Watercolor Paints

Start with a small set of clearly named colours from a dependable manufacturer.

Student paint uses economical pigments or more binder, while artist paint usually offers stronger pigment load and clearer pigment information.

Pans are tidy, portable and easy to control in small amounts.

Six to twelve carefully chosen colours are enough for a flexible beginner palette.

Labels may identify pigment codes, lightfastness, transparency, staining and series price.

Transparent paints allow more light to pass through the colour layer, while opaque paints cover more strongly.

Lightfastness describes how well a colour resists fading under light.

Some pigments naturally settle into the texture of the paper, creating granulation.

Tube paint can crack after drying because of its formula, a very deep fill or rapid drying.

Dry pans can remain usable for years when kept clean and dry.