#DIY Watercolors

SUPPLIES

Hot Water
Gum Arabic Powder - I get the 1.25 LBS container but if you are just starting out you may want to get a smaller container to start with.
Clove Essential Oil - This can be optional but it acts as a preserving measure if you want longer storage.
Glycerin - Usually easy to find in most drug stores. Some recipes use honey but after much experimenting I found I like the Glycerin best. It is usually cheaper as well. Plus, I love honey so why would I want to waste that on something I couldn’t eat.
Glass Muller
Tempered Glass Board - I started out with an inexpensive cutting board one but larger batches may require a bigger surface.
Palette Knife
Container for Watercolor base - I prefer squeeze bottles but any container that seals properly will do.
Container for finished paint
Mica powder

Other Handy Tool:

Measuring Cups for wet & dry ingredients
Whisk
Mixing bowl

FIRST STEP | Making the watercolor base. You need this to mix with your color that creates your paint.

You will need:

1 Cup Hot Water
½ Cup Gum Arabic Powder
½ Cup Glycerin
2 Drops of Clove Oil

Whisk together the Hot Water and Gum Arabic till all the powder is dissolved. Let sit for a moment if you are struggling to get all the chunks out. Then whisk again.

Next, add in the Glycerin and Clove Oil.

Transfer to your container(s) of choice. I like to shake it in the container just to make sure everything is mixed well.

Let this mixture sit at least 24 hrs before using for best results.

SECOND STEP | Making the paint.

This is a little bit “Measure with your Heart” situation as it comes down to personal preference. After you have experimented enough you will eventually determine measurements based on your preference. But until you get a feel for it I would stick with smaller measurements.

Set up your Glass Muller and Tempered Glass.

Place your mica powder (paint pigment) of choice in the center of the tempered glass. If you are using multiple colors go ahead and mix together with a palette knife before using muller.

Make an indent in the powder so there is a well for the watercolor base. Fill well with the watercolor base.

Slowly – because the powder will want to fly everywhere– mix with your palette knife till all power is wet. Add small amounts of watercolor base only if the mixture is not becoming workable. You can do this process with the muller but you will end up with more powder on the sides of the muller and not in your mixture. Palette knives are nice just to get the process started.

After the initial mixture is combined go ahead and started using your muller. Using the muller to finish mixing the mica and base helps to make a smoother process in the end. Watch the mixture as you use the muller. Keep the process going till the paint consistency seems to stop changing and has a nice smooth flow to it.

Use your palette knife to scoop the mixture into a container of choice.

It will take anywhere from a few days to a week for the paint to completely dry depending on how much base you used. However, you can start using the paint after 24 hours.

I personally have had just as much fun making the paint as I do using it.

For those who would prefer not to use mica powders but create their own natural powders stay tuned for future blogs. I am waiting for summer to have access to the necessary plants for creating that tutorial.

Now go have fun making your own paints --- they make great gifts for that artist in your family too!!!