Tutorial: How To Make Watercolor Paint

In this video I show you how I make my hand made watercolour paint.
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If you would like to see me then please consider checking me out on of social media:
Patreon: / penholderart - where you can find a step by step (coming soon)
Instagram: / penholderartuk
My Website/webstore: danbarrettart.co.uk
My Kofi Account: kofi.com/penholderart
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Music By Kevin Macleod

[@sarahquilt6687]

That blue looks so different when it was fresh and moist versus when it had dried in the pan. Very cool to see it like that.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

when it paints out it looks more like it does when wet :)

[@EveBolt]

The part where you refill the pans with fresh paint is super hypnotizing. Maybe refilling pans would make for a nice "zen" video lol I love that you show all the steps in this video, including wrapping! It's the most time-consuming, yet the most hidden part of the process.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I was really keen to show the wrapping after comments from both you and Oto sharing the same toils i have. Its part of the process that most dont think about. I got your email, thanks for the tip, im not sure i can turn the auto focus off, i might have to find an app to override the control.

[@12Squared]

thank you for being both clear AND honest about this. people seem to believe handmade watercolor is just too expensive, and seeing it this way it makes it very clear that you're really barely making back the cost and time for doing something that you enjoy! And we get to have the finished result!

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Thank you, I always try to be as transparent as possible.

[@sarahquilt6687]

I think it's amazing that you include an actual swatch of the paint with the pan. From other sellers if anything is included it's usually a printout and it doesn't match what the paint actually looks like. So that's really fantastic of you.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

glad you like it!

[@pch3339]

Do you have an online shop? I would rather buy from a straightforward honest artist like you, who explains and shows the process than from those who tend to be misleading as to how big/small the product is.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Sure it should be in the description of the video. Https://Danbarrettart.co.uk

[@pkcxyz]

Me too

[@mojedrugieja6769]

This was an interesting watch, thank you for making this video!

[@MalamikArt]

I loved watching this so much! So zen ...

[@notevenalittle8363]

Thank you for sharing your process. Beautiful color.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Thank you so much!

[@dakotaflores56]

They look like cute little caramel candies 😂 love the video ♥️

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Thanks!

[@WeblightDreams]

Wow, those are a lot of steps, but they do look quite lovely at the end. :) This is very interesting, I would love to make some for myself, maybe some day.

[@findingagain]

So far you're the only person I've watched that's mentioned using non-liquid gum arabic. Also, preserving extra paint for the second pour. Thank you!! One question though, if it's okay. What is (roughly) the ratio of gum arabic to water it's dissolved in? Is it included in your step-by-step on Patreon?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Thank you, I'm glad you found it helpful. I recommend that you experiment with different ratios of gum Arabic to water. The minimum I recommend is 1/4 Arabic to water. If you use too little Arabic you will find that the pigment won't adhere to the paper.

[@findingagain]

@@Dan.B.Artist Got ya. Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely play around with it and see what works out.

[@That1HippieChick]

Hi, completely new to your channel! Subscribed and bought three half pans! Excited to give them a try! 😃✌️🎨

[@huntermarlette3415]

Where do you get your PB29 pigment? It’s much more vibrant than others I’ve seen.

[@SuperUsername147]

I have a question from a safety standpoint. I understand that initially you need to be working in a well ventilated area with a dust mask, but during the bulk of the mulling process when dust is no longer an issue, is it safe to mull for example in my living room while watching tv to pass the time? I only plan on purchasing nontoxic pigments to begin with and don’t plan on selling anything (at least not right now). I’m just very interested in the process and think it would be a fun project for myself.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

yes once the dry pigment has been mixed into the binder, it is safe to remove the mask. The danger with pigments is having them inside the body. So if it's all mixed in there should be no loose pigment for you to breath in. Just make sure it you don't eat the paint :)

[@Nasreenart]

I loved watching the process, it is facinating and so intricate. I never knew it took so much time. Quick question, could you dry the paint in a dehydrator, one that does not heat up?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Im glad you enjoyed watching. I can but i would then need to find space a dehyrator and it would also increase the production cost which means i would have to put my prices up. Also im not sure it would work. The paints might react when they are taken out of the dehydrator.

[@Engelhafen]

Add gylcerine and honey

[@kayagms]

Hi, you only mention 2 product in the mixture. But before u pour the powder, there is something on the glass board already, than you pour the gun Arabic then you get another bottle of something, but u never mention what is was. Explain please.

