Best watercolor to hold up to heat!

[Lisa Spangler]

Hey all!

Has anyone else noticed that their otherwise nicely behaved watercolors start to get sticky in the heat? I thought I noticed it last year but then I thought it must just be me, but it’s happening again this year. It’s been up in the 100s already here in Central Texas and I’ve been painting outside a good bit lately so I’m really noticing it.

It’s almost like the paint sticks to my brush and seems kinda random when it happens. I’m merrily painting away and then BLAM this blob of paint sticks to my brush. So aggravating when it happens ha!

I’ve noticed it the most with my trusty Daniel Smith Quin rose, but it’s happened with other DS paints too. Haven’t had it happen with any DaVinci paints yet. Seems like not all colors within a brand have the problem. Haven’t had it happen at all with Winsor & Newton — but did notice that colors like cobalt turquoise light that is normally hard to rewet works like a charm now. Must be the binder? Couldn’t get M. Graham to work for me no matter the season.

Anyhow, was wondering if anyone else has noticed this and if you can recommend any brands, especially for PV19! I just got a tube of DV permanent rose deep but haven’t had much time to experiment with it yet, also not sure if that’s an equivalent color to DS Quin rose. Thx for any advice!

• This topic was modified 4 years, 9 months ago by Lisa Spangler.

[Sandra Strait]

We don’t get a lot of 100 degree weather in Portland, Oregon (a few days though), so I haven’t had the problem.  I do know that M Graham gets runny in the heat.  Have you tried Qor? I know they use Aquazol as a binder where most brands use gum arabic or honey.  I don’t know that it would be any better, but it might be worth buying a tube to see if there is a difference.

[Lisa Spangler]

Hi Sandra!

Thanks for the recommendation to try QoR — I rec’d their sample dot with an order once and I remember them being kinda wild!! Might be fun tho.

The sticky thing happened again yesterday — the paint pan actually stuck to my brush and pulled completely out of my palette — and it was attached with magnetic tape!! Yow! So it’s not just my imagination haha!

 

[Sandra Strait]

No – your paints, paper and brushes will all react to extreme temperatures.  Last year, I was about 15 miles away from a wild fire, and I was amazed at how the difference in the way my watercolor supplies acted.

Since you mentioned Daniel Smith, I’m assuming you are using tube paints.  You might want to give pan paints a try.  I know Da Vinci uses the same formulation, so it wouldn’t matter with their paints, Daniel Smith does watercolor sticks – which are very like pan paints.  Do you have any local artist friends? Or a local artist society where you might ask people who have dealt with the same problem?

[Sandra Strait]

You know, I meant to say ‘No-it’s not your imagination.’  I did say it in my head, lol.

[Lisa Spangler]

Thanks again, Sandra! My artist friends are indoor painters and they use Daniel Smith, and that’s what I use…

Good idea trying the sticks!

I got a tube of DaVinci permanent rose to try — was going to wait until I finished up this pan of DS quin rose but now I think I’m just going to go for it!

Also there’s an urban sketchers group here but I’ve always been too intimidated to go! Maybe I should break out of my shell. 🙂

Thanks again!

[Amanda Brett]

tube paints are easier to use in the heat, squeeze out fresh paint and off you go!!

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