Watercolor painting is a classic artistic medium that has been used by artists for centuries. The flowing, luminous washes of color make watercolor a unique and appealing choice for creating artwork. There are two main types of watercolor paint – traditional watercolor paints that come as a dry solid cake or tube, and liquid watercolors which come premixed in a liquid form.
Both traditional and liquid watercolor paints share some key qualities. They are water-soluble, semi-transparent paints that allow the whiteness of the paper to show through. Thin washes of watercolor can create delicate, ethereal effects. Layers of colors blend beautifully on the paper surface. While both types of paint are based on the same pigments and binders, there are some notable differences between traditional and liquid watercolor that affect their performance and handling.
Properties of Traditional Watercolor
Traditional watercolor paint has been used for hundreds of years. It is an classic, well-loved paint for creating vibrant, flowing works of art. Traditional watercolor paints are formulated from pigments finely ground and held together with a gum arabic binder. Here are some key properties of traditional watercolor paint:
- Comes as a dry solid – Traditional watercolor paint is sold as a dry solid, either in cakes or tubes. The dry paint needs to be mixed with water before use.
- Translucent – The pigments allow light to pass through and reflect off the white paper, creating a luminous glow.
- Water-soluble – The binder allows the pigments to dissolve in water. The paint can be thinned to transparency or layered for opacity.
- Matte finish – Traditional watercolor dries to a flat, matte finish rather than a glossy surface.
- Availability of colors – Hundreds of different watercolor pigments are available, allowing for a huge color palette.
- Mixable – Colors can be blended wet-in-wet on the paper or premixed on a palette.
- Textured – Brushstrokes and edges create visible textures.
- Dye-staining – Some pigments act as dyes to permanently stain the paper fibers.
These characteristics give traditional watercolor its classic, natural look and handling properties that artists love. The colors blend beautifully and create luminous washes, laying on the textured paper surface.
Properties of Liquid Watercolor
Liquid watercolor provides an convenient, portable alternative to traditional watercolor cakes and tubes. Liquid watercolors come already mixed in a liquid form so they are ready to use straight from the container. Here are some key characteristics of liquid watercolor paint:
- Premixed liquid – Liquid watercolor is already dissolved in a water-based solution.
- Convenient – No mixing required, just pour out and use.
- Portable – Easy to carry and use outdoors without mess or tools.
- Less pigment – Liquid paints use less actual pigment in the thinner medium.
- Brighter colors – More intense, brighter hue than heavier traditional washes.
- Smooth flow – Inks flow smoothly and evenly without brushstrokes.
- Limited colors – Liquid palettes have fewer color choices than large traditional ranges.
- Less mixing – It’s harder to blend and mix colors compared to wet traditional washes.
- Less staining – Liquid watercolors stain paper less than traditional dye-based colors.
The liquid form makes these paints easy to apply quickly for colorful effects. The portability and convenience of liquid watercolor lends itself to compact travel kits and introducing beginners or children to watercolor painting.
Differences in Appearance
The different formulations of traditional vs. liquid watercolor create some visible differences in the appearance of finished watercolor paintings:
Pigment Density
Traditional watercolor has a higher concentration of pure pigment. Liquid watercolors dilute the pigment in more water. So traditional paint looks richer and deeper, while liquid watercolor appears lighter and brighter by comparison.
Texture
Traditional watercolor lays on the paper surface with visible brushstrokes and edges. Liquid watercolor sinks into the paper more evenly with a smoother flow and less visible texture.
Blending
It is easier to blend wet-on-wet and soften edges with dense traditional watercolor. Liquid watercolors blend less easily without disturbing previous layers.
Staining
Some traditional dye-based colors will permanently stain paper fibers. Liquid watercolors produce less staining for a brighter result.
Sheen
Traditional watercolor dries to a matte, natural finish. Liquid colors often dry with more of a noticeable sheen or glow.
| Appearance | Traditional Watercolor | Liquid Watercolor |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment Density | Rich, deep | Lighter, brighter |
| Texture | Visible brushstrokes | Smooth, even flow |
| Blending | Soft gradual blends | Less blending |
| Staining | Can permanently stain | Less staining |
| Sheen | Matte finish | Often has sheen |
Differences in Performance
Beyond just appearance, there are some key ways that traditional and liquid watercolor handle differently during the painting process:
Mixing
Traditional watercolor is designed to mix wet-on-wet for blending colors. The heavy pigment lays on the surface to merge. Liquid watercolor tends to disturb existing layers when mixed.
Lifting
It’s possible to lift and remove traditional watercolor from paper with a damp brush or sponge. Liquid watercolor stains the paper more permanently so it’s harder to lift.
Wet Flow
Traditional washes flow smoothly but require water to prevent drying out quickly. Liquid watercolors have an evenly wet consistency right from the bottle.
Layering
The dense traditional pigment allows for overlapping semi-opaque layers. Liquid washes are harder to layer without disrupting lower colors.
Detail Work
Traditional paint is better for controlled fine details. Liquid watercolor lacks the body for precision brushwork.
