Lykkers, when we first dive into painting, one thing we quickly notice is how some watercolor paints cost much more than other types of paints. It’s natural to wonder why that is.

Watercolors aren’t just colorful powders mixed with water—they represent a unique combination of materials, techniques, and craftsmanship.

The price of these paints reflects all the effort and care that goes into making them work beautifully on paper. In this article, we’ll walk through the key reasons behind their cost and what makes watercolors special.

The Heart of Watercolors: Pigments

At the core of every watercolor paint is pigment—the tiny particles that give paint its color. Some pigments are common and inexpensive, but others are rare and difficult to source. For example, certain vibrant reds and blues come from minerals or synthetic processes that cost a lot to produce.

These high-quality pigments have excellent lightfastness, meaning they don’t fade or lose their brightness over time. When we invest in expensive paints, we’re paying for pigments that stay true and vibrant even years after we finish our artwork.

The Magic Binder: Holding Pigments Together

Pigments alone wouldn’t stick to paper without binders. For watercolor paints, the binder is usually gum arabic, a natural resin collected from acacia trees. This binder helps the pigment particles stick to paper while still allowing them to remain translucent and delicate.

Some paints also add glycerin, honey, or other natural ingredients to control the flow and drying speed. Different brands have unique formulas, which impact how smoothly the paint moves on the paper and how it looks once dry. These quality binders cost more but make the paint easier to work with and give richer finishes.

Watercolor Paper: The Unsung Hero

We often focus on the paints, but watercolor paper is just as important—and expensive. Unlike regular paper, watercolor paper must absorb water and hold up under multiple washes without buckling or pilling. Most professional papers are made from cotton or linen fibers, which provide strength and a beautiful surface texture.

The paper’s ability to hold and display pigment greatly affects the final look of the painting. Cheaper papers don’t absorb water well, causing colors to dull or run uncontrollably. High-quality paper lets us take full advantage of expensive paints, which is why it’s a vital part of the cost.

Painting Techniques That Demand Quality

Watercolor painting isn’t just about applying color; it’s a delicate dance of controlling water and pigment. The paints need to respond well to layering, glazing, and blending, all while drying quickly. When we use high-quality watercolors, the pigments separate beautifully and create soft transitions that cheaper paints can’t match. Good paints have a pure pigment load, so the colors stay clean instead of becoming muddy or dull.

This quality makes it easier for us to express subtle textures, light, and shadow, enhancing our artwork in ways that justify the higher price.

Why Production Costs Are Higher

Making watercolor paints is a detailed and time-consuming process. Manufacturers must grind pigments finely and mix them with binders to create a consistent product. They also conduct tests to ensure the paint’s durability, color accuracy, and behavior on paper. The best brands have strict quality controls, ensuring every tube or pan meets professional standards. This level of care means the materials cost more to produce, but we get paints that perform reliably and beautifully every time we paint.

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Art

For those of us starting out, it might feel tempting to buy cheaper paints and papers. That’s fine for practice and exploring techniques. But as we grow and want to create lasting works, upgrading to better materials can be a game changer. We suggest trying small sets of professional-grade paints to feel the difference in color richness and texture. Pairing these with quality cotton paper and good brushes enhances our control and satisfaction with the results. Investing in good materials is really investing in our own creative potential.

How We Can Make the Most of Expensive Watercolors

Expensive paints can feel like a luxury, but we can make them more affordable by using them wisely. For example, instead of large tubes, we might start with pans or smaller sets. We can also practice water control and brush techniques on cheaper paper before moving to fine watercolor sheets. Learning how to stretch our supplies through careful layering and mixing helps us get more value from each tube. Remember, it’s not just the price of the materials but how we use them that truly shapes our art.

Embrace the Craft and Let Your Art Shine

Lykkers, watercolors combine art and science in a way few mediums do. Their price reflects the rare pigments, natural binders, and fine papers that come together to create those magical translucent layers we all admire. When we choose quality materials, we unlock a world of possibilities and expression that cheap alternatives can’t offer.

So next time you pick up your brush, remember: every drop of expensive watercolor paint carries the effort of skilled craft and the promise of stunning beauty. Let’s celebrate this unique medium by investing wisely and painting boldly.