Essential Watercolor Materials
Everything you truly need to start painting with confidence
One of the biggest questions beginners ask is:
“What materials do I need?”
The truth?
You do not need the most expensive supplies or a giant art studio to create beautiful watercolor paintings.
You only need a few essential tools — and knowing how to use them matters more than having everything.
Here are my favorite watercolor essentials and the tips I wish someone had told me when I started. 🤍
1. Watercolors in Pans
Perfect for beginners and everyday painting.
Pan watercolors are:
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Less messy
- Great for soft washes and sketchbook painting
Tip ✨
Before painting, spray or drop a little water onto the pans and let them sit for 1 minute.
The colors become creamier and much easier to activate.
2. Watercolors in Tubes
Tube paints usually have richer pigment and stronger color intensity.
They’re amazing for:
- Mixing large amounts of color
- Loose floral paintings
- Vibrant artwork
Tip ✨
You only need a tiny amount.
Seriously — watercolor paint lasts much longer than people think.
A little paint + lots of water = watercolor magic.
3. A Jar of Clean Water
essential of course!
You’ll use water to:
- Activate paint
- Blend colors
- Create transparency
- Clean brushes
Tip ✨
Change your water often or have two jars of water.
Muddy water = muddy paintings.
Fresh water instantly improves your colors.
4. Watercolor Paper
This is the one material worth investing in.
Good watercolor paper changes EVERYTHING:
- Colors blend better
- Paper won’t warp as much
- Paint flows beautifully
Tip ✨
Choose paper that is:
- 300 gsm
- Cold pressed
- Cotton if possible
Even beautiful techniques struggle on poor paper.
You can read more about paper here
And you can find your perfect watercolor sketchbook companion here
5. Round Brushes
The most versatile watercolor brushes.
You can paint:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Details
- Thin lines
- Washes
…all with one brush.
Tip ✨
A medium round brush is enough to start, I will go with a 4 and 8 or 12
You do not need 20 brushes.
Learning brush control matters more.
You can learn more about brushes here
6. Flat Brushes
Perfect for:
- Backgrounds
- Skies
- Large washes
- Clean edges
Tip ✨
Use the side of the brush for broad strokes and the edge for crisp lines.
One brush = multiple effects.
7. White Gouache
This is the secret touch many watercolor artists love.
Great for:
- Highlights
- Tiny stars
- Details
- Final accents
Tip ✨
Mix white goauche with any watercolor and you will have pastel colors!
Tiny white details make paintings feel magical.
8. Pencil + Art Gum Eraser
For light sketching before painting, 2HB
Tip ✨
Sketch softly.
Dark pencil lines can show through watercolor forever.
An art gum eraser is gentler on paper and helps avoid damage.
9. Washi Tape
One of the easiest ways to make your paintings look polished.
Tip ✨
Tape the edges of your paper before painting.
When you peel it off at the end…
that clean white border feels SO satisfying.
10. Paper Towel or Tissues
Your secret watercolor helper.
Use them to:
- Lift paint
- Create texture
- Fix mistakes
- Control water
Tip ✨
Sometimes watercolor is less about adding paint… and more about removing it.
11. Ceramic Palette
A ceramic palette helps colors mix beautifully and smoothly.
Tip ✨
Ceramic surfaces don’t stain as much and keep colors looking true.
It’s one of those small upgrades that feels luxurious while painting.
The Most Important Watercolor Tip 🌿
Don’t wait until you have perfect supplies to start.
Some of the most beautiful watercolor art comes from:
- simple materials,
- imperfect brushstrokes,
- and the courage to keep painting anyway.
Watercolor teaches patience, softness, and letting go of perfection.
And honestly?
That’s why so many of us fall in love with it.
✨ Save this guide for your next art store visit
🎨 Share it with someone who wants to start watercolor
🤍 And remember: your style grows every time you paint
With love,
Flay
Les Lumières Designs
