Watercolour Dilution Calculator — Paint to Water Ratios

For very light washes, use 1:30 (paint:water). Light washes 1:15. Medium 1:8. Strong 1:4. Very strong 1:2. These ratios produce noticeably different tonal values when dry.

Watercolour paint contains pigment suspended in a water-soluble binder. As the water evaporates, only the pigment remains on the paper. The wet paint always looks darker than the dry result — typically 20-30% lighter when dry.

Wet-on-wet painting dilutes further as it hits wet paper (use less water in your mix). Glazing needs very dilute layers to maintain transparency. Dry brush uses thicker paint with minimal water for textured effects.

Adding water to a dry wash (lifting) lightens it but may disturb the pigment. Some pigments are staining and resist lifting. If you need a lighter wash, it is better to start with more water in your initial mix.

Always test on a scrap piece of the same paper you are using. Apply a swatch and let it dry completely (use a hairdryer to speed this up). Watercolour dries 20-30% lighter, so your test must be fully dry to judge accurately.