DIY Watercolor Paints: Step-by-Step Instructions and Fun Ways to Use Them

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own watercolor paints? It's easier than you might think and can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only is it a great way to exercise your creativity, but it's also a way to control the quality and ingredients of your paint. In this post, I'll guide you through the steps of making your own watercolor paints, and also share some fun ways to use them.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To make your own watercolor paints, you'll need a few basic supplies:

• Dry Pigments: You can find these online or at an art supply store. Choose the colors you wan to make.

• Gum Arabic: This is a binder that holds the pigments together. It's available in liquid or powdered form.

• Honey or glycerin: This helps keep the paint moist and workable.

• Small containers: You can use empty half-pans from watercolor palettes, or buy them on Amazon. You just need a small container of some kind.

• Dropper or pipette: This will help you measure the amount of water and binder you need.

• Water: Distilled water is best, but tap water will work.

Step 2: Mix Your Paint

Now that you have your supplies, it's time to mix your paint. Here's how:

• Put a small amount of dry pigment into a container.

• Add a few drops of gum Arabic and mix well. You want the consistency to be like toothpaste.

• Add a drop of honey or glycerin and mix again.

• Add water slowly, mixing as you go. You want the paint to be the consistency of heavy cream.

• Repeat for each color you want to make.

Step 3: Let Your Paints Dry

Once your paints are mixed, leave them to dry. This can take a few days to a week depending on the humidity in your area. You'll know they're ready when the surface is dry and they're no longer sticky to the touch.

Step 4: Have Fun With Your Paints!

Now that you have your homemade watercolor paints, it's time to get creative. Here are some fun ways to use them:

• Paint a watercolor portrait or landscape.

• Use them to create a colorful background for your calligraphy or hand lettering.

• Create a gradient effect by mixing two colors together on your paper.

• Use a white crayon to create a resist effect, then paint over it with your DIY watercolors.

• Paint a set of notecards to give as gifts.

Making your own watercolor paints can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to experiment with different colors and consistencies, but you also get to create something that's truly unique. So gather your supplies, mix your paints, and let your creativity run wild!