You make watercolor paint by mixing pigment with a watercolor medium. Generally, a 1:1 ratio of pigment to watercolor medium is a good starting point, but adjustments may be necessary depending on the pigment and desired consistency.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Gather Your Materials: You will need:
- Pigment: Choose a high-quality pigment suitable for watercolors. Pigments come in various forms, including dry powder.
- Watercolor Medium: This is the binder that holds the pigment together and allows it to adhere to paper. A common watercolor medium consists of gum arabic, glycerin or honey (as a humectant), and a preservative.
- Muller (Optional but Recommended): A muller is a glass or stone tool used to grind the pigment and medium together for a smooth, even consistency.
- Palette Knife or Spatula: For mixing.
- Mixing Surface: A glass or marble slab is ideal.
- Container: To store the finished watercolor. Small glass jars work well.
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Prepare the Pigment: If using dry pigment, check for any lumps or clumps. You may need to gently grind the pigment with the muller on a clean surface before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.
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Mix Pigment and Medium: Place the pigment on your mixing surface. Add the watercolor medium in small increments, using the palette knife or spatula to mix. Start with a 1:1 ratio (e.g., 1 tablespoon of pigment to 1 tablespoon of medium) and adjust as needed.
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Mulling (Optional but Improves Quality): If you have a muller, use it to grind the pigment and medium together. This process helps to fully incorporate the pigment into the medium and creates a smoother, more finely dispersed watercolor. Mull in a figure-eight motion, applying gentle pressure. This step can take some time (10-30 minutes), but it significantly improves the paint quality.
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Adjust Consistency: The ideal consistency is a smooth, creamy paste. If the mixture is too thick, add more medium. If it's too thin, add more pigment. Remember that watercolors should be transparent, so avoid adding too much pigment.
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Test the Paint: Apply a small amount of the watercolor to watercolor paper. Let it dry completely and assess its color, transparency, and flow. Adjust the pigment-to-medium ratio as needed until you achieve the desired results.
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Store the Watercolor: Transfer the finished watercolor to a clean, airtight container. Properly stored watercolor can last for many years.
By carefully combining pigment and watercolor medium and, ideally, using a muller, you can create your own custom watercolor paints.
