Marianne Martinez
Watercolor half pans are a convenient way to store and transport watercolors. They are available as a fixed set in a palette box with a lid or as individual pans that can be clipped into a palette box. The pans can be purchased pre-filled with paint or empty, allowing the artist to fill them with their choice of paint. The paint is typically squeezed into the corners of the pan, stirred with a stick, and left to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Artists may choose to refill their pans with tube paint to save costs and customize their palette. Proper storage of watercolor half pans involves keeping them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity to prevent mold and fading.
Characteristics and Values of Storing Watercolour Half Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage Container | Large containers, pencil tins, wooden cases, drawer units, palette boxes, plastic containers, or custom-made containers by local woodworkers |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity to prevent mold and discolouration |
| Refilling | Refill half pans with tube paint to save costs; one tube can refill a pan multiple times |
| Drying Process | Leave paint to dry for at least 24-48 hours; avoid using ovens or hairdryers to speed up the process as it may damage the pan |
| Paint Consistency | Avoid filling pans to the brim; fill only halfway to allow for proper drying and to prevent shrinkage |
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What You'll Learn
Storage container options
Watercolour half-pans can be stored in a variety of containers, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some storage container options to consider:
Pencil Cases and Tins
Pencil cases and tins are a popular choice for storing watercolour half-pans. They are often large enough to hold a significant number of pans and can be easily transported. Some artists choose to use pencil tins, which can hold a considerable number of half-pans.
Wooden Cases
For those with extensive collections, wooden cases can be an ideal solution. These cases can hold 200 or more half-pans and provide a sturdy and elegant storage option. They might be worth investing in if you're looking for a long-term storage solution.
Palette Boxes
Palette boxes are specifically designed for storing and transporting watercolour paints. They often come with a lid and a mixing tray, making them a convenient option for artists. You can also buy empty palette boxes and fill them with your choice of half-pans. This allows you to customise your palette and choose the specific colours you want.
Drawer Units
Small drawer units designed for storing art supplies can be another great option for watercolour half-pan storage. These units provide individual compartments for each colour, making it easy to organise and access your paints.
Custom Containers
If you have unique storage needs or a large collection, you might consider custom containers. Some artists have suggested working with local woodworkers to design and create a storage container that perfectly suits your requirements. This option might be more costly but could be worth it for the added convenience and personalisation.
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Making your own half pans
To make your own half pans, start by squeezing paint into the corners of the pan. Avoid filling the pan more than halfway, as this will make the drying process take longer. Stir the paint with a stick to remove any air bubbles and get the paint to adhere to the inside of the pan. You can also tap the pan on a tabletop to bring bubbles to the surface.
Leave the pan to dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours, though drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Do not try to speed up the process by applying heat, as this can melt plastic pans or create a mess. If your paint hasn't dried after several days, there may be an ingredient in the paint preventing this, and you may need to try a different brand.
Many watercolours will shrink as they dry, so you may need to fill the pans in multiple stages, allowing each stage to dry before adding more paint. You can also add a drop or two of distilled water to each pan, allow it to soften, and then add a drop of glycerine to make the paint more luscious.
You can use the pans at any stage of the drying process, and they will get harder over time as more moisture evaporates. Before each use, add a few drops of water to reactivate the paint.
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Refilling half pans
To refill a half pan, start by squeezing paint into the corners of the pan. Avoid filling the pan completely; no more than half full is good. Stir the paint with a stick to avoid air bubbles from forming and to get the paint to adhere to the inside of the pan as it dries. You can also tap the pan on a tabletop a few times to bring bubbles to the surface. Leave the pan to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, then check the results. Drying time varies depending on temperature and humidity and can take a few days. Do not try to speed up the process by heating, as this may melt plastic pans. If the paint does not dry after several days, there may be something in the paint ingredients preventing this, in which case you may want to try a different brand.
Some artists recommend refilling half pans in three stages, allowing each stage to dry before adding more paint, as this can prevent cracking and shrinkage. If you are using Cotman watercolours, you can add two drops of glycerine to prevent cracking.
One advantage of refilling half pans is that you can develop your own personal favourite colours and only buy the colours you need.
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Cost-effectiveness of half pans
Half pans are a cost-effective option for artists who want to save money while still having a variety of watercolour pigments. They are small and lightweight, allowing artists to carry a wide range of colours in a compact case without taking up too much space. This makes them ideal for artists on the go, such as those who want to paint outdoors or while travelling.
Half pans are also more cost-effective than full pans when it comes to replacing colours. For example, it may cost $3-4 to replace a single half pan, whereas a set of 12 colours may cost only $20. Therefore, if one needs to replace 5 or more colours, it is more economical to buy a new set.
Additionally, refilling half pans with tube paint is a cost-effective option. A tube of paint typically provides 2-4 refills for the price of a single half pan. Artists can also create their own palettes by refilling half pans with tube paint, ensuring they have the exact colours they need without wasting paint or spending extra money on unnecessary colours.
However, it is important to consider that full pans may be more cost-effective for artists who use larger brushes and require more paint. Full pans provide a larger surface area for mixing paints and allow artists to load more paint at once, making it easier to create vibrant washes.
Ultimately, the decision between half pans and full pans depends on various factors, including painting style, scale of work, travel preferences, and budget. Artists should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two options.
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Preventing mould on half pans
To prevent mould from growing on your half pans, it is important to ensure that they are completely dry before use. The drying process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, or even a few days, depending on temperature and humidity. Avoid using an oven or hairdryer to speed up the process, as this may cause the plastic pans to melt or make a mess. Instead, let them dry naturally.
If you notice that your pans are not drying after several days, there may be something in the paint ingredients preventing this. In this case, you may need to switch to a different brand of paint.
Once your pans are dry, you can store them in a cool, dry place. Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated and protected from moisture to prevent mould growth.
If you do find mould on your half pans, you can try cleaning them with a mixture of bleach and water or boiling water and vinegar. However, be cautious when using bleach, as it may not kill the mould but only temporarily remove the discolouration. A mild acid like Borax or Bar Keepers Friend is more effective at killing mould and preventing it from returning.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to store watercolour half pans is in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Sunlight can cause ultraviolet light that fades some watercolour pigments. High heat can also break down chemicals and cause rapid aging.
There are a variety of storage container options for watercolour half pans. You can purchase ready-made palette sets with pans included, or you can make your own palette by purchasing empty white pans and filling them with paint. You can also buy individual pans of watercolour that can be clipped into a palette box.
To prevent mould, it is important to keep your watercolour half pans in a dry place. Wet conditions can lead to mould. If you live in a humid environment, consider storing your half pans in an airtight container in the fridge.
