How To Choose Between Pan and Tube Watercolors

What is the difference between watercolor paints that come in pans and those in tubes? How do you decide which is best for you? Here are characteristics of each that will help you decide which one is best. You will also learn about watercolor paints and how they work. This lesson is perfect for beginner artists ready to buy watercolors that will work for them. 

Watercolor paints either come in tubes with liquid watercolor or in a pan with dried watercolors. The quality of watercolors in each do not depend on it's consistency but the amount of pigment (the color) and formula of additives to the paint a brand uses.

Since both can have great quality, rich colors that spread well, and make art that lasts, how do you know which to buy? There are several characteristics of each that will make a difference in your decision. Watch the video below to learn what they are. 

Watch the video

Some things you learn in the video are...

Liquid Watercolors: Liquid watercolors can be more difficult to store. However they are easier to clean and less likely to get contaminated by other colors. They take more time when preparing to do art. However it's easier to customize your own colors and palette. 

Here are brands of liquid watercolors I enjoy usin. Liquid Watercolor Set: Winsor Newton Cotman Watercolor Tube Set- I recommend Winsor Newton over the Pebeo brand. Liquid watercolor set I use for beginners & kids lessons is Reeves brand. (Amazon affiliate links)

Pan Watercolors: Pan watercolors are easier to store. However they can be more difficult to keep clean and to not contaminate your colors while painting. They take less time when preparing to do art and are easier to use outside or travel with. However pans come in sets, making them more difficult to customize your own colors and palette. 

Watercolor pan sets I enjoy using. Watercolor Paint Set Winsor & Newton Cotman Compact and Pan Set I use for kids & beginner lessons by Artist Loft.

I was not sponsored by any company to make this video and post. These recommendations are from my experiences. I hope this helps you choose the right watercolor paints that fit you best. 

Once you have your watercolors, enjoy my watercolor tutorials to help you get started creating! Check out some of them below and be sure to subscribe so you can be notified when I have more. 

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