9 Essential Tips for Using Watercolor Paint Tubes

Discover 9 essential tips and tricks for using watercolor paint tubes in this insightful tutorial. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, these tips will guide you through the process of using this versatile medium.

From keeping the paint soft to squeezing the right amount on your palette, we’ve got you covered. Learn the importance of cleaning dried paint off the caps and uncover the secrets of opening tubes without any spills. Get ready to unlock the full potential of watercolor paint tubes!

Discover 9 essential tips and tricks for using watercolor paint tubes

These tips are designed to enhance your watercolor experiences and maximize the value of your watercolor art supplies. Get ready to elevate your art with these expert insights!

1. Why tube paint is preferred: Understand the advantages of tube paint over pans, including better control, precise color extraction, and extended paint freshness.
2. Properly opening tube paint: Learn the best techniques for opening tube paint without spills, including twisting the cap off, using a knife, or cutting it open with caution.
3. Squeezing the tube without a mess: Avoid pre-squeezing tubes by ensuring the cap isn’t too tight or obstructed by dried paint. Use needle nose pliers to loosen a tight cap, and clean any dried paint from the cap with a brush or your finger.
4. Finding the right amount of paint: Once the cap is loose, squeeze an ample amount of paint onto your palette or mixing surface. It’s better to squeeze out more than you think you need to avoid running out mid-painting. Wipe off any paint that accumulates on the cap area while it’s still wet.
5. Mixing paint like a pro: Start by pre-wetting your brush to ensure smooth application. Dip the brush in water and rub it against your palette to load it with paint. Be mindful of over-mixing, as it can lead to a loss of color intensity. Additionally, avoid excessive water to maintain control over colors and values, preventing your palette from becoming flooded.
6. Harnessing the power of pure paint: There are instances when you’ll want to use paint straight out of the tube. This is particularly useful for adding accent colors or applying a thicker wash. To do so, remove the cap and squeeze the desired amount of paint onto your palette. You can also scrape a small amount onto a separate surface for future use. Remember not to over-mix the paint and avoid inserting your brush directly into the tubes to prevent damage and color contamination.
7. Keeping your paint moist: To prevent your paints from drying up while painting, especially in dry environments or during extended sessions, have a mister bottle filled with clean water nearby. Spritzing your paints intermittently will help keep them moist and workable.
8. Storing tubes when not in use: If you won’t be using the tube paint immediately, it’s advisable to store them in a cool, dry place. A ziplock baggie can also be helpful, especially for longer-term storage. Avoid exposing the paints to freezing temperatures; if you have a studio in a garage, bring them indoors and store them in a closet.
9. Rescuing dried tube paint: Don’t despair if you’ve accidentally let your tubes of paint dry out. There’s still a chance to salvage them! Add a few drops of water to the dried paint and knead it gently. This process will help rehydrate the paint and restore its workability.

Best way to store watercolor paint tubes

The best way to store watercolor paint tubes is to keep them in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Here are a few tips for proper storage:

• Store vertically: Stand the tubes upright in a box, drawer, or container. This helps prevent the paint from drying out or separating.
• Label the tubes: Use a permanent marker to label each tube with the color name or code. This makes it easier to find the desired color quickly and prevents confusion.
• Keep caps tightly sealed: Make sure the caps on the tubes are tightly closed to prevent air from entering and drying out the paint.
• Use airtight containers: If you want extra protection, consider storing the tubes in an airtight container or a paint storage box designed specifically for watercolor tubes.
• Organize by color: Arrange the tubes by color families or in any way that makes it easy for you to locate and access the colors you need.

By following these storage practices, you can prolong the shelf life of your watercolor paint tubes and ensure that they remain in good condition for future use.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips, you can ensure that your watercolor paint tubes remain in optimal condition, ready to unleash your creativity whenever inspiration strikes. Stay tuned for more valuable insights on mastering watercolor techniques!