The Beginner's Complete List Of Water Color Art Supplies

October 13, 2021

You are looking for a guide to help you find the best water color art supplies and tools. When purchasing these supplies, you want to know what brands are considered the best, how much they cost, and what other products you should buy. If this sounds like you, then read on! This article will give you all of the information you need before making any purchases so that your next trip to an art store goes smoothly.

Basic Watercolor Supplies

These watercolor painting supplies are exactly what a beginner's set should have so you can get started with your watercolor paintings.

Watercolor paints

Most watercolor paintings make use of watercolor pans and watercolor tubes because of their professional finish. Some of the more common brands are Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton Cotman line, Van Gogh, and others.

You can buy your watercolors in different formats - watercolor pans, tubes, and cake, though professional artists prefer tubes and pans over other formats. There are some tubes that you can purchase individually, so you only get what you need.

Features	Watercolor Tubes	Watercolor Pans	Watercolor Cakes
Texture	Soft	Medium hard	Hard
Application	No need to activate the pigments	Pigments need activation with water	Pigments need activation with water
Packaging	Varied sizing;	Removable half and full pans	Very thin cake in non-removable palette
Use	Larger-scale paintings	Small and medium-sized paintings	Small paintings
Portability	Needs extra care for travels	Portable	Portable
Palette/brush	Needs a separate palette; friendly on the brush	Often comes with a palette; may damage the brush	Comes with a palette; best to use a cheap synthetic brush
Lifetime	Paint may dry out when the tubes aren’t covered well	Lasts long	Lasts long
Sold in	Sets of 6, or more colors; also sold in individual tubes	Palette of 12 or more colors	Palette of 12 or more colors
Best for:	Professional watercolor paints for advanced and professional artists	Professional watercolor paints for all	Student-grade watercolors for beginner artists
Our top pick	DANIEL SMITH Watercolor 10-color set	Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint	Upgraded 48 Colors Watercolor Paint

Watercolor paper

Watercolor paper comes in three main types: hot-press, cold-press, and rough. They have different finishes and textures.

Once you've chosen your paper type, you also need to decide on the weight of the paper. Start with at least 140lb (300gsm) if you're a newbie since it has a good weight but is not overly expensive. The other weights recommended for watercolorists are 90lb (180gsm) and 300lb (640gsm).

Thinner watercolor paper buckles most and needs taping every time you use it, but the thicker paper is sturdy enough to withstand multiple applications without buckling.

Another thing you need to know about watercolor paper is its absorbency. Larger paper sizes are more absorbent than smaller ones, and cotton paper is also more absorbent than wood pulp.

Lastly, choose the right texture or tooth. It also affects the finish of your painting.

Features	Hot-press	Cold-press	Rough
Texture	Smooth; brush strokes visible	Medium-toothed, irregular dimpling	Heavily toothed; irregular pattern
Absorbency	Low	Medium	Most absorbent
Style	Realism, mixed media	Impressionist, realism	Abstract, dry-brushing, rugged finish
Thickness	Available in 90lb (180gsm), 140lb (300gsm), 300lb (640gsm)	Available in 90lb (180gsm), 140lb (300gsm), 300lb (640gsm)	Available in 90lb (180gsm), 140lb (300gsm)
Finish	Smooth and detailed	Visual texture	Rough
Best for:	Professional and advanced artists	Beginners	Experimental professional and advanced artists
Our Top Picks	Oat Art Studio Watercolor Pad	Canson Watercolor Pad	Arches Watercolor Pad

Watercolor brushes

Watercolor brushes come in different sizes and shapes- each with its purpose and function for a painting. However, the most basic that you should have is a good mop brush, #10 or #12 round brush, and a 1/2" flat brush.

You have to remember to choose a brush for its features, not its appearance. Some of the important things to consider are the bristle type, its construction, the size of the brush you need, and its water and pigment-holding capacity.

You also need to understand that your watercolor brush needs a good spring (maintains its shape) and snap (returns to the position after it's bent at an angle).

For an extensive information about brushes, and how to choose them, visit our article on best watercolor brushes.

