One of the outstanding properties of the Schmincke watercolours is their especially good resolubility. It is obtained by individual recipes of each single colour, a thoroughly manufacturing process as well as a time-consuming liquid pouring of the pans in four states over a 4-month period. These facts positively influence the colour flow and the brilliance of the watercolours.
The excellent resolubility is achieved by the ability of the colour to absorb water quickly, so that the colour can be taken easily with a brush from pan or palette. Thus, the colours are vulnerable to climate influences, which must be kept in mind:
High aridity: At very hot and/or dry climate, humidity respectively water evaporates into the air, so that under extreme circumstances the colour can shrink slightly and possibly come off the pan. The same may occur when the colours are stored for a longer time at hot temperatures in a car or in hot or warm rooms.
High humidity: At very humid and warm climate, the colour can absorb water from the air, which may lead to a certain stickiness of the colour surface in pans. In rare cases the colour can become viscously and leak out. The same effect can occur when - after painting - water remains for a longer time into the pans or a wet brush is stored in the closed box.
Important: If these phenomena occur, it doesn’t mean a lack of quality; the colours can be used as usual!
The right treatment of watercolour boxes: Please take care that the watercolour box, especially the pans, are dry, that means that there are no remaining water puddles in the pans after painting. Water can be removed with a non-fuzzing cloth; the box should remain open for some drying time. Please do not store wet brushes into closed watercolour boxes and store the boxes at normal room temperature. In surroundings with high humidity please pay special attention that the watercolour boxes are stored horizontally.
Loose colour in a pan can easily be “sticked on” or with a drop of Gum Arabic or with some water applied at the bottom side of the colour. After the next painting the colour normally has absorbed enough water for sticking tightly in the pan.
