• 1 part watercolor binder (get the recipe down below)

to

• 1 part pigment

Some pigments will need more binder and some less. You will need to do some trial and error.

Binder: Binder provides a liquid base that holds the pigment in a liquid form. You can mix your own or buy a pre-made binder. I have a recipe for making your own. It’s not hard at all :).

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Step 1: Needed Items – Get all your items ready and in arms reach. Making paint can be a dirty job.

• Pigment – I’ve purchased a couple that work well. Rolio Mica Powders – Chameleon Mica Powder
• Watercolor Binder (recipe below to make your own)
• Palette Knife (many options on Amazon. Here is a link to some.)
• Tempered Plate Glass /Cutting Board
• Glass Muller
• Measuring Spoons
• ½ Pans, Pans, Tubes, Cards – to store finished paint
• Airtight Container – for extra paint to keep it in liquid form.
• Safety Mask / N95
• Latex / Plastic Gloves
• Paper Towels
• Water Cup
• Paint Brush & Watercolor Paper for Trial
• Ox Gall – optional – helps with pigment movement.

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Step 2: Safety

Mask up and put on latex/plastic gloves. Pigments are fine particles that you don’t want to end up in your system.

Step 3: Pigment & Binder

Place your selected amount of pigment in the middle of your tempered glass.  Make a divot in the middle of the pigment. Add your binder inside the divot. (Equal Parts)

Step 4: Mixing

Use your palette knife to slowly mix the pigment and binder together. When all the pigment is wet move onto the next step.

Step 5: Mulling

Use your glass muller to mix everything more. The heavy muller will break down things more and smooth things out. Use your pallet knife to move things around as needed.

Depending on the pigment you have it can take longer. Some pigments take 10 to 30 minutes while others can take hours. Colors are completed when they easily go onto your brush and when dry stay on the paper.

MAKING WATERCOLOR BINDER
by Tammie Ann Creative

Binder Recipe – Place into a jar with a saleable lid like a mason jar.

• 1 Cup – Warm Distilled Water
  
• 1/2 Cup – Gum Arabic Powder
  
• 1/5 Cup – Honey and / or Glycerin. If both, equal parts
  
• 2 Drops – Clove Oil (preservative)

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Mix slow and thoroughly in a glass jar.

Refrigerate for up to six months.

Tip: Place masking tape on jar. Note the expiration date and contents