The Secret to Water Control in Watercolor: Master These Simple Techniques!

Watercolor is one of the most fluid and unpredictable mediums, which makes it both exciting and intimidating. One of the biggest struggles for beginners is water control—too much water, and the paint runs everywhere; too little, and your colors won’t blend smoothly. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with streaky washes, unwanted blooms, or muddy colors, this guide is for you!

In this post, we’ll break down how to control water in watercolor painting so you can create smooth blends, vibrant layers, and controlled brushstrokes.

Why Water Control is Essential in Watercolor

Water plays a crucial role in how watercolor behaves. Understanding the right balance of water-to-paint can make the difference between a messy painting and a beautifully controlled composition.

When you master water control, you’ll be able to:

✔ Achieve smooth washes without streaks

✔ Create soft blends and controlled edges

✔ Avoid unwanted blooms and water back runs

✔ Have better control over color intensity

The 4 Stages of Water in Watercolor Painting

One of the first things to understand is how water interacts with your paper. Here are the four key water stages and how they affect your painting:

Dry Paper (Dry-on-Dry Technique)

• When you paint on completely dry paper with a dry brush, you get sharp, crisp edges.

• Best for fine details, layering, and line work.

• Example: Painting small details in botanical illustrations.

Damp Paper (Wet-on-Damp Technique)

• The paper is slightly damp but not wet. This allows for soft, controlled edges without too much spreading.

• Best for: Blending, shading, and subtle transitions.

• Example: Adding depth to a petal or skin tone in portraits.

Wet Paper (Wet-on-Wet Technique)

• When you apply paint to wet paper, it spreads and blends organically.

• Best for: Backgrounds, atmospheric effects, loose florals.

• Example: Creating a soft, dreamy sky or a loose floral composition.

Overly Wet Paper (Puddles & Backruns)

• Too much water can cause colors to bleed unpredictably, leading to blooms or backruns.

• Best for: Experimental textures (if used intentionally), but often something to avoid.

• Example: When you add too much water to a drying area, and it pushes the pigment outward, creating an unintentional bloom.

How to Control Water with Your Brush

• Test your brush before applying it to paper. Dab it on scrap paper to check how wet it is.

• Adjust your water-to-paint ratio:

• More water = lighter, transparent washes

• Less water = deeper, richer colors

• Use a tissue or dry brush to lift excess water. If you accidentally add too much water, gently blot with a tissue to regain control.

• Layer your washes: Start with light washes and gradually add layers to build depth without overwhelming the paper.

Keep Practicing!

Water control is one of the most important skills in watercolor, and the best way to master it is through practice. Experiment with different water levels, pay attention to how your paper reacts, and refine your technique. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my YouTube tutorial on water control in watercolor, where I demonstrate each of these techniques step by step. Watch the video here, pick up a copy of my Watercolors Made Simple book, or join me in a class!

👉 What’s the biggest challenge you face with water control in watercolor? Let me know in the comments!