Feature	Round	Flat	Special
Tip	Fine	Angular	Varied
Ferrule	Round	Flat	Varied
Belly	Round - slight; Mop - full	Flat	Varied
Heel	Round	Flat	Varied
Bristles	Sable, squirrel, synthetic, blend	Sable, squirrel, synthetic, blend	Sable, squirrel, synthetic, blend, sheep
Capacity	Depends on size	Depends on size	Depends on size
Kinds Our Top Picks Uses	Regular round brush - for detailing	Regular flat - for applying flat washes	Filbert - for creating fine lines and rounded shapes
	Mop brush - for adding watercolor wash, covers broad areas	Bright - for short, controlled strokes	Cat tongue - for making large washes with rounded edges
		Angular - for making clean lines	Rigger - for adding fine lines and details
		Dagger - for calligraphy, varied lines depending on stroke and pressure	Fan - for adding texture and details
			Rake - uneven tips; for stippling and details
			Hake - for making washes

Mixing Palette

A palette is important for mixing your watercolors. Most watercolors in pans and cakes have built-in palettes on their case, while watercolors in tubes need a separate palette.

There are 5 types of palettes - plastic, metal, ceramic, porcelain, and wood. Some palettes also double as casing and organizers for pan watercolors. In contrast, other palettes come with empty pans so you can fill them with your tube watercolor for better portability during traveling.

Feature	Plastic	Ceramic/ Porcelain	Metal	Wood
Mixing area	Smooth; new palettes may cause watercolor beading	Ample area; paint mixes well	Paint mixes well	Oil-coated; may cause watercolor beading
Compartments/Wells	Has wells and compartments	Has wells and compartments	Has compartments	Usually flat
Portability	Light	Heavy; chips or breaks when dropped	Light; may have sharp edges	Needs a wider space
Price	$	$$	$$	$
Best for	Travel/studio use; best for art students	Studio use; best for professionals	Travel/studio use; best for beginner/ intermediate artists	Artists who love using classic art tools
Our Top Picks	Outus Folding Plastic Palette	MEEDEN 18-Well Porcelain Artist Paint Palette	Meeden Tin Watercolor Palette	Artilicious wooden palette

Support panel

The support panel is the board artists use to tape their watercolor papers to prevent them from buckling when it dries after painting with watercolors. It should be rigid enough to support the watercolor paper during the painting and drying process.

There are no specific products to use as support panels, but artists do with what they have. It can come in wooden, glass, or plastic form.

Features	Plastic	Wooden	Metal	Glass
Support capacity	Strong	Strong	Strong	Strong
Longevity	Long-lasting	May warp after continued use	Long-lasting	May break or chip if not handled well
Surface	Smooth	Smooth	Smooth	Rough cutting side; use the smooth side for painting
Price	$	$	$$	$
Best For	All artists	All artists	All artists	Professionals
Our Top Picks	Hongri Plastic Clipboard	Juvale Panel Board	Impressa Magnetic Board	Farberware Glass Cutting Board

Masking tape

You can use any medium-tack tape to stretch your watercolor paper on the support panel before painting. You can also use masking tape, which is easier to remove than regular tapes. Take note that you should not leave the paper taped for an extended time as it may damage your painting after removal.

Pro Tip: If you're using a high-tack tape and damages your paper when you remove it, stick and unstick the length you want to use on your pants or apron to remove some of the tackiness.

Features	Painter’s tape	Masking Tape	Drafting Tape	Washi Tape
Tackiness	Medium tack	High tack	High tack	Low tack, repositionable
Residue	Does not leave adhesive residue	Does not leave adhesive residue	Does not leave adhesive residue	Does not leave adhesive residue
Width	Varied	Varied	Usually less than 1”	Usually thin, seldom >1”
Price	$$	$	$	$
Best for	Any artist	Any artist	Any artist	Any artist
Our Top Picks	Scotch Painter’s Tape	Scotch Masking Tape	Mr. Pen Drafting Tape	Knaid Slim Washi Tape

Sea sponges

Sea sponges are a great tool for adding texture and depth. Because of their varied and unique texture, artists love using them.

They are also very absorbent, so you can use them to remove the excess water or paint from the brush.

The downside of using sea sponges is the ecological impact of harvesting them, so if you have issues, you can always try using alternatives.

Features	Sea Sponge	Synthetic sponge
Texture	Varied	Usually uniform
Longevity	May crumble after prolonged use	Lasts longer than the sea sponge
Price	$	$
Best for	Adding details	Adding details, absorbing excess water and paint
Our Top Picks	Natural Ocean Artist Sponges	Synthetic Artist Sponges

Water dish or glass

different kinds of watercolor washing containers

Water is important when using watercolors to activate or dilute the pigments. Artists recommend using two water dishes to clean your brush and mix with your paint.