[@onetinyPOP]

He said he's keeping things a secret so go to Arleebean KZbin and she gives you FULL recipes ! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Enocia]

I'm curious to know where you get your pigments. I don't know where to looook. D:

[@pewpewcat7679]

Guess he's not telling... he could have answered people though and stating as much

[@t1mema]

I believe he uses kremer pigments but I'm sure any pigment will do

[@Bhodisatvas]

I saw your ultramarine on Oto Kano's channel, it looked so intense! :)

[@pch3339]

Thank you for sharing!! I was looking for a vid on how to make these after I got ripped off online :(

[@ektamehandimagicindian1999]

Great

[@user-xo4jd4ot8s]

considering making my own cobalt blue. saw some really cheap pigment for pottery glaze baking. Is there any difference?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

depends if the cobalt pigment is true cobalt pigment. If it is and is ground finally enough it should work the same

[@bobbikalule]

Thanks for this video. You are the first that I have seen put some of the watercolor in the tubes. Does it firm up a bit in the tube as it gets hard in the pan. I know it does not get hard, but does it firm up? Thanks in advance.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

It depends on the pigment. Some will thicken slightly as the pigment continues to absorb into the binder. It would take a very long time to go firm.

[@pch3339]

You make it look so relaxing (even though it's labouring hard work!) :) Thank you for explaining the process clearly and thoroughly, now I understand why these tiny things are so can be pricey. I wanted to ask though about the larger looking pans that I noticed in the vids, are these called full pans and the little ones the half pans?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Yes lots of steps! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes the large ones are full and the smaller ones half at half the size of the full pan.

[@steffy2]

Just a quick question : is the flat mulling surface important or can it be done in small and smooth glass bowls as well?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

It could be done in a bow but i imagine it would take longer, make more mess and it might be more difficult for harder to mull pigments.

[@veevee7561]

hey, very nice that you share your process! I was wondering if you make paints a few months prior to selling them? have you ever had issues with mould in your watercolors?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Yes it usually takes around 6-8 weeks for the whole process from making, drying and wrapping. I don't have mould issues as the paints are left to dry. I also use essential oils to help as a preservative

[@cosmowanda8783]

A really great video 😍 in how many layers do you let the colors dry and how long does it take to dry?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

It varies on the pigment and the weather on how long it takes to dry. its usually 4-5 layers i do it in so that I can cram as much paint into each pan.

[@elena8953]

Thank you very much for this video! I have a question for you: where do you put your pans to dry? I'm wondering if keeping them in an open space might compromise the pans because of dust and impurities. Thank you in advance!

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I keep themn the open. They don't take too long to dry

[@YourMajesty143]

@@Dan.B.Artist - You said it takes 10 days at 5:25. That's alot of time for dust and other impurities to collect on the open pans.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

@@YourMajesty143 they are kept in a drawer so that dust doesn't collect on the pans

[@rabiakos7202]

Hello, this is very great instructive video, thanks for making this❤ and I want to ask you a question, after making the paint and putting in the pan, should we dry it outside, ı mean not in fridge right? And the time for drying is 10 days right? Thanks for all these 😊

[@Dan.B.Artist]

yes dont dry in the fridge, the average drying time for a first pour is around 10 days but it depends on the pigment, how much humectant you use and your local weather. Dry climates will dry quicker than more humid ones

[@Sololad]

U sounded so much more lively

[@suhelavaneerten419]

Soo pretty :) Why you wrap them twice? Thanks!

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I wrap them three times! once in protective wax paper to help prevent the paint sticking to the the wrap and to keep the paint fresh, then again in decorative foil so that it looks nice then finally in the paint wrapper.

[@suhelavaneerten419]

@@Dan.B.Artist Haha i don't count the label as a wrap. But thanks! I now understand 👍🏻

[@rescuepommom]

what was the name of the other ink maker? inkbolt? i couldn’t understand tysm

[@Lemu_with_a_shirt]

Evebolt, she's a watercolour art youtuber, would recommend her stuff.

[@ucc1481]

What made it lightfastness in the complete process?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Lightfastness is based on the pigment use rather than the process :)

[@sayrewilkin-dalby619]

Seems like dude could really use a solid rubber spatula.

[@vmercado02]

Hello, I’m interested in making my own water color paints for my personal use. How much pigment would you suggest I need to make maybe two or three half pans for myself? And I don’t believe you mentioned in this video, but how much gum arabic should I be using? Is there a ratio of some sort? Thank you, I enjoyed this video so much ❤️

[@jotunnhime]

You can check out arleebean she made a video about making watercolor binder she has ratios there but she did say that shes only been doing it for a year and there's more improvements that can be done on the recipe she is sharing, but since she did make good watercolors from them I think it's a decent base recipe, good luck I'm gonna try it soon I'll let u know how it goes :) Also she used gum Arabic powder not crystals.

