Use the spatula to stir the paint and release any air bubbles that may be trapped. Then, use the spatula to smooth out the surface of the paint, creating a nice finish.
Once you are happy with the pan, it is important to let it dry thoroughly. This can take several days, depending on the humidity. During this time, it is best to keep the pan covered or closed to prevent dust from settling on the wet paint.
By following these steps, you can create your own custom watercolour palette and save money by refilling your pans from tubes.
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Dealing with excess binder
When filling a pan with paint from a tube, it is common to encounter some separation of the binder from the pigment. This can result in a clear, yellowish liquid (gum arabic) coming out of the tube instead of the expected paint mixture. While the amount of separated binder is usually minimal, and it is generally okay to discard it, there are a few ways to deal with excess binder when filling pans.
Firstly, before squeezing paint from the tube into the pan, it is recommended to gently squeeze the tube onto a piece of kitchen towel or similar material to remove any excess binder. This helps prevent the binder from ending up in the pan and affecting the consistency of the paint.
If there is only a tiny amount of separated binder, it is typically fine to mix it back into the paint using a thin stick, toothpick, or paperclip. This can be done directly inside the tube or after squeezing the paint out onto a palette. To facilitate the mixing process, try leaving the tube upside down for a couple of days.
Additionally, when filling the pan, it is advisable to fill it only halfway or three-quarters full, rather than to the brim, to avoid a lengthy drying process and potential mess. This also allows for refilling the pan with the same or a different colour at a later stage.
By following these suggestions, you can effectively manage excess binder when filling watercolour pans from tubes, ensuring a more pleasant painting experience and reducing waste.
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Drying and storing pans
To dry your pans, first, make sure you know how your brand of paint behaves when it dries. If your paint dries too hard, you can add a drop or two of glycerin to make it set softer and be easier to re-wet. Conversely, if your paint is not drying at all, you may want to consider switching to a paint formula that does not contain honey.
Once you have determined the drying characteristics of your paint, you can start filling your pans. It is recommended to fill your pans in stages, as this allows you to fill any gaps with a new layer of paint and improve the adherence of the cake to the inside of the pan. After filling a pan, you can put it inside a cupboard or another dry place and leave it to dry completely before putting it in a palette box.
When your pans are dry, you can store them in a palette box. It is recommended to organise your colours harmoniously, such as by placing each hue in a colour spectrum. This helps to locate similar hues easily and reduces the risk of colour contamination between pans.
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Filling half pans for travel kits
Filling your own half pans for a travel kit is a great way to create a custom palette and save money. You can buy empty half pans and fill them with tube watercolours. This method is more economical than buying pre-filled pans, and it's also less wasteful than using tube paints every time.
To fill your half pans, start by squeezing the paint from the tube onto a piece of cloth or plastic. This will help remove any clear binder that may be separating from the pigment. Then, gently squeeze the paint into your half pan, using a small spatula or another tool to press the paint into the corners and create a smooth finish on top. If you're filling a palette directly, make sure to squeeze the paint into the corners, not just a squirt in the middle.
Once your half pans are filled, let them dry completely before putting them into your palette. You can speed up the drying process by placing the pans in a cupboard or enclosed space. After the paint has dried, you can spritz it with water to "waken up" the paint and make it easier to use.
If your paint dries out and becomes hard and cracked, you can add a drop or two of distilled water to each pan, along with a drop of glycerine, and stir with a toothpick or fine object. This will help soften the paint and make it usable again.
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Frequently asked questions
First, squeeze the tube gently and mould the paint into the corners of the pan with a spatula. Then, use a needle to stir the sides and corners to release air bubbles. Finally, leave the pan to dry for at least a day.
Using pans is more economical and allows you to create a personalised colour palette. It also makes you more attentive to the colours you mix and helps you avoid using too much paint.
Some artists have noted that it can be harder to recreate certain colour combinations with pans, as you have to spritz the palette when you return to it. Additionally, using pans requires more cleanliness than using tubes.