Paper Buckling
Heavier traditional washes stay on the surface while liquid watercolor soaks in, causing delicate papers to buckle more.
| Performance | Traditional Watercolor | Liquid Watercolor |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing | Blends wet-in-wet | Disturbs existing layers |
| Lifting | Can lift and remove | Stains paper permanently |
| Wet Flow | Needs rewetting | Evenly wet consistency |
| Layering | Allows opaque layers | Layers disturb below |
| Detail Work | Good for precision | Lacks control |
| Paper Buckling | Stays on surface | Soaks in, buckles paper |
Granulation
One unique feature of traditional watercolor is the charming effect of pigment granulation. Some traditional paints use coarse particle pigments that separate into specks of color when wet. This creates beautiful dappled textures.
Since liquid watercolors are pre-dissolved, they lack the pigment particles to create a granulating effect. Liquid watercolor washes have an even, smooth look without grainy texture.
Granulation Examples
Here are some traditional watercolor pigments known for noticeable granulation:
- Ultramarine Blue
- Cerulean Blue
- French Ultramarine
- Burnt Sienna
- Raw Sienna
Artists will often choose granulating colors to exploit the mottled wash effects. Granulation is an attractive quality unique to traditional watercolor that liquid paints cannot replicate.
Drying Time
There are some differences in how the two watercolor types dry on the paper:
Traditional Watercolor
Heavier paint deposits stay wet longer, allowing more time for blending. Dense layers can form subtle color variations as the wash dries.
Liquid Watercolor
The thinner liquid dries quickly and evenly. There is less time for blending wet-in-wet or creating color effects as it dries.
Additives
For both types, drying time can be controlled by the artist. Adding a drying retarder to traditional paint keeps it workable longer. A liquid medium makes liquid colors blend better wet.
Overall, traditional watercolor’s wet working time offers more flexibility for advanced blending techniques. Liquid watercolor provides convenience but less ability to manipulate wet washes.
Color Range
There is a significant difference between the wide color selection of traditional watercolor vs. the more limited liquid ranges:
Traditional Watercolor
- Hundreds of unique colors available
- Vast mixing possibilities
- Many specialist paints for granulating, staining, etc.
- Can customize by mixing own colors
Liquid Watercolor
- Premixed in sets of 30-50 colors
- Fewer mixing and blending options
- Standard colors without special effects
- Limited by premixed palette
For the artist who wants access to a huge spectrum of colors, traditional watercolor offers the most possibilities. Liquid sets provide convenient portable color, but with far less variety.
Artistic Control
A major distinction between traditional and liquid watercolor is the level of control and precision possible:
Traditional Watercolor
- Can achieve subtle effects
- Allows texture and brushwork
- Wet blends and layering
- Fine detail possible
- Can lift and lighten areas
- Extreme dilution gives transparency
Liquid Watercolor
- Less ability to manipulate color
- Hard to layer without muddying
- Smooth flow limits textures
- Difficulty with precision work
- Permanently stains paper
- Always semi-transparent look
For expressive freedom, traditional watercolor has a clear advantage. The range of artistic effects only comes through the dense pigment and handling of quality traditional paint.
Cost
Price is another obvious difference between the two paint types. Here is a look at relative costs:
Traditional Watercolor
- Artist quality ranges from $5-$40 per tube
- Professional-grade paints are more costly
- Can buy pans, tubes, half-pans for efficiency
- Quality paper is also an investment
- Brushes, palettes, other tools add up over time
Liquid Watercolor
- Basic student sets $10-$30 for a pack
- Artist inks can range up to $20 per bottle
- No other tools needed except basic brushes
- Inexpensive papers work fine
- Overall lower startup costs
For the beginner, liquid sets provide an affordable way to try painting with watercolor. Serious artists will want to invest in quality traditional paints and supplies.
Maintenance and Storage
Keeping paints usable over time differs for the two watercolor formats:
Traditional Watercolor
- Rehydrating cakes keeps paint fresh
- Tubes need sealing to avoid drying out
- Palettes and brushes require cleaning after use
- Leftover mixed paints have short shelf life
Liquid Watercolor
- Premixed in bottles, ready to use
- Seal bottles to avoid evaporation
- No brushes or palettes to clean up
- Has longer shelf life than moist paint
The liquid colors are more convenient for quick painting sessions without setup and cleanup. Traditional paints take more effort to preserve and prepare for painting.
Portability
Liquid watercolors have a clear edge for painting on the go:
- No dishes of water to transport wet paint
- Compact bottles easy to pack
- Doesn’t require water to use
- No need for brush cleaning water
- Can apply directly from bottle
Traditional watercolors require more gear to paint outside – jars, water container, rags, etc. For plein air painting, liquid colors offer less mess and hassle.
Conclusion
Both traditional and liquid offer their own appeal for artists. Traditional watercolor remains the gold standard for professional artists who want archival permanence and the largest color range with total control. The dense pigment creates beautiful luminous layers and textural effects.
Liquid watercolors open up colorful possibilities for beginners, students, outdoor painters, and anyone who wants portability. The premixed formulas offer convenience at the expense of nuance. Liquid colors are best for loose washes, children’s crafts, travel journals, and introducing new users to watercolor.
Choosing between traditional vs. liquid watercolor depends on the needs of the individual artist. For versatile painting with the best archival qualities, serious watercolorists will prefer traditional paints. But liquid offers affordability and ease of use for casual painting or bringing transparent watercolor washes into mixed media work.
Whichever format you choose, watercolor remains a magical medium. The flowing transparency, mingling colors, and luminous washes create ethereal beauty unmatched in art. Both traditional and liquid watercolor continue the enchanting artistic tradition of paint and water creating gorgeous fluid artwork.