Watercolour paint

Although watercolours are usually used on paper, in principle any ground that is free of grease and somewhat porous is possible. It is also important that the ground is pH neutral, i.e. neither acidic nor alkaline. For example, it is possible to work with watercolours on Gesso.

It is not necessarily necessary to varnish a watercolour. If extra protection is desired, Talens Watercolour Varnish Matt 050 can be used.

Varnishes in general can thicken if the bottle is not closed properly. The solvent will evaporate slowly. The dissolved resin does not evaporate, with the result that the percentage of resin in the varnish becomes relatively higher and higher. However, by adding a little white spirit (Talens White Spirit 090) and then shaking the mixture well, this problem is quickly solved. It is important not to add too much white spirit. The amount of resin in the varnish will then not be sufficient to offer the desired protection to the work.

The matting agent in the varnish consists of silicas, similar to pulverised glass. Unlike the resin, the silicas are not dissolved in the white spirit and give the varnish a slightly milky appearance. If the varnish is not used for some time, the matting agent will sag. This is clearly visible in the vial: a milky-white lower layer with a quantity of clear varnish above it. The varnish should therefore always be shaken well before use to distribute the matting agent evenly throughout the varnish. The longer the varnish is left untouched, the more solid the sagging layer will be. In this case it will be necessary to shake longer in order to regain a homogenous distribution.

The phenomenon that some colours adhere to the paper and can only be partially washed away again is related to the type of pigment (particle size) and/or the quality of the paper used.

Ecoline and watercolours can certainly be mixed, but whether it is wise to do so depends on the intention behind the work.

You will find various watercolour auxiliaries, including ox gall to improve adhesion, masking fluid to protect parts of your work or preserve details, and kneading erasers to soak up excess graphite before you start painting.