Paintmaking 101: Tools & Set Up | How to make handmade watercolor paints

[@OtoKano]

ABOUT PROPORTIONS: this video is specifically about the tools you'll need. I will go into how to make the paints in another video. Having said that, pre-made binders usually come with a general instructions (or on their website) of proportions. Schmincke & Kremer's one definitely does. Schmincke: www.schmincke.de/en/products/mediums/binders/watercolour-binder-ready-to-use.html Kremer: shop.kremerpigments.com/en/mediums-binders-und-glues/water-soluble-binders/mediums-und-natural-gums/5921/kremer-watercolor-medium After that, it is just trial and error. as you guessed correctly, some colors will need more binder than others and that is something you learn through practice.

[@waltpierluissi2301]

I have done it and I want to share one thing I did and looks like it worked fine.... I had a bunch of Soft Pastels I did not use anymore from Blick Art Store in US, I have decided to grind these colors and create some watercolor with them... I have created my own formula of binder by using a home made Gum Arabic, Glycerin and honey and grind all together over a glass surface with a glass muller.... The watercolor came out vibrant and I test the Light Fastness and looks like its OK.... A good way of having a good quality watercolor for a very reduce price!!!!

[@SpiritBear12]

The chalky kind of pastels or the oil kind?

[@OtoKano]

I love love love this idea! A good quality soft pastel would be just packed full of pigments. What a great and fun idea, thank you for sharing it with us :D

[@waltpierluissi2301]

not the oil one.... it have to be the chalky one.... You can buy a mid range set and it will work just fine, the secret is in the mixture of Gum Arabic, few drops of Glycerin and a drop of honey into it.... you will be amazed with the results.... It will be moist and good quality watercolor....

[@SpiritBear12]

Thank you

[@Sandrinesgallery]

What a great idea!

[@metralla]

One thing I found is very useful in scrapping the paint off the board is to use a silicone spatula. I removed the handle on mine, it makes it easier.

[@carleighbeth1]

An old microwave rotation plate. They're a heat treated high impact glass as well. And the feet on a non-slip mat would hold it.

[@yellow2615]

I made my own pigment out of foraged material, plus things like avocado, cabbage, and orange peels. They are not light fast. It’s so fun.

[@LeySketch]

I'm sorry I'm late watching this! I love how in-depth you talk about everything, and how you're so dedicated to showing up the most cost effective way to get these materials. I'm excited to see your video on making the paints themselves now!

[@OtoKano]

Aw thank you for watching the video! Yes, that video is coming up soon :D

[@MeowMeowKapow]

When I started paintmaking, I got the pigments both online and at a single shop sort of near me for....well, the cheapest ones I could find. Instead of a muller and slab, I used a ceramic mortar and pestle. It works okay, but it’s very clearly not the best way to do this. And then I just used other stuff from around the house, like honey I had, gum Arabic is gotten in a kit a while ago, and random spoons, tiny silicone spatulas, and palette knives. I do like your idea of using a glass cutting board as your slab! That’s pretty clever!

[@OtoKano]

You are the queen of DIYing all your tools. I love it!

[@cbrisalchemist6887]

I found 2 table top glass pieces at a charity store...they are tempered and thick. Each was under a dollar. They were originally for tops of furniture so very strong. Even if I were to go buy them new they would be cheaper than from an art supply house. The dollar tree, in the US, is great for “art supplies” for measuring, scooping, spray containers, and even the non slip mats...each thing is a dollar. I would rather spend the money on pigments and good quality binders. I find the muller to be important for quality and ritual...the feel of the larger muller in my hand, the weight, the smooth glass...it’s all so soothing. Thank you for your channel. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🦹🏻‍♀️

[@paulareeveslmt]

Thank you for this very informative video!

[@silkeschumann7261]

5:02 you can always experiment with your own mixture of gum Arabic, ox gall, honey and or aerosol and if you feel really experimental try an Asian binder like rabbits glue, anything that is water soluble and binds with paper and preferably survives aging without discoloring the piece over time or loosing its binding properties.

[@OtoKano]

Thank you so much for your tips!

[@WeblightDreams]

This video was so helpful. Thank you! I have been wanting to make my own handmade watercolors.

[@skyricharde6629]

Best paint making tutorial on youtube! Thank you!

[@bergettepigments]

Thank you for this video! This helped me get started, and now when people ask me how to get started I direct them here! Thank you for providing a video that shows how accessible this is!

[@lindyashford7744]

Hi Oto, great timely video again! Do you know whether bought liquid gum arabic ( I have a jar of Jacksons own) can be used ?

[@OtoKano]

Yes absolutely!

[@AlfineteSnape]

This is absolutely awesome! Just out of curiosity, because I can't seem to find it anywhere: why does the mueller have to be glass? Could you use, for example, metal?

[@GinaRodas]

Glass is a more chemistry thing to work due to it is easy to clean and the side in contact with humidity cant be oxidated. And more, some pigments may be get oxidated when in touch with metal

[@bruceosborne1892]

Great video. Thanks.

