Watercolour Tubes vs Pans: Which Ones Should You Choose?
Watercolour paints usually come in two types—tubes and pans—and if you’ve ever stood in an art shop wondering which one to pick, you’re not the only one! I use both in my own painting, and in this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about how they differ, what they’re good for, and a few tips that might help you decide which one suits you best.
THIS POST IS NOT SPONSORED AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY AFFILIATE LINKS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATERCOLOUR TUBES AND PANS?
Before weighing the pros and cons, let’s first look at what watercolour tubes and pans actually are:
Watercolour Tubes: contain paint in a soft, paste-like form. The pigment is moist and ready to use straight from the tube.
Watercolour Pans: hold dry, solidified paint in small plastic or metal wells. You need to activate them by adding water before painting.
Both formats start with the same basic ingredients: finely milled pigment, a water-soluble binder (typically gum arabic, extracted from the acacia tree), distilled water, and additives to improve flow and longevity. However, the manufacturing process varies depending on the brand. For example, Winsor & Newton pans contain special wetting agents that help the paint reactivate more easily with water. In contrast, brands like Schmincke, use the same formulation for both pans and tubes, so the paint re-wets the same way in either format.
Tubes:
The pigment-binder mixture is kept soft and fluid, then filled into tubes while still moist.
To prevent the paint from drying out, manufacturers add humectants like glycerin (e.g., Winsor & Newton) or honey (e.g., Sennelier) to retain moisture.
The paint remains soft and ready to squeeze out until the tube is opened.
Pans:
The same pigment mixture is poured into small pans in layers, with each layer left to dry before adding the next.
Some brands adjust their formulas, including the gum arabic content, to improve the re-wetting properties of their watercolour pans.
The final product is a solid, dry paint that can last for years without spoiling.
THE PROS AND CONS OF WATERCOLOUR PANS
Pans are popular among plein air artists and those who prefer a fuss-free setup. They are available in two standard sizes:
Half Pans: these compact pans hold approximately 1.5 to 2 ml of paint.
Full Pans: bigger pans holding around 5 ml of paint.
Pros:
Portable and travel-friendly: perfect for painting outdoors or sketching on the go.
Ready to use: you don’t have to open and squeeze out paint from every tube on your palette. Just spray some water on the pans a few minutes before you start painting.
Long shelf life: pan paints can last for years without cracking or spoiling.
Cons:
Slow activation for some colours: pigments like cerulean blue and burnt umber can be slow to re-wet, which can interrupt your workflow.
It can be difficult to mix large washes: building up enough pigment from a pan for large areas can be tedious.
Risk of contamination: since pans are exposed in the palette, colours can mix unintentionally if your brush isn’t clean.
THE PROS AND CONS OF WATERCOLOUR TUBES
Tubes are ideal for artists who love bold colours, large washes, and flexibility in mixing. They are commonly available in small (5–10 ml) and medium (14–24 ml) sizes. Some brands like Winsor & Newton offer a Large size of 37ml, but that is the exception rather than the rule!
Pros:
Highly pigmented and vibrant: the paint comes out fresh and saturated, making your colours look more vivid.
Easy to mix large washes: squeeze out as much as you need to cover large areas like skies or ocean scenes.
Cons:
Less convenient for travel: tubes take up more space and require a separate mixing palette.
Can dry out in the tube: even if the lid is sealed properly, the paint can become dry and impossible to squeeze out.
Tip: If your watercolour paint hardens inside the tube, it can't be restored to its original liquid state, but it doesn't have to go to waste. You can still use it similarly to pan paint. Carefully cut open the dried tube and transfer the hardened paint into an empty pan or directly onto your palette. Add a few drops of gum arabic solution along with a drop of glycerin and you can then treat it like traditional pan watercolours. Although rehydrated paint might not flow quite as smoothly or look as vibrant as fresh paint from the tube, it's absolutely fine to use—and a great way to make your supplies last longer.
To prevent tubes from drying out:
Check that the threads on the neck of the tube are clean before storing them away.
Always replace the lids tightly.
Store tubes at room temperature.
CAN YOU USE BOTHS TUBES AND PANS?
Absolutely! Many artists (myself included) use both formats. You can also buy empty pans and fill them with your favourite tube paints, which is cost-effective and lets you customise your palette.
Here’s how to do it:
Squeeze your tube paint into an empty pan (these are readily available at most art stores or online retailers like Amazon).
Tap the pan gently on a surface to settle the paint. Repeat this step for a second layer. Use a toothpick to stir the paint thoroughly to remove any gaps or air bubbles.
Let it dry for 24-48 hours, depending on the pigment.
“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.”
HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TUBES AND PANS
If you’re still unsure, here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Do you paint on the go? → Pans
Do you love strong, vibrant colours? → Tubes
Do you mix large washes often? → Tubes
Do you like quick setup and minimal cleanup? → Pans
Do you want the best of both worlds? → Use tubes to refill pans!
SOME SETS TO GET YOU STARTED
PREMIUM:
Winsor & Newton - Tube Travel Tin (12 tubes)
Winsor & Newton - Complete Travel Tin (24 half pans)
BUDGET:
Van Gogh - Pocket Box Watercolour Set (12 half pans)
Winsor & Newton - Cotman Watercolour Set (10 tubes)
There’s no single right answer when it comes to choosing between tubes and pans. A lot of artists start with pans because they’re convenient, then bring in tubes later on for a bit more flexibility. Others prefer the vibrancy and ease of tubes right from the start and never look back. Knowing the pros and cons of each will help you choose the option that best suits your painting process and style.
