10 Watercolor Hacks & Secret Pro Tips You Need 2 Know!

In this watercolor hacks video, I'll discuss hacks, tips, ideas and a studio upgrade including an exploration of frisket film, mouth atomizer, Tom Lynch spray bottles, how to make easy patterns with watercolor, what to mount your watercolor paper on and how to make it strong, how to get white highlights in your watercolor, how to get more art studio storage easily, how to get sticky substances off your watercolor or art paper, how to erase watercolor and more!
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Full Length, Patreon Style Black Cat watercolor painting Tutorial with Traceable, Free to the Public!
• How to Paint a Wet in ...
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My favorite supplies(contain affiliate links and I make a small commission when you purchase something):
Paint Puck - bit.ly/3ktdbcl
PAPER
140 lb Cold Press Arches Watercolor Paper - bit.ly/38CA8r8
Fluid Cold Press Watercolor Paper - (Cheaper Option for paper) - bit.ly/39wUVwN
PAINT
M Graham Napthol Red - bit.ly/3OPm667
Winsor & Newton Colors... - Burnt Sienna - Cobalt Blue - Ultramarine Blue - Winsor Violet - Green Gold - bit.ly/3LvzJFb
Daniel Smith Colors: -DS Lamp Black - DS Holbein Aureolin - Daniel Smith Permanent Green Light - bit.ly/3y3FqGF
Wisp brush set - amzn.to/2MMbw4A
Silver black velvet brushes - I bought the set of three with the 3/4 oval.
bit.ly/3F00wHi
Asian Sumi Hake Brush Set - bit.ly/3OMIWv3
Scrubber Brushes- bit.ly/3rXGt7h
Princeton Velvetouch Size 4 Long Round - bit.ly/3s1BWRl
Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid - bit.ly/3vWq8Rk
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen in Black bit.ly/3vtHrKw
White Gel Pen- bit.ly/3s4lfol
I've also been using Holbein Soft Tape from Holbein. I have found if I leave this tape on my paper too long, it leave sticky residue. Otherwise, I LOVE it! bit.ly/3OMGJ2J
Elmer's Foam Board -. bit.ly/3F9v0qv
Pallette - bit.ly/3F0DGzk
Dot or Splat Spray Bottles -Stampendous has one at bit.ly/3MFyWlj but I haven't tried that one yet. www.artacademy... You have to scroll down and look for 'dot bottles'
everettswaterc... also has dot spray bottles. I think I like these a LITTLE better than the Tom Lynch ones.
Makeup Organizer I use to store art supplies - amzn.to/3cnam9D
Storage Bench for Art Supplies - amzn.to/32IJCdU
Gel Floor Mat amzn.to/3wyIF5X
5 inch Squeegee - amzn.to/2RjVzEE
Credit Card sized squeegee - amzn.to/3uvV88w
Samsung Galaxy - I use a Galaxy to film most of my videos! amzn.to/2IBXL5Y
SanDisk Storage for all my footage! amzn.to/3tZUYpe
Epson Surecolor P900 Printer - amzn.to/2UoSvFs
Epson Velvet Paper - (paper I use for prints) amzn.to/2K3eNKV
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[@glennmorrison7595]

The eraser is sold at Dollar Tree. It was at one time cause I got one. I love your cat and all of your videos. Dawn.

[@annibarry1338]

The northern lights painting is just… 😳✨💚😍

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Thank you Anni!

[@Rockymtnbloom]

You can use clear contact paper for masking. It is less expensive than frisket paper.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I might have to try that!

[@aesea57804]

I use clear packing tape to cover whatever I’m using for painting board. I just overlap a little and it’s done.

[@risacrawford3775]

Love the Northern Lights painting!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Thank you!

[@luannfischer747]

To make the drawers in your storage unit slid more easily, rub the bottom and top edges with a bar of soap or a candle, or paraffin wax from the canning section of grocery store

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

That's a great idea!

