Essential Watercolour Supplies and Everyday Substitutes

Watercolour painting is a versatile and expressive medium, but you don’t need a lot of specialised equipment to start. Some supplies are essential, while others are optional and can be substituted with everyday items. Here’s a breakdown of essential supplies and some alternatives, plus additional optional supplies to enhance your watercolour practice.

Essential Supplies

1. Watercolour Paints
   • Why You Need Them: Watercolour paints are formulated specifically for transparent layering, vibrant colours, and smooth blending. They come in tubes, pans, or liquid forms.
   • Alternative: You can’t easily substitute watercolour paints, but in an emergency, food colouring mixed with water might work, though it lacks the versatility of true watercolour paints.
2. Watercolour Brushes
   • Why You Need Them: Watercolour brushes are designed with soft bristles that hold water and paint well. The variety of shapes (round, flat, wash) helps achieve different effects.
   • Alternative: You can use soft synthetic brushes or clean paintbrushes from other craft supplies. Just note that they may not give the same results as professional watercolour brushes.
3. Watercolour Paper
   • Why You Need It: Watercolour paper is thicker and more absorbent than regular paper, allowing it to handle the water and pigment without warping.
   • Alternative: You can try using a thicker, textured mixed-media paper, but it may not absorb water as well as watercolour paper, affecting your results.
4. Palette
   • Why You Need It: A palette is used to mix colours and control the paint consistency. A ceramic or plastic palette is easy to clean and keeps your colours separate.
   • Alternative: You can use a clean, white ceramic plate, a plastic lid, or a takeaway container as a makeshift palette.
5. Water Containers
   • Why You Need Them: A water container is essential for rinsing brushes and mixing with paints. It’s best to have two: one for clean water and one for rinsing.
   • Alternative: Any glass jar, plastic cup, or reused food container can serve as a water container.
6. Masking Fluid
   • Why You Need It: Masking fluid protects areas of your paper from paint, preserving white spaces or fine details.
   • Alternative: You can use painter’s tape or washi tape as a substitute, but it may not be as precise as masking fluid.
7. Pencil and Eraser
   • Why You Need Them: A light pencil sketch guides your painting, especially for intricate details. A soft pencil is ideal, as it won’t leave harsh lines.
   • Alternative: Regular pencils (like HB) and a soft rubber eraser work just fine for this purpose.
8. Paper Towels or Sponges
   • Why You Need Them: Paper towels or sponges help you blot excess paint and water or lift paint from the paper to create highlights.
   • Alternative: You can use kitchen paper towels or clean dishcloths as a substitute for watercolour-specific sponges.
9. Tape
   • Why You Need It: Painter’s tape helps secure watercolour paper to your working surface and creates clean borders.
   • Alternative: Masking tape or washi tape can be used in place of painter’s tape, as long as it’s low-tack to avoid damaging the paper.
10. Artboard or Board
    • Why You Need It: An artboard or board provides a flat, stable surface for your watercolour paper, preventing warping as you work. It supports your paper while you paint.
    • Alternative: You can use a sturdy piece of cardboard, foam board, or even an old cutting board as a backing for your paper.

Optional Supplies to Enhance Your Watercolour Art

While the essential supplies will get you started, there are several optional items that can elevate your watercolour paintings with extra effects or unique textures. Here are a few you may want to try as you get more comfortable with watercolour:

1. Easel
   • Why You Need It: An easel holds your artwork at an upright or angled position, providing support and comfort as you paint. It’s especially useful for large-scale paintings or when you prefer to paint standing up.
   • Alternative: If you don’t have an easel, simply tape your paper to a flat surface like a table, or use a clipboard to support your work. You can also work directly on a table or the floor.
2. Ground (Watercolour Ground)
   • Why You Need It: Watercolour ground is a primer that allows you to paint with watercolours on non-traditional surfaces, such as canvas or wood. It provides a texture that helps watercolour paint adhere better.
   • Alternative: If you want to experiment with non-traditional surfaces, watercolour ground is the best option, but you can skip this if you’re just starting out with standard watercolour paper.
3. Salt
   • Why You Need It: Salt creates unique textures and effects when sprinkled on wet watercolour paint. The salt absorbs the water and pigment, forming crystalline patterns.
   • Alternative: Salt is a common household item, and it can easily be used for special effects, so no need to buy anything extra.
4. Spray Bottle
   • Why You Need It: A spray bottle helps you control moisture on your paper or paint. It’s great for adding soft washes, blending colours, or wetting your paper evenly before painting.
   • Alternative: You can use any small spray bottle, such as an old perfume bottle, as long as it mists the water gently.
5. Sponges
   • Why You Need It: Sponges help create texture in your paintings, especially for things like clouds, waves, or soft transitions between colours.
   • Alternative: A kitchen sponge can work as a substitute for a watercolour sponge, especially if you cut it into smaller pieces.
6. White Gouache
   • Why You Need It: White gouache is an opaque paint used for highlights or creating layers over your watercolour painting. It’s great for adding fine details or brightening dark areas.
   • Alternative: White acrylic paint can serve a similar purpose, though gouache blends better with watercolour.
7. Watercolour Pencils
   • Why You Need It: Watercolour pencils allow for detailed lines and precise areas of colour, which can then be activated with water to create watercolour effects.
   • Alternative: Regular coloured pencils can be used for detailed drawing, but they won’t offer the same blending possibilities when water is applied.

Conclusion

With the right essential supplies, you can start watercolour painting right away, and optional tools like easels, salt, and sponges can help you explore more advanced techniques. You don’t need to buy everything at once—start with the basics and experiment as you go, adding items to your kit as you develop your style.

Whether you’re using household items or investing in specialised watercolour tools, the most important thing is to enjoy the creative process.

Happy painting!