The Student Watercolour 12 Pan Tin Set + Brush is the little tin that lives in your bag and turns any spare ten minutes into painting time. Twelve watercolour pans, a brush and three mixing wells, all tucked into a hinged metal tin that shuts with a satisfying click.

We would rather tell you straight: this is an unbranded, imported student and hobby set. It is not an artist quality watercolour and it does not pretend to be. It is a good quality set in its class, made for classrooms, learners and anyone who wants an easy, low fuss way to paint. If you want a cheerful, portable tin to sketch, journal and learn with, this is it. If you are after artist grade paint, keep reading, we have pointed you in the right direction further down.

Why This Watercolour Pan Set Is So Easy to Love

Pans are the most forgiving way into watercolour. There are no caps to lose, no tubes drying out in a drawer and nothing to squeeze. Close the lid when you are done and the tin is ready to go again next time, which makes this set a natural fit for travel journals, colouring books, sketchbooks, mixed media pages and classroom tables.

Set your expectations to match the paint. Student and hobby watercolours generally carry less pigment than artist ranges, so colours can paint a little softer and deep darks may need a second layer. That is normal for this class of paint, and it is part of what makes a set like this such a relaxed place to learn. Experiment, make mess, fill pages, and save the precious stuff for later.

How to Use Your Watercolour Pan Set

1. Wake the pans up. Drop a little clean water onto each pan you plan to use and give it a minute to soften.
2. Load the brush. Swirl your damp brush over the pan until it is holding plenty of colour.
3. Mix in the wells. Use the three mixing wells to dilute colour or blend new shades before they hit the paper.
4. Dry before you close. Leave the lid open for a few minutes after painting so the pans and wells dry out before you pack the tin away.

What Is in the Box

• ✓ 12 watercolour pans
• ✓ 1 brush
• ✓ Metal tin with hinged lid and 3 mixing wells

Getting the Most From Your Pan Set

The paper matters as much as the paint, and it matters even more with student colours. Watercolour on printer paper buckles and pills, while proper watercolour paper lets the colour flow, bloom and layer the way it should. Even a small pad of 300gsm watercolour paper will make this set feel twice as good.

Work light to dark. Lay down pale washes first, let them dry, then build up stronger colour on top. Keep two water jars going if you can, one to rinse and one clean for mixing, and your colours will stay bright instead of muddy.

Fancy some sparkle too? Try the sister set, the Student Metallic Watercolour 12 Pan Tin Set + Brush. Ready to step up? Australian made Art Spectrum artist watercolours are a great next move when you want stronger, richer colour, so browse all Art Spectrum art supplies. You will also find more watercolour paint sets and watercolour brushes to grow your kit.

Questions About the Student Watercolour 12 Pan Tin Set