Watercolor, Gouache, or Watercolor Sticks—Custom Colors On the Go

Creating your own half pans is the ultimate way to build a personalized travel palette with your favorite DANIELSMITH極細水彩画, ガッシュ, or 水彩スティック. Whether you’re heading out for plein air painting, setting up a studio palette, or just want all your favorite colors in one place, it only takes a few minutes to fill a half pan.

Step 1: Pick Your Medium & Tools

What you’ll need:

  • For Watercolor & Gouache: DANIEL SMITH tubes (Watercolor comes in 5ml or 15ml)
  • For Sticks: A craft knife or blade and your favorite Watercolor Sticks
  • Empty half pans (or full pans!)
  • A toothpick or small tool for leveling the paint
  • Fine tip permanent marker (for labeling color names on pans)
  • Optional: A tube wringer or crimper is great for getting the most out of those nearly finished tubes!

ヒント: Each 5ml tube of watercolor fills 2–3 half pans. Watercolor Sticks can be sliced into small sections and pressed into the pan—perfect for a portable version of your favorite colors.

Step 2: Fill in Layers

  • Watercolor & Gouache: Squeeze the paint into the half pan, filling halfway. Use a toothpick to spread it evenly and eliminate air bubbles.
  • Watercolor Sticks: Cut a section of the stick that fits the pan, then press it in firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Why layer? Once the water evaporates, the paint will shrink down. Adding paint in several stages ensures a smoother surface and really packs in the pigments. (We fill our half pans in 3 layers to ensure maximum re-wettability.

Step 3: Let It Cure

Leave the filled pans uncovered to dry completely—usually 24–48 hours. Watercolor Sticks won’t need to cure; they’re ready to use immediately. Once the pans with tube paint are cured, top with a second layer and spread evenly. Allow to dry again before transporting, at least 24 hours.

ヒント: Label your pans with the color name and pigment info so you can easily refill or reorder later.

Filling your own pans saves money, reduces waste, and allows you to create a completely custom palette—whether you want an earthy gouache set, a vibrant watercolor travel kit, or a hybrid set that includes both paints and Watercolor Sticks.

Custom Half Pan Set Ideas

Choose your favorite DANIEL SMITH Watercolors, Watercolor Sticks or Gouache and turn them into a compact, refillable palette. Use one of our empty palettes such as:

Here are some palette ideas:

The Perfect 12-Color Gouache Palette

A portable studio in 12 tubes. ダニエル・スミス エクストラ ファイン™ ガッシュ re-wets beautifully and offers rich, velvety matte colors.

Here are some Suggested Colors:

バフチタンガッシュ

レモンイエローのガッシュ

生シエナガッシュ

ベネチアンレッドガッシュ

キナクリドン マゼンタ ガッシュ

バーントアンバーガッシュ

ラベンダーガッシュ

ウルトラマリンブルーガッシュ

Cobalt Teal GOUACHE

カスケードグリーンガッシュ

ニュートラルティントガッシュ

チタンホワイトガッシュ

Ready-To-Go Watercolor Essentials

Watercolor Essentials 6 Tube Introductory Set

Jumpstart your creative journey and fill your palette with these versatile 5ml colors:

ハンザイエローライト

新しいガンボージ

キナクリドンローズ

ピロールスカーレット

フタロブルー(グリーンシェード)

フランスのウルトラマリン

Additional Must-Have Colors

ニュートラルティント

Warm depth and structure.

焦げたアンバー

Warm depth and structure.

生シェンナ

Classic earthy golden tones.

With 272 colors in our Watercolor range and 74 Gouache colors to choose from, the palette potential is exponential! What will you build?

FIND A RETAILER