[@donnalowe5370]

I love the white eyeliner hack!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Glad it was useful!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Oh and just so you know Rachel, Soon Young Warren LOVES scrubbers. Enjoyed a great workshop with the Master and besides laughing a lot as she is super funny, we scrub scrub scrubbed! I love Rosemary and Co, Eradicator brushes. Wow! Gentle and work really well with thin lines or larger areas. Wind River Arts carries them here in the USA. Otherwise online from UK.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Haha cool! I live for scrubbers!

[@alisonhendry2928]

So you are in good company then..😂😂

[@patknight12]

You can also cover your backing boards with clear shelf paper. They last forever.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Oh that's a good idea!

[@brenmatthews8491]

A couple more tips! #1 there is a product called Mona Lisa Brush Shaper that works well reshaping damaged brushes #2 Mr Clean Magic erasers work wonders on removing unwanted paint splatters or stains that have dried. It takes it away completely! Love your videos!!! They are super helpful and unique. I have been binge watching your channel 😂

[@deehowe8104]

I found you recently and I really am learning good stuff for a newbie. Have not sold any yet!! I get dollar tree foam core board, cut to size, glue together. I use artist tape from amazon which comes in different sizes so I also use to make small frames on my larger journals to paint small. Have not had any sticky problems. Thank you!!!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

It's good to hear from you. Gotta love Dollar Tree!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

If you're on Facebook join my free group at facebook.com/groups/rachelswatercolorworkshop I'd love to have you there!

[@bobbiegraham7729]

The jar opener/texture hack is shelf liner, cheap at dollar store, and then you can cut any size you like. I use a sheet size to keep my brushes from rolling if I lay them down. There's also an easel brush holder on Amazon that revolves 360 that I put on a standing paper towel holder to hang my brushes to dry, and keep my favorites accessible. Last but best is gator board. It is easy to cut, lasts forever and lighter than backing board. I especially like that I can staple around the edges of a wet watercolor sheet and let it dry into a self stretched piece. Or tape around dry paper with no lifting until I want it. Love your videos. Adore your cat. 😾 Have you tried M Graham watercolors?

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Those are some great tips! The only red I use is M Graham Naphthol Red!

[@beeline22222]

Thanks for the cool hacks - fyi - crepe eraser is great for removing masking fluid!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Yes! I think I mentioned that in the video - I am going to try it.

[@tmerrytmerry]

You can also wrap your backer boards with contact paper.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Great idea, thank you Tammy!

[@judybreedlove5348]

Yes, I've done that for years. A hack from my long ago teacher.

[@alicja646]

Love your hacks, I heard about some of them before however your video is a great hack reminder. Love!

[@judybreedlove5348]

So many great "Hacks"....great video. I just saw Tom Lynch yesterday on a you tube program where he talks about his Dot sprayer.....great idea. I might have seen Cheap Joes use it many years ago....I'll check it out. He may have taken it out of inventory. Louise De Masi does use several scrubbers in her Patreon videos....just FYI, and I think I've seen the Frugal Crafter use one; but, I may be wrong on that. I think you are the only WC artist , I've seen, who uses it the most. Love the addition of the sound effects. And the makeup liner I think is the star of your show....fabulous....gonna go get me one....wait until hubby finds out why I'm buying it. He can't believe the number of cosmetic products I sometimes use...LOL Thanks for all your creative hints....love them.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I'm so glad you enjoyed everything! I took a workshop from @TomLynch years ago and they used to sell them at Cheap Joes, but not any more. I did a little more sleuthing and actually called Holbein directly and they said their dot bottles still splat, so I ordered some of those too. They haven't come in the mail yet but I'll let you know!

[@lynmeredith8405]

Great hacks! I found your video because I was searching for how to remove frisket film residue from watercolor paper. I never thought of using my rubber eraser (you call it crepe). I will try it. Sometimes watercolor washes cause the frisket adhesive to stay on the paper.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

If you leave the frisket on too long, it can get stuck to the paper, or if your frisket has gone bad it will not be easy to remove from your paper

[@margiekersey8808]

I use blue painters tape to hold my paper down when painting. Am I the only one who does this? It works great and comes off easily.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

It comes up for me. I just discovered a newer tape I LOVE - Holbein Soft Tape on DickBlick.com.