[@vmercado02]

@@jotunnhime thank you for the response, I appreciate it.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

It varies by pigment there isn't really a recipe for how much binder to pigment to add, it's more trial and error. For a recipe try googling there are lots out there, these can also be tweaked.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I would be careful with paint makers who don't sell their paints, not because they arent good but because of volume. Making on a selling scale you go through a lot of batches which show up all the issues and problems with either the binder, pigment or technique a lot more and a lot quicker. it took me nearly three years to perfect my recipe and techniques and I've made a hundreds if not thousands of pans in that time frame. And there is always still room for improvement and tweaking :)

[@rammisalami]

Do you think I could use this process but substitute in water color inks or colored inks from Doc Martens instead of powder pigment? I love my inks and wanted to make them more easy to travel with!

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I don't think it would be possible as the pigment powder helps absorb the liquid and makes it into a "cake". The only way I can think of is if you added a powder such as chalk to the mix but this was change the consistency, performance and quality of the PH martins which you wouldn't want.

[@rammisalami]

@@Dan.B.Artist thanks so much! I was in Blick talking about it with one of their pro’s and they said a similar thing. As well as not being too sure what other retardants might be in the inks to keep them in a liquid state. Not even sure they would rewet lol But we came to a similar conclusion of possibly mixing it into a pastel like media or even possibly the animal fur glue that The Gambai watercolor pans are made with. But I’ll be doing some trial and error and get back to you with results!! Sincere thanks for actually replying!

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Still waiting for you to offer ultramarine...you are always sold out.. you have a reputation for the BEST ultramarine ever.....

[@rescuepommom]

where do u buy your pigments? ty

[@Dan.B.Artist]

I buy from several companies including Kremer, Cornellisens, De Kat & Guerra

[@katet.6165]

Hi can i use mica powder to make some watercolor?

[@Lemu_with_a_shirt]

Yes you can, any pigment that's insoluble in water can be made into watercolour (though they do differ in how easy they are to use and how nice the final product it). Almost all commercial shimmery watercolour paints are mica based.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Yes you can make paints with mica powder, in experience I find better success if you use the mica with mixed with a pigment.

[@amberstarriray5204]

hows the lightfastness ?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Ultramarine blue is a highly lightfast pigment

[@Achatfell]

My paints never seem to shrink too much. They could use a second pouring but only so that the surface is even... Am I doing something wrong?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

It varies depending on the pigment and how much paint you want in a pan. It does take time for it to shrink at least a week.

[@sunnycharacter]

Someone should engineer a specific palette knife for this that’s straight edge on one side/length, then a slight up curve on the other making the surface stir easier! Is there such a thing?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

That would be amazing! I think the closest thing would be cheese knife but I don't think I like the odds of me losing a finger!

[@sunnycharacter]

@@Dan.B.Artist 🥴 Yeah, it would have to be an angled or beveled edge for sure!

[@oliviacampbell6623]

Hey!! I’d really like to buy some of your paints and help support your business... do you ship to the US by any chance? Thank you!! Keep doing what you’re doing! Your doing great!!!!

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Thanks, yes I ship worldwide.

[@oliviacampbell6623]

Penholder Art awesome!!! I will definitely be ordering from you soon once I get paid 😂

[@kworthy]

Hi do u ship to the U.S

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Yes

[@lefthandstory1280]

Awesome friend,greatjob,like it😃😃✌️...

[@koskey06]

Dude u need a plastic puddy knife to scrape the paint back to the middle

[@pkcxyz]

Don't your hands hurt when you warp them

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Not really it is a bit fiddly though!

[@ryanembry9875]

You added honey, didn't you?

[@sarahquilt6687]

Shhhhhhhhhhh

[@Engelhafen]

you’re doing a tutorial without mentioning ingredients 🙈

[@Dan.B.Artist]

yes..

[@Engelhafen]

@@Dan.B.Artist why?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

@@Engelhafen because there is more to making paint than following a recipe, also I've worked hard on perfecting the recipe over several years why should I share that with everyone else, coco coloa doesn't share their recipes?

[@faeriewhispers2171]

@@Dan.B.Artist This is just a video of how you make your paint with bits of commentary. A tutorial would be instructional teaching. This video is more of an advertisement for selling your handmade watercolor-which there is nothing wrong with - but it shouldn’t be labeled as “tutorial”.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

​ @Faerie Whispers I am planning on doing a full course next year. This video shows the process behind making paint from a business view including all the product wrapping which a lot of people forget about.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

This is right up my alley...except now i can not be around ANYTHING that goes airborn. Wish i lived next door...if time is a factor for you....its not for me. Nothing like retirement and not being able to get around very well. Still waiting for ultramarine...i must have missed it when you offered....boo hoo

[@shannonericksen1291]

So, actually this isn't a video on how to make paint since you won't actually give all of the ingredients

[@Dan.B.Artist]

there's more to it than an ingredient list.

[@sarahshaw5360]

What's the point in making a how to video if you don't want to say what the ingredients are?

[@Dan.B.Artist]

To show the process of how to make the paint. Google has plenty of recipes but you can't Google what it's actually like to make.