How to Make Professional Watercolor Paint

Have you ever eyed a stunning watercolor painting and wondered how it’s made? There’s something magical about the way the colors blend seamlessly, creating an ethereal, dreamlike effect. It’s no wonder that watercolors have been a favorite medium of artists for centuries. But have you considered making your own professional-grade watercolor paint?

Not only can making your own paint be a fulfilling artistic endeavor, but it can also save you money in the long run. However, finding high-quality materials and achieving the perfect consistency can be daunting tasks. Plus, with so many pigments and binders to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making professional watercolor paint that rivals store-bought brands. From selecting pigments to grinding them into a fine powder, we’ll cover all the steps necessary to create your perfect palette. So grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the world of DIY watercolor paints!

Materials Needed for Making Professional Watercolor Paint

Making your own watercolor paint allows you to have complete control over the quality of the paint, and it is an excellent way to save money. Before starting with the process, you must have all the necessary materials at hand. Here is a list of essential materials needed for making professional watercolor paints:

Pigments:

The pigment is the main ingredient in any watercolor paint. You can purchase high-quality pigments from art stores or online shops. There are different types of pigments available, including synthetic and natural pigments. Natural pigments are derived from minerals, rocks, or organic sources such as plants.

Binder:

A binder helps hold the pigment together and adheres it to paper when applied. You can use various binders such as gum arabic, honey, glycerin, or corn syrup.

Distilled Water:

You need distilled water to mix with the binder and pigment to create a smooth consistency.

Palette:

You will require a palette (plastic or glass) to mix your paints properly. It’s best if you get a palette that has several wells so that you can experiment with different colors and mixes without worrying about them running into each other.

Measuring Tools:

Measuring tools such as spoons and droppers will help you achieve consistent results every time you make new batches of paint.

Tips:

When purchasing pigments for your watercolors, ensure that they are lightfast (resistant to fading) so that your artwork lasts longer without fading.

To ensure that your homemade watercolors last longer without mold growth or contamination, use distilled water in place of tap water while mixing them.

Preparing Pigment for Making Watercolor Paint

After gathering all the necessary materials, prepare your pigments for making watercolor paint. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Grinding Pigment:

Grind your pigment into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar or a coffee grinder. You can also purchase pre-ground pigments if you do not want to grind them yourself.

Step 2: Sifting:

Sift the ground pigment through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps, impurities, or debris that may affect the quality of your paints.

Tips:

Wear gloves and an apron while grinding and sifting pigments as they can sometimes cause skin irritation and staining.

To avoid inhaling pigment dust, wear a dust mask while grinding and sifting.

Mixing Pigment with Binder to Create Watercolor Paint

Now that your pigments are prepared, it’s time to mix them with binders to create watercolor paint. Here is how to go about it:

Step 1: Mixing Binder:

Mix your chosen binder (gum arabic, honey, glycerin, or corn syrup) with distilled water in a small container. Make sure that you stir well until it’s completely dissolved.

Step 2: Adding Pigment:

Gradually add the prepared pigment powder to the binder mixture until you achieve the desired color intensity. Stir well until it forms a smooth paste-like consistency.

Tips:

Add pigment slowly to avoid over-saturating the mixture as it can become too thick and difficult to work with later on.

For more control over color intensity and consistency, add small amounts of distilled water or binder accordingly.

Drying Time for Homemade Watercolor Paints

After mixing your pigments and binders to create watercolor paint, the next step is to dry them. Here is what you need to know about drying time:

Drying Time:

Homemade watercolors take several days or weeks to dry completely. The drying time varies depending on the humidity, temperature, thickness of the paint layer, and binder used.

Tips:

To speed up the drying process, spread your paints thinly on a flat surface and expose them to air with good ventilation.

Additives to Improve Texture and Flow of Watercolor Paints

Sometimes, homemade watercolors may not have the desired texture or flow. In such cases, additives can improve their quality by altering their consistency. Here are some common additives that can improve texture and flow:

Gum Arabic:

Gum arabic is an excellent additive for improving transparency and flow of watercolors. It also helps prevent cracking when the paints dry.

