When should I use transparent vs. semi-opaque or opaque colors?

The choice between transparent and more opaque colors depends on the effect you want to achieve in your painting.

Transparent watercolors are ideal for layering techniques such as glazing, where multiple thin washes are built up to create depth and luminosity. They allow light to pass through the layers and reflect off the paper, resulting in bright, clean, and vibrant color mixes.

Semi-opaque and opaque colors, on the other hand, offer more coverage and are useful when you want to create stronger, more solid areas of color. They can help with defining edges, adding highlights, or making final, more confident brushstrokes that stand out on the surface.

By combining both types, you can take advantage of their different qualities and achieve a wider range of effects in your work.