3 ways to use watercolor tubes

If you're new to watercolor painting, you might be confused about how to use tube paint.  Here are my 3 favorite ways to paint with watercolor tubes. 

From the tube

01

Painting from the Tube

This method makes it easy to mix up large batches of colors.  Simply squeeze paint onto a mixing palette, add water, and paint. 

Poured in a mixing palette

02

Using a Mixing Palette

This method uses fresh paint poured into a mixing palette.  Look for a mixing palette with a lid to keep the paint dust-free. 

Dried in Pans

03

Dried Watercolor Pans

Since watercolor reactivates with water, this is a convenient way to use watercolor tube paint! Pour the paint into empty paint pans. Let it dry for a few days. 

Make sure to swatch your colors!

Dried watercolor paint pans can look different, so it's important to swatch your colors. 

Learn more  about painting with watercolor paint