Here are some of our top choices for a water dish or glass.

Features	Water glass with brush holder	Brush cleaner with brush holder	Porcelain Washbowl	Collapsible water cup
Capacity	7 ounces	Large	6 oz on each grid	12 oz
Size	Small	Bulky	Stationary	Collapsible
Other Features	Brush holder can hold 12 brushes	Lid may be used as mixing tray; holds 12 brushes	2 compartment	Brush holder
Price	$$$	$$	$$$	$
Best for	Studio artists	Studio artists	Studio artists	Traveling artists

Miscellaneous tools and supplies

Aside from the basic tools and supplies, you also need other tools and supplies to better your watercolor paintings.

Easel

A painter's easel is an essential tool for all artists, especially if you love working outdoors, because it is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. It allows you to position your watercolor paper and drawing board at an angle so you can see your painting as it should appear on display.

Features	Tripod	Wooden	Desktop
Portability	Lightweight; weighs only 3.5 ounces	Foldable; weighs 16 ounces	Doubles as art supply organizer
Size	Stands at 22-72 inches	Stands at 63-89 inches	Stands at 20-24 inches
Canvas height	Up to 37 inches	Up to 48 inches	Up to 20 inches
Price	$$	$$$	$$
Best for	Outdoor & studio use	Outdoor & studio use	Studio use; travelling artists
Our Top Picks	T-Sign 72'' Tall Display Easel Stand	MEEDEN Adjustable Large Painters Easel	Desktop Easel for Painting

Pencils

As a watercolorist, you'll need an HB pencil for your first sketch to ensure that the lines are light enough so they won't show through when painting. Use only 2H, H, HB, B, or 2B pencils.

A harder lead also allows no messy graphite on any of our papers, which could smear throughout this process and ruin everything. However, be careful with your pressure as it can leave deep marks on your watercolor paper.

Features	Regular Graphite	Woodless Graphite	Mechanical
Hardness	Depends on graphite grade	Depends on graphite grade	Medium hard
Smudginess	Depends on graphite grade	Depends on graphite grade	Does not smudge
Tip	Needs periodic sharpening	Needs constant sharpening to maintain fine tip	Consistent size
Price	$$	$$	$
Best for	Every artist	Professionals	Those who want more control over their sketches
Our Top Picks	Faber-Castell Creative Studio Graphite Sketch Pencil	Koh-I-Noor Progresso Woodless Graphite Pencil	Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil

Eraser

The kneaded eraser is perfect for getting rid of pencil marks. It's more pliable than a traditional rubber or wooden one. You can pull a portion and shape it and proceed with erasing. It is low-dust and does not damage the tooth of your watercolor paper.

Ruler

A plastic T square with a detachable head

One of the most basic items in any artist’s tools is a ruler. However, we decided to go for a 36-inch T square since it helps make complex framing or precise measurement. The head is detachable, so you can use it on large-format canvases and watercolor paper.

Medium

Some people like to add a little something extra when they paint, and watercolor mediums are the perfect choice for them. They may come in liquid or gel form. They can also improve watercolor’s gloss, transparency, texture, granulation, and luminosity.

However, using watercolor mediums needs extra practice and control as they may ruin your painting instead of enhancing it. They may also cause cracking, yellowing, and other adverse results if not applied properly.

Features	Gum Arabic	Ox Gall	Texture Medium	Granulation Medium
Uses	Reduces staining & slows drying	Improves watercolor flow; reduces paper tension	Adds texture to your watercolor paintings	Increases granulation of colors
Result	Increases transparency & gloss	More even application	Improves depth and structure	Mottled appearance
Application	Mix with water	Add 3-4 drops to 1 cup of water	Apply directly on paper or mix with the watercolor	Dilute watercolor with this medium
Adverse effects	May discolor the paper	None	None	Use only when painting on horizontal; not inclined
Price	$$	$$	$	$
Best for	Adding gloss to your paintings	Flaky watercolor	Leaves a crystalline effect similar to salt	Painting skies and landscapes
Our Top Picks	Winsor & Newton Gum Arabic	Winsor & Newton Water Color Medium Ox Gall Liquid	Winsor & Newton Water Color Texture Medium	Winsor & Newton Water Color Granulation Medium

Watercolor pencils

Keep the creative juices flowing with these fabulous watercolor pencils. Even if you don’t have brush painting skills, you can still make watercolor art.

