Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors are beloved by artists for their intense pigmentation, unique colors, and excellent lightfastness. However, when it comes to choosing the format, many painters find themselves torn between 5ml tubes and full pans. Each format has distinct advantages depending on your painting style, workspace, and travel needs.
In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences between Daniel Smith watercolor 5ml tubes and full pans, covering cost per gram, ease of use, portability, and longevity. Whether you're a studio painter or a plein air enthusiast, this guide will help you decide which size is right for your palette.
Cost and Value: Which Format Gives You More Paint for Your Money?
When comparing a Daniel Smith watercolor 5ml tube to a full pan, the first thing to consider is the amount of paint you actually get. A 5ml tube contains 5 milliliters of liquid paint, which, when dried in a pan, yields approximately the same volume as a half pan. A full pan, on the other hand, holds roughly 3 to 4 times the volume of a 5ml tube's dried paint.
In terms of cost per gram, full pans are generally more economical if you use a lot of a particular color. However, 5ml tubes offer a lower upfront cost, making them ideal for trying out new colors or building a palette gradually. For example, the Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 5ml Tube allows you to sample a wide range of hues without committing to a full pan.
- 5ml tubes: lower initial cost, great for sampling and travel.
- Full pans: better value per gram for frequently used colors.
Mixing and Application: Convenience in the Studio vs. on the Go
In the studio, many artists prefer tubes because they can squeeze out fresh, wet paint directly onto a palette, making it easy to mix large washes or intense colors. Tubes also allow you to control the consistency more precisely—add water for a dilute wash or use the paint straight from the tube for maximum vibrancy.
For plein air painting or travel, pans are often the better choice. They are dry, compact, and mess-free, fitting neatly into a small paint box. With a full pan, you can simply wet your brush and pick up pigment without worrying about spills or drying out. The Daniel Smith Watercolor Stick is another alternative for travel, but pans remain the classic choice for portability.
Daniel Smith Watercolor Stick
- Tubes: ideal for mixing large quantities and achieving vibrant washes.
- Pans: perfect for travel, quick setup, and minimal mess.
Longevity and Drying Time: Which Format Lasts Longer?
One common concern with tubes is that they can dry out over time if not properly sealed. Once opened, a tube of watercolor has a shelf life of several years, but if the cap is left loose, the paint can harden and become unusable. Pans, on the other hand, are already dry and will last indefinitely as long as they are kept clean and free of mold.
Another factor is how the paint behaves once it's on your palette. Paint squeezed from a tube will eventually dry out if not used, but it can be reactivated with water. However, repeatedly drying and rewetting tube paint can lead to a loss of binder and a chalky texture. Pans are designed for repeated wetting and drying, so they maintain their integrity over many uses.
- Tubes: require careful sealing to prevent drying; best used regularly.
- Pans: virtually unlimited shelf life; withstand repeated rewetting.
Which Format Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between Daniel Smith watercolor 5ml tubes and full pans depends on your personal painting habits. If you work primarily in a studio and enjoy mixing large washes or vibrant glazes, tubes offer unmatched convenience. They also allow you to try many colors without a large investment—the Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 5ml Tube is perfect for building a custom palette.
If you paint on the go, teach workshops, or prefer a tidy, all-in-one setup, full pans are the way to go. They are durable, compact, and easy to use. Many artists combine both formats: using tubes for their most-used colors and pans for travel or secondary hues.
- Studio painters: start with 5ml tubes for flexibility.
- Travelers and plein air artists: invest in full pans.
- Hybrid approach: use tubes for primaries and pans for specialty colors.
No matter which format you choose, Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors deliver exceptional quality. If you're ready to start building your collection, consider picking up a few Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 5ml Tubes to explore the range. Visit our store to find the perfect Daniel Smith watercolor for your next masterpiece.