[@creativesolutionstoart]

What would happen if I just use mortar and pestle? Especially if I'm using really small amounts? Thank you so much for the video

[@MaryJane-ug3eu]

Honestly that sounds like a great idea, let me know how it goes🤞

[@bzegrl]

Lindsay #thefrugalcrafter sent me here. Excellent, informative video! Thank you.

[@OtoKano]

Thank you so much for coming over :D

[@julienotsmith7068]

I keep three or four squares of the non-skid mat on my desk, it keeps water jars and palettes and whatever else from sliding around if/when you bump the work table.

[@aaronhobson7674]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@swipeswifejess3234]

Hey, thanks! I've been interested this in for a long time. This is really a great info list.

[@paulcognito]

I wonder if an erlenmeyer flask would work as the glass muller

[@aprilstark8887]

So looking forward to your next video on making the paint!!!

[@OtoKano]

Thank you!

[@Sandrinesgallery]

What a terrific, informative video. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@OtoKano]

You are so welcome Sandrine, thank you for watching :D

[@dionysiakos]

i know this is old, but i wonder if you can use old makeup palettes for the pigments. my sister is throwing out her palettes and it seems like it's going to waste.

[@angelicau.4609]

Omg. That's a great idea

[@bellavita2005]

Personally, I doubt they would not have much tinting strength nor be light-resistant. However, in truth, I am not a chemist.

[@SunshineLeclair]

thanks for sharing and the tips in the comments are great too!!! Thanks all ;)

[@OtoKano]

You're so welcome Leclair, thanks for watching!

[@nekochii911]

Could you use a glass mortar and pestle instead of a mulling plate?

[@SuzanPetersen]

I have a question. So when you add the paints to the pot I know you’re supposed to let them dry and you can wait and add more. Of course you wanna use the same color so how do you do that without the color drying out on the glass that you just created and poured in that one pot? I’m going to attempt this today

[@fionnawheatley9095]

Some one else on KZbin said they put it in a sealed jar in the fridge and it stayed wet for a week..

[@Pancuronium_]

I’m so late on this video, but this is awesome! Thank you so much! One question is left on my mind: Why do you spray distilled water on the paint?

[@dedesu3]

Great information thank you.

[@OtoKano]

You are so welcome, thank you for watching the video.

[@fridas.1560]

Many thanks for sharing! I'm am intrigued also by the proportions of pigment Vs binder to get a good mix. Any tips where one can consult for more specific formulas? Lots of places (such as Cornelissen's website) say "add a bit of pigment" and "add bit of binder" but are not so useful...as I can imagine formulas might change for types of pigments. Maybe blues need more than browns...or the other way around, who knows...Any tips would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks in advance

[@OtoKano]

Pre-made binders usually come with a general instructions (or on their website) of proportions. (Schmincke & Kremer's one definitely does if you google it) After that, it is just trial and error. as you guessed correctly, some colors will need more binder than others and that is something you learn through practice.

[@asESUas24]

Hi Oto! Thank you very much for the video - it is very useful. So far I only made some metallic watercolours. However, I would love to give a go to "proper" pigments not just mica powders. I know that some paints/ pigments would granulate more than others. Did you experience difference in paints granulation depending on how long you were mulling the pigment + binder at all? Thank you.

[@OtoKano]

a tiny bit, yes, but not as much as people thing it will. The mulling process doesn't really grind down the pigments much, it only acts to coat the pigment particles with the binder.

[@yashviCalligraphy]

Hi , I am actually making paint till date using pigments but now I want to do using mica - is the process same . And where can I get mica powder

[@heitorspirandellilopes7350]

Whats the right percentage of gum arabic, glycerin and honey used for watercolor vehicle? Do I have to add some destilared water aswell? Thanks!

[@shifakaisyah8445]

I have searched on local online shop that sell pigment powder for resin, soap, and eye shadow. Are those pigment can be used as watercolor paint?

[@nekochii911]

They can be however the lightfastness of those pigments is questionable

[@Abeer_magde]

Can I figure out the pigment ratio in the one color I make? If i made small pan How many grams of pigment for the binder?

[@Squiddlezz]

this might be a dumb question, but can you use mica powder as a pigment?

[@marljuliedelossantos5319]

Squidny you can

[@stellabella00]

Can I use a large ceramic plate as a mulling board? Thanks!

[@soon_to_emerge]

The surface for mulling has to be abrasive. I believe ceramic plate is too smooth for that.

[@myrathjanssen1938]

How long does it normally take for homemade watercolor pans to dry?

[@OtoKano]

It really depends on so many things, the recipe, the pigment, the surrounding temperature, humidity. But we are talking in terms of several weeks at least.

[@myrathjanssen1938]

Thanks for the response @@OtoKano I thought after 2 days something was wrong since my paint wasn't dry yet :-)

[@pogogogo9002]

Glass plate from an old printer

[@victorpierrey4028]

I'm sorry but you're not explaining the propotions in this video so how are we supposed to do?

[@OtoKano]

Victor, this video is specifically about the tools you'll need. I will go into how to make the paints in another video.

[@OtoKano]

Also, pre-made binders usually come with a general instructions (or on their website) of proportions. (Schmincke & Kremer's one definitely does if you google it)

[@dollya1]

Nice that you share, but it's not relax to see constantly your hands moviing up and down,