Watercolor painting is a timeless art form that relies on the translucent beauty of pigment mixed with water. Making your own watercolor paint can be a rewarding process, offering greater control over the hues and qualities of the colors used in your artwork. By crafting paints from simple, natural ingredients, artists can ensure the purity and individuality of each creation.

This guide on how to make watercolour paint will walk you through the steps needed to create watercolor paints at home, highlighting the basic materials required and the techniques that can enhance the final product. Whether you are a novice artist or an experienced painter, knowing how to make your own watercolor paint can enhance your creative journey and deepen your appreciation for this fluid and expressive medium.
Why Make Your Own Watercolor Paint?
There are several reasons why an artist may choose to make their own watercolor paint. Some of the benefits include:
Control Over Color:
By making your own paints, you have greater control over the colors and can create unique shades that are not available commercially. You can experiment with different ratios of pigment and water to create custom colors that suit your specific artistic vision.
Cost-Effective:
Making your own paint can also be a more cost-effective option, as the basic ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and you can create a larger quantity of paint at a lower cost than store-bought options.

Natural and Eco-Friendly:
Many commercially available paints contain synthetic chemicals and additives. By making your own paint using natural ingredients, you have more control over what goes into your art supplies, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Materials Needed
To get started with making your own watercolor paint, here are the basic materials you will need:
Dry Pigment:
This is the main ingredient in watercolor paint and can be found online or in art supply stores. You can also make your own pigment from natural materials like plants, minerals, and even spices. The color intensity of the pigment will vary based on its source and how finely it is ground.
Gum Arabic:
This natural gum resin acts as a binder, holding the pigment together and allowing it to adhere to paper. Gum Arabic can be found in powdered form at most art supply stores or online.
Honey:
Honey is used as a humectant, which helps prevent the paint from drying out too quickly. It also adds a subtle sheen to the finished paint. Raw honey works best for this purpose.
Water:
Water is needed to mix with the dry ingredients and create the watercolor paint. Distilled water is recommended for better results.
Glass Muller and Slab:
These tools are used to grind and mix the pigment with the binder, creating a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can use a glass or ceramic plate and a small rounded object like a marble or spoon.

Jars or Pans:
Once your paint is mixed, it needs to be stored in an airtight container. You can use small jars or pans for this purpose.
8 Steps on How to Make Watercolour Paint
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin mixing your watercolor paint, it’s essential to set up a clean and organized workspace. Choose an area with good lighting and ample ventilation, as some ingredients might release fine particles. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to protect it from spills and stains.
Gather all your materials listed in the previous section, including pigments, gum Arabic, honey, distilled water, and mixing tools like the glass muller and slab. Having everything within arm’s reach will streamline the process and ensure a seamless workflow. Make sure to wear an apron or old clothes to avoid any accidental splashes on your attire. With your workspace properly prepared, you’re ready to start creating your own watercolor paints.
Step 2: Mix Pigment and Gum Arabic
Start by measuring a small amount of dry pigment onto your glass slab or ceramic plate. The quantity of pigment will depend on the intensity of the color you wish to achieve. Next, add an equal amount of powdered gum Arabic to the pigment. Using your glass muller or a rounded object, begin to gently knead and grind the pigment and gum Arabic together.
This crucial step ensures that the pigment is evenly distributed and fully integrated with the gum, forming a paste-like consistency. As you mix, adjust the quantity of gum Arabic if necessary to achieve the desired cohesiveness, ensuring the mixture is neither too dry nor too sticky. This careful blending of pigment and binder lays the foundation for vibrant and long-lasting watercolor paints.
Step 3: Add Honey
Once the pigment and gum Arabic are well combined, it’s time to add honey to the mix. Begin by adding a few drops of raw honey to your paste-like mixture. The amount of honey you use will depend on how much paint you are making and personal preference. Mix the honey into the paste until fully incorporated.

