How to make watercolor paint (with heart and intention)

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own watercolor paint. It brings you closer to the process, connects you to the materials, and reminds you that art doesn’t have to come from a store—it can come from your hands.

Making watercolor is part science, part alchemy, and a lot of care. Whether you want to try it for fun, to deepen your appreciation, or just to understand the magic behind your handmade paints, here’s a soft, simple guide to get you started.

Choose Your Pigment with Love and Intuition

Pigment is the soul of your paint. It can come from minerals, soils, or synthetic sources. When I make my eco-friendly paints, I work with high-quality pigments that are non-toxic, vibrant, and kind to the earth.

If you're trying this at home:

• Choose pigments from a trusted art supplier (look for lightfastness ratings)
• Avoid pigments with heavy metals unless you’re trained to handle them safely
• Start with a single color to keep it simple

Each pigment has a personality—some are smooth, others gritty, some bloom beautifully in water. Getting to know them is part of the joy.

Create a Binder That Holds It All Together

Your binder is what helps the pigment stick to paper. I use a combination of:

• Gum arabic (the traditional watercolor binder)
• Water
• Glycerin or honey (to keep the paint moist and easy to rewet)
• A natural preservative like clove oil

Stir gently, adjust slowly, and trust your senses. The goal is a smooth, slightly thick liquid that feels like syrup and binds the pigment without overpowering it.

Mull It Slowly and Pour It with Care

Once pigment and binder are mixed, they need to be mulled—ground together until silky and consistent. This process is slow and meditative, using a glass muller on a slab. It’s not fast. But it’s deeply rewarding.

When the paint feels smooth and rich, it’s ready to be poured into pans—usually in layers, drying between each one.

Want to see how this compares to what you’re already painting with?
- Read: How Is Watercolor Made?

Curious about why handmade paints feel different?
- Explore: What Makes Watercolor Unique?