Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 7 - Caring for & Storing Watercolor Supplies and Paintings

Watercolor painting is as much about patience and care as it is about creativity and expression. From the delicate nature of the paints to the sensitive surface of the paper, every element of your watercolor process benefits from thoughtful maintenance. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional artist, knowing how to properly care for your watercolor supplies and artwork is essential to preserving their quality and ensuring your creative tools last for years to come.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through practical, effective steps to care for your brushes, paints, and palettes, as well as storing your watercolor paintings.

Cleaning Brushes

Cleaning watercolor paint brushes properly is crucial to maintain their shape, softness, and longevity. Watercolor brushes are a key investment in your toolkit. With proper care, they can last many years.

The Masterson Rinse Well is a highly practical addition to any artist’s workspace, especially for watercolor painters. If you're painting for an extended session or using heavily pigmented colors, use the Masterson Rise Well during breaks. Just dip and swirl your brush gently in a small amount of water between color changes or after deep colors like phthalo blue or alizarin crimson. It helps prevent pigment buildup, keeps bristles soft, and makes final cleanup much easier.

• Clean After Every Use: Rinse brushes thoroughly in lukewarm water immediately after painting to prevent paint from drying in the bristles. Use a gentle brush soap or mild dish soap, working it into the bristles with your fingers.
• Gently Reshape: Once clean, reshape the brush with your finger tips while still wet to maintain its natural form.
• Dry Horizontally or Bristles Down: Dry brushes flat or hang them with the bristles pointing down to prevent water from seeping into the handle, which can cause swelling or splitting
• Storage: Allow brushes to dry flat or hanging bristle-down to prevent water from weakening the ferrule (metal part holding the bristles).

⚠️ What to Avoid

• No harsh soaps or detergents.
• Never use alcohol or paint thinners (those are for acrylic/oil, not watercolor).
• Don’t scrub vigorously or press the brush tip into the surface.
• Avoid drying near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

Maintaining Palettes

Whether you're a seasoned watercolor artist or just starting out, maintaining your watercolor paint palette is essential for keeping your colors vibrant, your workspace tidy, and your painting sessions stress-free. Over time, palettes can become cluttered, muddy, or dried out, which can impact your color mixing and the overall quality of your work. Here's how to care for your palette and keep it in top condition.

• Clean Regularly: Wipe away old paint from mixing wells regularly with a damp cloth or sponge to keep colors fresh and to prevent color contamination.
• Remove Stains Periodically: For stubborn stains, use a mild soap and a non-abrasive scrubber.
• Preventing Mold: Allow palettes to air-dry completely before closing to prevent trapped moisture from causing mold.
• Dry Before Storage: Always ensure the palette is dry before closing or storing it.

Water Containers, Rags & Accessories

When it comes to cleanliness, organization, and preparedness—whether in the home, on a worksite, or out in the great outdoors—there are a few humble yet essential tools that often go unnoticed. Water containers, rags, and accessories might not be flashy, but they’re foundational to efficiency and hygiene in countless settings.

• Water Jars: Clean your water containers thoroughly after every painting session to avoid mold or residue buildup.
• Rags & Sponges: Wash cloth rags regularly, and replace paper towels or sponges when dirty to prevent bacteria or mold growth.
• Masking Fluid & Mediums: Store upright with tightly sealed lids and keep away from heat.
  

Archival Storage of Paintings

Archival storage of paintings is essential to preserve their integrity, prevent deterioration, and extend their lifespan. Watercolor paintings are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage. With the right care, they can retain their beauty for decades. Below are key principles, methods, and considerations for proper archival storage.

1. Drying the Painting

• Dry Completely: Always let your painting dry completely in a horizontal position.
• Keep Dust Free: Keep the area dust-free and avoid stacking or handling while wet.
• Keep Taped Down: Keep your watercolor painting taped down or attached to the paper block until the painting is dry.

2. Handling and Protection

• Use Gloves or Clean Hands: Oils and dirt from your fingers can stain the paper.
• Separate with Glassine or Archival Tissue: When storing multiple unframed pieces, insert acid-free sheets between them to prevent smudging or transfer.
• Store finished paintings in acid-free sleeves or archival boxes to prevent yellowing and paper deterioration.
• Dark, moisture free environment: Store flat in a portfolio or archival art box in a dry area away from direct sunlight.

3. Framing and Display

• Signing Your Art: Sign your art at least a half inch inside the edges of the paper.
• Use UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic: This protects your artwork from fading due to light exposure. Use acid-free matting for longevity.
• Keep paintings away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Avoid Humid or Sunny Spots: Hang watercolor paintings in cool, shaded rooms away from bathrooms or kitchens.
• Use Acid-Free Mats and Backing: These materials help prevent paper yellowing or deterioration over time.

Tip: For information about your watercolor painting please read the Studio Notes Art Blog, The Care and Framing of Your Watercolor Art.

4. Transporting Artwork

• Protect Your Art: Always place paintings between stiff boards and secure with clips or inside a padded portfolio.
• Do Not Roll: Avoid rolling watercolor paintings, as this can cause cracking or buckling.

General Maintenance Tips

• Inspect Supplies Regularly: Look for signs of mold, dried-out paint, or worn brushes.
• Label and Date Your Paintings: This helps with organization and tracking changes in quality over time.
• Declutter Old or Damaged Tools: Replacing low-quality or worn-out tools ensures better painting results and protects your work from unexpected issues.

Final Thoughts

Taking good care of your watercolor supplies and artwork is not just about preservation—it’s about respect for your art and the process. With just a little attention to detail, you can extend the life of your materials and safeguard the pieces you’ve put your time and creativity into. Whether you're painting for fun or professionally, these habits will ensure your tools remain reliable, and your paintings stay beautiful for years to come.

Now that you learned about caring and storing your watercolor paintings and supplies, read the next part of our series, Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 8 - Plein Air (Outdoor) Watercolor Painting. Watercolor painting is as much about patience and care as it is about creativity and expression. From the delicate nature of the paints to the sensitive surface of the paper, every element of your watercolor process benefits from thoughtful maintenance. CLICK HERE to continue reading.

 

Alabama Art Supply is your one-stop shop for all things art! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. From paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, custom framing, and more—if you’re looking for art supplies, we’ve got you covered. Don’t see what you need? Just reach out to us at 205-322-4741—we’re happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for!

 

 

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