[@vickipeck3624]

Cadmium, cobalt, and gum arabic are all toxic if ingested. I’m worried about Kitty drinking that water. I hope that’s not your rinse jar. Also-I love your videos!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

She doesn't drink paint water, and I've kept her alive for 18 years, so I'm doing something right : ) Thank you for watching my videos!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

@@LCLand it's a clean jar

[@sophiemessenger5472]

Rachel, I love this video. Thank you ❤

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

My pleasure!

[@karenburns4106]

My favorite part is watching your Kitty. Looks just like mine.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

She is very proud of herself lol

[@Beencouraged777]

Cat was thirsty😊

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

She's obsessed with my paint water

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

I love your hacks. I use the hanging my brushes with Velcro. Thank you.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Oh Velcro is a great idea!

[@BarBaraWhorleyCrawfordESS]

@@user-bt4uu9gc6h it’s perfect for me. I do my top brushes this way. So I know right where they are when painting. Sometimes I even put them in size and type order if I’m feeling OCD. MOSTLY I just look up and choose. 🤗🤣🤣🤣

[@crystalheart9]

Great hacks! Thank you so much. Sadie knows she is the star of the show ✨🎇✨

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

She knows that yes, but she knows everything else too ; )

[@victoriousvalentine9779]

Rub some soap or a candle along those sticky drawers and the runners so the drawers will slide more easily.

[@977400Dana]

I just discovered your delightful channel watching the hack video! Love all of the hacks and I will definitely like and subscribe! I’ll be checking out your other videos too. Thanks!!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Thanks for leaving a note! What are you interested in painting?

[@teresajordao6634]

Thank you very much for the usage tips and product presentation!😍😘😘

[@kathiegettinger8374]

FUN! Thank you!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

My pleasure!

[@Nasauniverse001]

Rub a candle on drawer runners to ease the sticking.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

That's a great idea!

[@NicoleRoy-Artist]

Another amazing video, Rachel....love it...XOXO I had "sorta" made my own Dot bottles last summer...which I had no clue they sold these and were a thing...lol...I used tiny spray bottles from dollar store and made a light wash color and spray it where I want....but it isn't as strong color as yours!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I think I got too much paint in mine lol. I also would like to tone down how technicolor they looked because I was spraying pure color. So much experimenting I want to do, so little time!

[@NicoleRoy-Artist]

Oh...I thought yours was gorgeous!!!!...looks great! XOXO I so know about wanting to do so much and so little time....haha!

[@violinamore1927]

You might find dotbottles in former use for hairproducts or cleaning products. Overhere you get them when you buy glasses. They’re filled with a cleaning product for your glasses. Great hacks👍

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Good idea and thank you!

[@gerrycook7566]

I use magnet clips on the side of the refrigerator to hang my watercolor brushes to dry.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Great idea!

[@danafraley5206]

I want to paint the Northern Lights!! It is the best!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

They are so inspiring, I agree!

[@EnjoyDrawingwithMary]

wow! these hacks are great and I like your cat! I'm still not using most of them but who knows?! I'm a watercolor fan too and I loooove fantasy landscapes and fairies! Maybe one day you make me one fantasy themed? :) have a great day Rachel! :)

[@Nasauniverse001]

Love the oooo! and aaaahhhhh!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Heehee thanks : )

[@deborahthompson3847]

Always appreciated!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Ok so where does one buy that eye liner? Loved this idea. Seems way better than a wax candle that you can’t control, as well.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I got it on Amazon

[@viviandibrell849]

This was a really good hack video! I have played with the dot bottles for a while and find them really difficult to control but maybe I should try again because your tree was beautiful. Don’t use M Graham watercolors in the dot bottles because the honey makes the sprayer jam! Love the friscut hack....I have only seen pastel artists use. I just bought a tablet of Dura Lar Wet media film. I am Going to use it for experimenting on my watercolor or acrylic paintings without actually changing the painting. It is clear and will take wet media and wipe off. 💕 LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!

