How to Make Liquid Watercolor Paint

Creating your own liquid watercolor paint is a fun and cost-effective way to explore your artistic side. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, this DIY project allows you to customize colors to suit your needs and preferences.

How to Make Liquid Watercolor Paint

Homemade liquid watercolor paint can be made using simple, non-toxic ingredients, making it a great option for kids and adults alike.

In this guide on how to make liquid watercolor paint, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to create vibrant and versatile liquid watercolors right at home.

Why Make Your Own Liquid Watercolor Paint?

Cost-effective:

Making your own liquid watercolor paint can be much cheaper than buying pre-made paints. Most liquid watercolor paints come in small bottles and can be quite expensive, especially if you want a variety of colors. By making your own, you can save money and create as many colors as you want.

Customizable:

Another advantage of making your own liquid watercolor paint is the ability to customize the colors according to your needs. You can mix different pigments to create unique shades or adjust the intensity of color by adding more or less water. This gives you more freedom to experiment and create exactly the color you desire.

Non-toxic:

Homemade liquid watercolor paint is made using non-toxic ingredients, making it safe for children and adults alike. Many pre-made watercolor paints contain harmful chemicals and dyes that may not be suitable for everyone. By making your own paint, you can have peace of mind knowing exactly what is in the paint you’re using.

Homemade Liquid 
Watercolor Paint

Materials You Will Need

  • Watercolor Pigments or Food Coloring
  • Gum Arabic Powder
  • Distilled Water
  • Small Glass Jars or Containers With Lids
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon or Whisk for Mixing

8 Step-by-step Guides on How to Make Liquid Watercolor Paint

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin making your liquid watercolor paint, it’s important to prepare your workspace. Choose a clean, flat surface that can easily be wiped down in case of spills. Lay down some old newspapers or a plastic table cover to protect your work area from any potential mess.

Make sure you have all your materials and tools within easy reach. It might also be helpful to wear an apron or old clothes to protect yourself from splashes of pigment or dye. Taking a few minutes to set up your workspace will ensure a smooth and enjoyable painting experience.

Step 2: Measure out Your Pigments

Once your workspace is set up, the next step is to measure out your pigments. Begin by selecting the colors you want to create. If you’re using watercolor pigments, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging for the recommended amount.

If you’re using food coloring, start with a few drops and adjust as necessary to achieve the desired intensity.

Using a measuring spoon, scoop out the pigment or add the drops of food coloring into a small glass jar or mixing bowl. Be precise with your measurements to ensure consistent color results.

Remember, you can always add more pigment or coloring later if needed, but it’s harder to remove excess once it’s mixed. Having control over the amount of pigment will help you create the perfect shade for your liquid watercolor paint.

Step 3: Mix in Gum Arabic Powder

After measuring out your pigments, the next step is to add gum Arabic powder. This is a natural binder that helps pigment adhere to paper when mixed with water. It also gives the paint a glossy finish and prevents it from fading over time.

Measure out ½ teaspoon of gum Arabic powder for every tablespoon of pigment or food coloring used. Slowly sprinkle the powder into the jar or bowl while stirring until it’s fully incorporated. You can adjust the amount of gum Arabic depending on how thick you want your paint to be; more powder will make it thicker, while less will make it more watery.

Teaspoon of Gum 
Arabic Powder

Step  4: Add Distilled Water

Now it’s time to add water to your mixture. Using distilled water is recommended for making liquid watercolor paints as it doesn’t contain any impurities that can affect the quality of your paint.

Slowly pour in small amounts of distilled water into your pigment and gum Arabic mixture while stirring continuously. As you add more water, the consistency will become thinner, so be mindful of how much you’re adding and adjust accordingly. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Mix Thoroughly

Once all the ingredients have been added, continue to mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and even consistency throughout. The color may appear darker or more vibrant when wet, so keep that in mind as you mix. If the color is too light for your liking, you can always add a bit more pigment or food coloring to intensify it.

If you’re making multiple colors, repeat the process for each color, using separate jars or bowls for each. This will help prevent colors from mixing and keep them true to their individual shades.

Step 6: Store in Small Containers

Once all your colors are mixed and at the desired consistency, it’s time to store them in small containers with lids. This will help prevent your paint from drying out and keep it fresh for future use. You can reuse old empty watercolor paint containers or purchase small plastic or glass jars specifically for storing homemade liquid watercolors.

Label each container with the color name and date so you know when it was made.  Properly storing your liquid watercolor paints will ensure they last longer and maintain their quality.

Step 7: Experiment and Create

Now that you have your homemade liquid watercolor paints, it’s time to experiment and create beautiful art. You can try mixing different colors together to create new shades or use them on different types of paper to see how they perform. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to let your creativity flow!

If your paint starts to dry out or thicken over time, you can simply add a few drops of water and mix it until it reaches the desired consistency again.