Honey helps keep the paint moist and pliable, allowing for smooth application onto paper and preventing it from drying out too quickly. It also adds a subtle sheen to the finished product, giving your artwork a unique shine.
Step 4: Gradually Add Water
The next step is to gradually add distilled water to the mixture. Use a dropper or small spoon to add water in small increments as you mix with the glass muller. The amount of water needed will vary based on the type and amount of pigment used, as well as your desired consistency.
Adding too much water can make the paint thin and watery, while using too little may result in a thick and clumpy texture. It’s important to add water slowly until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency that flows easily off your mixing tool.
Step 5: Test Your Paint
Before transferring your paint to jars or pans for storage, it’s essential to test its quality. Take a small strip of paper and apply your freshly made paint onto it with a paintbrush. Observe the color intensity, texture, and flow of the paint as you test it on paper.
If the color is too pale, add more pigment to the mixture. If it’s too thick or clumpy, add a few drops of distilled water to thin it out. Adjusting these factors will ensure that your final product meets your desired specifications.
Step 6: Store Your Paint
Once you’re satisfied with your paint’s consistency and color, transfer it into an airtight container for storage. You can use small jars or pans for this purpose, depending on how much paint you have made. Make sure to label each container with the color name and date of creation for future reference.
Store your homemade watercolor paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality and prevent them from drying out.
Step 7: Clean Up
Cleaning up after making your own watercolor paints is essential to maintain a tidy workspace and keep your materials in good condition. Rinse all tools used in the process with warm water immediately after use to prevent the pigments from hardening on them. Dry thoroughly before storing them away for future use.
The leftover pigments, gum Arabic, and honey paste can be stored in an airtight container for later use. However, it’s best to make fresh batches of paint each time you want to create artwork.
Step 8: Get Creative!
Now that you have your own handmade watercolor paints ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity and create beautiful works of art. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to see what unique effects you can achieve with your homemade paints. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how we learn and improve our skills as artists!

Following these 8 steps on how to make watercolour paint, you can make an endless array of watercolor paints in various colors and shades to elevate your artwork. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon become an expert at making your own watercolor paints. So go ahead and give it a try – the possibilities are endless! Happy painting!
Additional Tips for Making Watercolour Paints
- When mixing pigments, start with small amounts to avoid wasting materials.
- Use high-quality pigments for vibrant and long-lasting colors.
- Keep track of the ratios and amounts of materials used to recreate your favorite colors in the future.
- Experiment with different types of honey for unique effects on the finished paint.
- Don’t be afraid to mix pigments to create new colors and shades.
- Use a palette knife or toothpick to transfer the paint from jars or pans onto your mixing surface.
- Allow your freshly made paints to dry completely before using them in artwork for best results.
- Have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own watercolor paints!
Conclusion
Creating your own watercolor paints is a rewarding process that brings a personal touch to your artwork. By following the detailed steps on how to make watercolour paint outlined, you can craft custom colors that cater to your unique aesthetic preferences and artistic needs. This hands-on approach not only enhances your painting experience but also deepens your understanding of the materials and techniques involved in watercolor painting.
Moreover, the satisfaction of painting with colors you created yourself adds an immeasurable value to your artistic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner enthusiast, making your own paints can open a world of possibilities and serve as an inspiring venture into the art of color creation. Embrace the creativity, enjoy the experimentation, and let your imagination lead the way in your artistic endeavors.
Professional Focus
Ryvon, an expert interior designer, merges functional design with aesthetic appeal, specializing in creating sustainable, accessible living spaces. His work integrates style, practicality, and user-centered solutions, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and aging-in-place design, establishing him as a leader in creating homes that are both beautiful and practical.
About the Author
Ryvon, a passionate interior designer and author, shares his expertise on home improvement, sustainable design, and accessible living spaces. Drawing inspiration from his design philosophy, he offers insights on crafting functional, stylish environments, helping others create spaces that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
- Specialized in interior architecture, space planning, color theory, and lighting design.
- Completed hands-on projects in residential and commercial design, with a focus on sustainable practices.
- Focused on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces with a deep understanding of how design impacts the end user’s experience.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Architecture
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Focused on the intersection of art, design, and architecture in both residential and commercial spaces.
- Conducted extensive research on home functionality and design, with a particular interest in enhancing aesthetic appeal through architecture and interior design.
Expertise:
- Kitchen and Bathroom Design
- Aging-in-Place Modifications
- Sustainable Design Practices
- Space Planning and Interior Architecture
- Lighting Design and Color Theory
- Residential and Commercial Design