Honey:

Honey acts as a humectant that keeps your paint moist for longer periods. It also improves luminosity and adds depth to colors.

Glycerin:

Glycerin helps improve the smoothness of watercolors while making them less brittle when they dry.

Tips:

Add small amounts of these additives gradually while mixing your paints until you achieve the desired consistency.

Testing and Adjusting Consistency and Color of Homemade Watercolor Paints

Testing your homemade watercolor paints is essential before using them for any artwork. Here are some tips on how to test and adjust consistency and color:

Consistency Test:

Apply a thin layer of paint on paper using a brush. If it’s too thick or lumpy, add small amounts of distilled water until it becomes smooth and easy to apply.

Color Test:

Test the color intensity of your paint by applying it to paper and comparing it with a printed color chart or commercial watercolor paints. Adjust the color by adding more pigment or binder accordingly.

Tips:

Ensure that you mix enough paint for each color batch to avoid inconsistencies in color and texture.

Safety Precautions When Making Your Own Watercolor Paints

While making your own watercolor paints, it’s essential to observe some safety precautions to protect yourself from harm. Here are some safety tips:

Wear Protective Clothing:

Wear gloves, an apron, and a dust mask while grinding, sifting, and mixing pigments as they can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.

Avoid Ingesting Pigments:

Avoid touching your face or mouth with your hands while working with pigments as they can be toxic when ingested.

Clean Up Spills Immediately:

Clean up any spills immediately using a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent staining surfaces.

Tips:

Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling pigment dust.

Storing and Caring for Homemade Watercolor Paints

Once you have made your homemade watercolor paints, it’s essential to store them correctly to ensure their longevity. Here is how to store and care for your homemade watercolor paints:

Use Airtight Containers:

Store your homemade watercolors in airtight containers such as glass jars or plastic palettes with lids. It prevents air exposure that can cause mold growth, drying out, or contamination.

Label Your Containers:

Label each container with the name of the pigment used, date made, and any additives used to avoid confusion.

Store in a Cool and Dry Place:

Store your watercolors in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture that can affect their quality.

Tips:

To keep your homemade watercolors moist for longer periods, add small pieces of wet sponge or tissue paper to the containers. It helps maintain the humidity level inside the container.

In conclusion, making professional watercolor paint requires a careful selection of high-quality materials and following a precise process. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can create beautiful and vibrant watercolor paintings that showcase their creativity and skill.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Professional Watercolor Paint

How do you mix watercolors like a pro?
When painting, be careful not to rinse the brush too much as you want to maintain the same amount of paint and water on the brush. Repeat the same painting process until you reach the center.

How do you make a good watercolor painting?
To begin watercolor painting, you will need a set of watercolors. Using a small spray bottle, a blunt art syringe, or a spoon, you can hydrate the colors you want to use. After moistening your brush with water, dip it into the pigment and apply it to the paper. This simple technique is all you need to get started.

How do you make watercolors more vibrant?
Before we start, let’s work with some new paint. Squeeze a small amount of fresh color onto your mixing surface, about the size of a pea, and do not add any extra water to your brush.

How do you make watercolors more vivid?
To achieve darker tones with watercolor pencils, apply more pressure and add multiple layers of color before washing. These pencils are particularly useful for creating small, vivid accents. After drawing them in, use a pointed round brush to wash over the area. For even more intense colors, draw directly onto damp paper. This advice was given on September 15, 2009.

Does watercolor paint consist of 5 principal ingredients?
Watercolor paint is composed of four key components, including a color pigment, a binder called gum arabic, water that evaporates during application, and additives like honey, whiskey, and glycerin that can change the strength or composition of the paint pigment while also providing preservation benefits.

What binder to make watercolor paint?
Acacia gum binder is used to disperse pigments of various colors in varying proportions to create watercolor paint.