Why Do Watercolor Paints Crack in a Palette?
What beginners should know
Tube paint can crack after drying because of its formula, a very deep fill or rapid drying. Fill wells in thinner layers and allow each layer to dry before adding more paint.
Paint behaves differently according to pigment, binder and manufacturing formula. Colour names are not standardized, which is why pigment codes and manufacturer charts are useful. Keep a swatch of every colour on the paper you normally use, label it clearly and compare dry colour rather than relying only on the wet paint in the palette.
For this part of your watercolor setup, Mijello Airtight Watercolor Palette — 18 Wells is helpful because it includes a seal-able palette that helps tube paint stay protected between sessions.
A practical checklist
- Read pigment and lightfastness information where available.
- Start with fewer useful colours instead of a novelty collection.
- Keep pans dry and tube threads clean between sessions.
Try this today
Create a labelled dry swatch for every paint you own. Include the brand, colour name and pigment code where available. The finished chart will reveal duplicates and make it easier to choose replacements.
Build confidence with the $27 Beginner Watercolor Bundle: four complete paintings broken into six manageable steps, with the sketches and palettes provided.
The bottom line
A small, dependable collection is easier to understand and maintain than a crowded one. Choose supplies deliberately, care for them consistently and let your real needs guide future purchases.
A helpful alternative is Holbein Fine-Mist Spray Bottle — 2 oz, particularly for painters who want a fine mist for rewetting palettes without flooding the paint.
Helpful Watercolor Supplies
Two supplies that fit this topic:
- Mijello Airtight Watercolor Palette — 18 Wells — seal-able palette that helps tube paint stay protected between sessions.
- Holbein Fine-Mist Spray Bottle — 2 oz — fine mist for rewetting palettes without flooding the paint.
