Liquid watercolors are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Mixing them is simple and requires only water. The key is adjusting the water-to-paint ratio to achieve your desired color intensity.
Mixing Methods:
- 1:1 Ratio (Recommended): Begin with a 1:1 ratio of liquid watercolor to water. This is a great starting point for most projects. This is supported by several sources which state that liquid watercolors are "best diluted with regular water at a ratio of 1:1" (Deep Space Sparkle).
- Adjusting the Ratio: To create a more intense color, use less water. Conversely, to create a lighter, more pastel shade, add more water. This is a common suggestion in many sources, including Deep Space Sparkle and Arts Integration.
- Mixing in a Palette: For blending multiple colors, use a palette (or a plate). Add small amounts of each liquid watercolor, then gradually add water to achieve your desired hue and consistency. Note that some high granulation watercolors may not mix well and might form clumps (Emily Wassell).
Tips for Success:
- Start Small: Always begin with small amounts of liquid watercolor to avoid wasting paint.
- Gradual Addition: Add water gradually to your liquid watercolor rather than pouring in a large quantity at once. This gives you greater control over the final color intensity.
- Testing: Test your mixture on scrap paper before applying it to your final project. This allows you to fine-tune the color and consistency as needed.
Several resources highlight the ease of use with liquid watercolors. Art Tips for Kids mentions that they “eliminate all that mucky mixing,” while Artbar notes that they are "very concentrated so not only does a little go a long way...".