[@viviandibrell849]

By the way my black cat, Merlyn, who is pretty deaf, heard the oohhs’s and aahh’s of the sound effects! 🙀😹

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Ooooh, I might have to play with that Dura Lar! That's a great idea! And good to know about M Graham : ) I find Tom Lynch's bottles a little too hard to control. My old Holbein bottles were better. I actually just called Holbein this week to ask about them and they said all their bottles do the splat thing so I ordered some from Vermont Art Supply, which is right next door almost to the Holbein Headquarters! Eagerly awaiting their arrival.

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

Thanks so much!!

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

You're welcome!

[@AyaSmith]

I guess I don’t use a scrubber? I have a stiff brush and I use to lift but I feel like your brush looks more.. perfect 😄💖

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I used to use an old oil painting stiff brush until I discovered these scrubbers.

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

You can find that eraser in the dollar tree

[@judybreedlove5348]

Yes. I 've always used it for removing masking fluid.

[@mariakellner5429]

Use a cake of dry soap on those sticky draws along the runners lol.tfs

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Thanks for the tip!

[@annibarry1338]

Feel free to pet the pretty Kitty while you chat to us, it will help make her want to stay 😅

[@RebekahLeaPhelps]

What’s the difference between hot and cold press paper? How do you know when to use hot pressed I think cold pressed is probably the most common. I’m a new subscriber to you.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Hi Rebekah! The video I publish tomorrow 1/13 will be all about hot press!

[@phillipstroll7385]

Do we get actual originals or prints of originals?

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

$18 tier gets an original I mail quarterly

[@tilliefowler7963]

Please tell me what type of tape are you using. It’s the green tape in this video. Thanks

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

It's called frog tape.

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

I guess you can tap a candle also, instead of the gel?

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Yes!

[@Rockymtnbloom]

You are so funny! Hey what was the brush you had that looked like a big rake ?

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Maybe a whisp or rake brush? Where was I using it?

[@tiffannyvarga]

I love the tips! Is the cat drinking paint water? :O

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

No she doesn't drink paint water : )

[@Bunnykisses1000]

Be careful with kitty drinking your paint water as ingesting paint is highly toxic. Love your content! ❤️…and love kitties.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

Yes I have to trick her with her own clean jar because she insists on drinking from my rinse water jar.

[@timbeal5167]

Go to your local hardware store , bring the atomizer and get the proper size hose to slide over the blow pipe . THEN YOU CAN USE IT WITHOUT PUTTING YO HADE NEAR YO WORK .

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

That's a great idea! I don't use my atomizer a lot but if I did a tube would be very helpful.

[@barbibarnum]

I looked for Tom Lynch’s channel and found it but don’t see a link for the dot sprayer. Can you link us here?

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

They are about halfway down the list on www.artacademylive.com/monthly_specials.cfm

[@barbaramilbradt2188]

You could try sanding the drawers or cover edges with Duct tape.

[@judybreedlove5348]

Or use soap along the edges.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I'll definitely try that.

[@brendawhaley7094]

If I did that I would be so dizzy

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

haha!

[@RebekahLeaPhelps]

I don’t understand why you’re using a backing board

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

To tape my paper too so when it dries it dries back flat not buckled

[@moniquecaton3285]

In the 70s, if we had drawers that were hard to open and close like that, we would rub candle wax on them.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

I'm going to try that. Thank you Monique!

[@Meticularius]

5/5/2021 USA Grandpa Bill: Your cat does not like videotaping. Your attention is elsewhere and he has lost his imperial authority.

[@user-bt4uu9gc6h]

You clearly 'get' my cat : )