Pan Watercolors: Small, Mighty, And Portable

Watercolour pan sizes vary depending on the brand and the type of pan. The standard sizes are full pans, half pans, quarter pans, and eighth pans. Full pans are roughly equivalent to a tube of watercolour paint but in portable form, and half pans are half the volume of a full pan. Quarter pans are a fourth the volume of paint of a full pan, and eighth pans hold a eighth the volume of paint of a full pan. The dimensions of a pan will depend on the brand, with slight variations between manufacturers. For example, the dimensions of a Winsor and Newton Artists half pan are 19mm x 15mm at the top and 17mm x 14mm at the bottom, with a height of 8mm. The capacity of a half pan is typically around 1.5ml to 2ml, while a full pan has a capacity of around 3ml.

Half pans are half the volume of full pans

Watercolour pans are available in a variety of sizes, including full pans, half pans, quarter pans, eighth pans, and shell pans. The size of the pan will determine the volume of paint it can hold, with half pans holding half the volume of full pans.

Half pans are a popular choice for watercolour artists due to their compact size and portability. They typically measure 15mm x 19mm and have a depth of 10mm, resulting in a capacity of approximately 1.5ml to 2ml of paint. This smaller size makes them ideal for travel sets, allowing artists to carry a range of colours without adding excessive weight to their art kit.

In comparison, full pans are larger and hold twice the volume of paint as half pans. They usually measure 18mm x 28mm and have a similar depth of 10mm, resulting in a capacity of approximately 3ml to 3.5ml. While full pans offer a greater paint capacity, they are bulkier and may not fit as easily into travel watercolour tins or cases.

The choice between half pans and full pans depends on the artist's preferences and painting style. Half pans are often recommended for those who paint with small to medium-sized brushes (sizes 2-8), work in sketchbooks or on a smaller scale, or desire a lightweight and compact option for travelling. On the other hand, full pans are suggested for artists who use larger brushes, paint on a larger scale, or want the most paint capacity for their money.

It's worth noting that the actual volume of paint in pans can vary slightly between different manufacturers, and some artists choose to overfill their pans to create a "pillow top" effect. Additionally, the depth of the pans may differ, affecting the overall capacity.

Quarter pans are one-quarter the volume of full pans

Watercolor pans are available in various sizes and types, allowing artists to customise their palettes. Quarter pans are one-quarter the volume of full pans, and they are made of metal. They are much flatter than full or half pans and have more surface area relative to their volume. This allows the artist's brush to manoeuvre more easily while saving space and weight in the palette. Quarter pans are ideal for the ultra-light traveller who wants to save space and weight in their kit. They are also suitable for artists who enjoy painting on a small scale.

The volume of a quarter pan is equivalent to that of two eighth pans. Eighth pans hold one-eighth the volume of paint of full pans and are also made of metal. They are much smaller than full or half pans and are ideal for artists who want to travel very light or paint on a miniature scale.

Full pans are roughly equivalent to a tube of watercolour paint but in a portable form. They are ideal for artists who use large brushes, paint on a large scale, or want a studio set. Half pans are half the volume of full pans and are small and lightweight. They are suitable for artists who paint with small to medium-sized brushes, work on sketchbooks, or paint on a small scale.

Watercolour pans are also available in other sizes, such as mini sample sizes and shell pans.

Eighth pans hold one-eighth the volume of full pans

Watercolor pans are available in a variety of sizes, including full pans, half pans, quarter pans, and eighth pans. Eighth pans are made of steel and designed specifically for use with watercolor paints. They are much flatter than full and half pans, providing more surface area for the volume, which allows your brush to maneuver easily while saving space and weight in your palette.

Eighth pans are one-eighth the size of full pans and quarter pans are one-fourth the size of full pans. Natural seashell pans, which are the original paint holders, hold roughly the same amount of paint as eighth pans.

Eighth pans are ideal for storing colors that you don't use as frequently and for sampling new colors. They are also a good option for those who want to save space and weight when traveling. When building a palette, it is recommended to use a combination of different pan sizes to suit your specific needs and preferences.

The volume of an eighth pan is one-eighth of what a full pan can hold. This makes it a convenient option for artists who want to experiment with new colors or store less frequently used shades. Additionally, the compact size of eighth pans helps optimize space and weight in a travel palette.

Shell pans hold the same amount of paint as eighth pans

Watercolor pans come in a variety of sizes, including full pans, half pans, quarter pans, and eighth pans. Each size serves a different purpose and is compatible with different travel boxes/tins. For example, full pans are ideal for those who use large brushes, paint on a large scale, or want the most financially economical option. On the other hand, half pans are recommended for those who want a balance between space and paint quantity when travelling.

Natural seashell pans, or shell pans, are another option for artists. Shell pans are made from natural seashells and are sorted to fit within a narrow size margin. They are more time-consuming to create, which is why they are more expensive than eighth pans. Despite being thicker than eighth pans, shell pans hold roughly the same amount of paint.

Shell pans are compatible with travel tins of magnetized pans, and they can also be added to bijoux boxes if the insert is removed. They are a great option for those looking to avoid plastic, work on a small scale, or inject some fun and fantasy into their travel palette.

Overall, shell pans offer a unique and natural way to carry and store watercolors, providing a balance between space and paint quantity while adding a touch of creativity to your art supplies.

Full pans are ideal for large brushes and large-scale painting

Watercolour pans come in a variety of sizes, including full pans, half pans, quarter pans, eighth pans, and shell pans. Full pans are ideal for large brushes and large-scale painting. They are perfect for artists who want to paint with large brushes and cover more surface area.

Full pans are equivalent in volume to a tube of watercolour paint but in a portable form. They are twice the size of half pans, four times the volume of quarter pans, and eight times the volume of eighth pans. Full pans typically have a capacity of 3ml, but this can vary slightly between brands.

When choosing between full and half pans, it is important to consider your painting style and needs. Full pans are ideal for artists who prefer using large brushes and painting on a large scale. They are also a good choice for a studio set that will not be travelled with, or for a travel set with only a few colours. Additionally, full pans are recommended for colours that you tend to use up quickly, such as whites, greys, earth greens, and yellows.

Full pans offer a better value for money as they provide more paint for the price. They are a good option for colours with low tinting strength, as you will need to use more paint to achieve the desired effect. Full pans also provide more surface area for your brush to manoeuvre, making them ideal for large brushes.

When deciding between full and half pans, consider the size of your palette and how much paint you want to carry. Full pans take up more space and are heavier, so they may not be suitable for travel palettes or for artists who want to carry a wide range of colours. In such cases, half pans or smaller sizes may be a better option.

Frequently asked questions