You can activate the pigments by applying them dry on dry paper, then brush it over with a wet brush, draw directly on a wet surface, pick up the pigments with a wet brush, and apply it on paper for that lovely watercolor effect. You may even use it to add details and highlights to a painting done with regular watercolors.

The portable design makes it easy for everyone to bring these just about anywhere they're needed, and the creamy colors will last long enough to fuel your imagination all day!

Acrylic varnish spray

Keep your artwork safe with our quick-drying, non-yellowing acrylic varnish spray. Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, it protects it from deterioration while adding brilliant gloss to shimmering colors. Quick-drying & easy cleanup mean less time touching up mistakes.

Apply the varnish spray at least 12 inches away from the painting, then spray in a horizontal motion.

Masking fluid

Masking fluids prevents the watercolors from seeping or blooming into your paper so you can keep white spaces on your painting. The masking fluid is best to use for negative watercolor paintings.

Features	Marker type	With applicator	Regular bottles
Application	Apply directly; more control	Apply directly, medium ease on applying	Apply with a brush
Tack	Low tack	Low tack	Low tack
Removal	Easy to remove	Easy to remove	Easy to remove
Price	$$	$	$$
Best for	Tight spaces	Tight spaces	Large areas
Our Top Picks	Pebeo Drawing Gum Marker	Fineline Masking Fluid Pen	Winsor & Newton Art Masking Fluid

Adhesive eraser

Instead of using your fingers to remove the masking fluid, adhesive erasers are reliable to use and helpful for this task. They are acid-free, non-toxic, and you can use them for a long time.

Painting supply organizer

Tired of clutter and searching the house for supplies?

There's a way to have your paintbrushes, paper towels, masks, etc., waiting at arm's length with an art supply organizer! Organize your artist materials neatly on one portable, yet sturdy center table stand. Easily stored in any closet or corner of the studio, plus easy to lug around when you feel the travel bug and want to paint.

Features	Plastic Storage Case	Tote Bag	Wooden Storage Case
Material	Plastic	600D nylon fabric	Wood
Size	14 ½ x 8 x 7”	15 ½ x 5 ½ x 12 ⅛”	15 ¾ x 10 ¼ x 4 ½”
Description	3-tray organizer bag with removable dividers on the top tray	16 side pockets and spacious interior	3 drawers for art supplies for supplies and tools; with built-in easel
Price	$$	$$	$$$
Best for	Traveling artists; organizing studio space	Traveling artists; organizing studio space	Traveling artists; organizing studio space
Our Top Picks	ArtBin 3-Tray Art Supply Box	Art Organizer Tote Bag	US Art Supply Wooden Storage Box

Brush organizer

Store your brushes vertically or stack them on the stand, away from anything that may damage your precious investment. We picked out something for your outdoor and studio painting sessions so you can have the best of both worlds.

Features	Roll-up organizer	Zippered Case	Desktop organizer
Material	Heavy-duty canvas	Premium oxford	Plastic
Capacity	24 long-handle brushes	15 long handle brushes	Holds up to 96 brushes and other art supplies
Price	$	$$	$$
Best for	Traveling artists	Traveling artists	Artists with a wide selection of supplies
Our Top Picks	US Art Supply Deluxe Canvas Art Brush Holder	U.S. Art Supply 96 Hole Plastic Pencil & Brush Holder	My Artscape Store Paint Brush Holder

Brush cleaner

Keep your brushes in the best shape since they are one of the most important investments any painter should have. The brush cleaner is a safe and simple solution that prevents the paint from building up on your precious tools. It's non-toxic and gentle enough for use on even hardened oil painting brushes.

Spray bottle

A spray bottle is a helpful tool for pre-wetting your paper before painting with watercolors. The fine mist sprayer provides a smooth water coating on your watercolor paper, so you get an even application.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has provided you with the information you need to make a purchase decision and helped take some of the mystery out of choosing watercolor art supplies. You can feel confident in your future purchases knowing that these tools will give you an amazing experience every time. Have fun painting!