Why should I pre-wet some watercolors before use?

Some watercolors, especially those made with natural or mineral-based pigments, may benefit from being lightly pre-wetted before painting. These pigments can be less immediately reactive to water compared to synthetic ones, due to their special natural structure and composition.

To activate them at their best, we recommend adding a few drops of clean water to the pan and letting it sit for a short moment before use. This helps the pigment soften and release more evenly, making it easier to load your brush and achieve smoother, more consistent washes.

Pre-wetting also allows the binder and pigment to fully rehydrate, improving flow and ensuring that the color performs as intended on paper. This simple step can make a noticeable difference, especially with more textured or highly granulating colors.

While not always necessary for every color, pre-wetting is a helpful practice when working with natural pigments, enhancing both control and overall painting experience.