You Can Try Mixing 
Different Colors Together

Step 8: Clean Up

After you’ve finished painting, be sure to clean up your workspace and tools. Close all containers tightly to prevent them from drying out and store them in a cool, dry place. Wipe down any spills or messes on your work surface and wash all utensils used with soap and water. This will ensure that everything is ready for your next painting session.

Following these simple steps on how to make liquid watercolor paint, you can easily make your own liquid watercolor paints anytime you need them. Not only is it cost-effective and fun, but it also allows you to have complete control over the ingredients used in your paint. Get creative and enjoy the process of making your own unique colors! Happy painting! 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you may encounter some common issues when making liquid watercolor paint. Here are a few tips to help troubleshoot and resolve these problems:

Issue 1: Paint is Too Watery

If your paint is too watery and lacks vibrancy, try adding more pigment or food coloring to the mixture. Be sure to mix thoroughly and test on a small piece of paper to ensure you achieve the desired intensity. Adding a little more gum Arabic powder can also help thicken the consistency.

Issue 2: Paint is Too Thick

If your paint is too thick, it may not flow smoothly on the paper. To fix this, gradually add small amounts of distilled water while stirring until the paint reaches a smoother consistency. Take care not to add too much water at once, as this can dilute the color.

Issue 3: Uneven Color Distribution

Uneven color distribution can occur if the pigment is not fully mixed with the gum Arabic and water. Ensure you mix the paint thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of pigment until the mixture is completely uniform. Using a small whisk or a glass stirring rod can help achieve a more even blend.

Ensure You Mix 
The Paint Thoroughly

Issue 4: Paint Dries Out Quickly

If your paint dries out too fast, it might be due to low humidity or improper storage. Ensure your paint containers are sealed tightly and store them in a cool, dry place. You can also add a few drops of glycerin to the mixture, which helps retain moisture and extends the drying time.

Issue 5: Paint Doesn’t Adhere Well to Paper

If your paint isn’t adhering well to the paper, it could be due to an insufficient amount of gum Arabic, which acts as a binder. Add a bit more gum Arabic powder to your mixture to enhance adhesion. Additionally, ensure that you’re using watercolor paper, which is specially designed to absorb and hold onto watercolor paints.

Issue 6: Colors Appear Dull When Dry

Colors that appear vibrant when wet but dull when dry may need more pigment or a different type of pigment. Experiment with different pigment brands or types to achieve more vibrant results. Adding a small amount of honey to the mixture can also enhance the color’s richness and give it a glossy finish.

By keeping these troubleshooting tips on how to make liquid watercolor paint in mind, you will be better equipped to handle any challenges that arise while making your liquid watercolor paints. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your methods to find what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Use Regular Tap Water Instead of Distilled Water?

A: While you can use tap water, it may contain impurities that could affect the quality of your liquid watercolor paint. Distilled water is recommended for best results.

Q: How Long Can I Store My Homemade Liquid Watercolor Paint?

A: If stored properly in a sealed container, homemade liquid watercolor paint can last for several months. However, it’s best to use them within a month or two for optimal freshness and quality.

Q: Can I Use This Method to Make Non-Toxic Watercolor Paint for Children?

A: Yes, by using food coloring instead of pigments and making sure all ingredients are non-toxic, you can create safe and fun liquid watercolors for children to use. Just be sure to supervise them while they’re painting.

Q: Are There Any Other Ingredients That I Can Add to My Homemade Liquid Watercolor Paint?

A: Some people like to add a few drops of glycerin to their mixture for added shine and thickness. You can also experiment with adding essential oils or scents for a unique touch.

A: Some people like to add a few drops of glycerin to their mixture for added shine and thickness. You can also experiment with adding essential oils or scents for a unique touch.

Experiment With 
Adding Essential Oils

Conclusion

Making your own liquid watercolor paint is a simple, cost-effective, and rewarding process that allows you to customize colors and ingredients to suit your artistic needs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to make liquid watercolor paint, you can create high-quality paints using readily available materials, ensuring that you have full control over the pigmentation and consistency of your colors.

This method not only provides an enjoyable DIY project but also opens up endless creative possibilities for your artwork. So, gather your supplies, unleash your inner artist, and enjoy the journey of creating vibrant, personalized liquid watercolors. Happy painting!

Photo of author

Loren Jones

Hi, my name is Loren. I live with my husband and 4 lovely kiddos in the Eastern part of San-fransisco. I have a smart beautiful,curious 6 year old daughter, a handsome 11-year-old son, an intelligent and tech geek 15 years old son and a creative, artistic 12-year-old stepson. With each of my kids being five years apart, I feel that I’m now continually phasing in and out of each stage of parenting! I’ve learned a lot about the way children learn and behave, especially in a school setting with regards to curriculum. I enjoy sharing that insight through my writing and hope that it can help others.

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