How Long Does Watercolor Paint Last?
Dry pans can remain usable for years when kept clean and dry.
Dry pans can remain usable for years when kept clean and dry.
Tube paint can crack after drying because of its formula, a very deep fill or rapid drying.
Some pigments naturally settle into the texture of the paper, creating granulation.
Lightfastness describes how well a colour resists fading under light.
Transparent paints allow more light to pass through the colour layer, while opaque paints cover more strongly.
Labels may identify pigment codes, lightfastness, transparency, staining and series price.
Six to twelve carefully chosen colours are enough for a flexible beginner palette.
Pans are tidy, portable and easy to control in small amounts.
Student paint uses economical pigments or more binder, while artist paint usually offers stronger pigment load and clearer pigment information.
Start with a small set of clearly named colours from a dependable manufacturer.