6 Water Containers For Watercolor Pencils To Try

Choosing the right water container for watercolor pencils is as vital as selecting the correct needle size for a delicate lace project. Just as an improperly balanced needle can strain the wrists during long sessions of stockinette, a poor water setup can disrupt the flow of blending pigments on paper. Consistency and cleanliness are the primary requirements for achieving smooth gradients and vibrant washes. This guide explores the best tools to keep your artistic process as fluid as working with a fine-gauge merino yarn.

Faber-Castell Clic & Go: Best for Portability

The Clic & Go is the quintessential tool for the knitter who enjoys working on the go. Its collapsible design mimics the convenience of a compact, folding knitting needle case that tucks easily into a notions bag.

The silicone rings allow the cup to pop up when needed and fold completely flat when finished. This makes it an ideal companion for workshops or commute-heavy crafting sessions where table space is at a premium.

While its small footprint is excellent for storage, remember that the shallow basin requires more frequent rinsing to keep colors clear. It is best suited for light, quick washes rather than large-scale watercolor pencil work.

Derwent Double Water Pot: For Clean & Dirty Water

This container features two distinct compartments that mimic the utility of using a separate bobbin for each color in stranded colorwork. Keeping a clean water supply separate from the rinsing water is essential for preventing muddy colors.

The molded sides include built-in brush rests, ensuring brushes remain elevated rather than sitting in sediment. This is a game-changer for maintaining the integrity of delicate natural-fiber brush tips, much like how one must store wooden needles carefully to prevent warping.

The capacity is generous, making it a reliable choice for longer sessions. However, the dual-well design occupies more surface area, which might crowd a workspace if you are already juggling charts, stitch markers, and project bags.

Masterson Rinse Well: The Ultimate No-Spill Pot

The Rinse Well utilizes a clever reservoir system that automatically supplies fresh water to the rinsing basin. It functions with the reliability of a high-quality yarn winder, ensuring you never run dry mid-project.

Simply pressing the button forces dirty water into a waste reservoir, replacing it with a clean supply from the bottle above. This constant replenishment is perfect for artists who prioritize long, uninterrupted periods of focus.

This system is particularly effective for those working with high-pigmentation pencils that require aggressive cleaning. It is a heavier, more permanent fixture, best suited for a dedicated craft table rather than a mobile setup.

Loew-Cornell Brush Tub: The Multi-Tasking Hero

The Brush Tub acts as an all-in-one workstation, offering deep rinsing wells and various ridged surfaces for agitating pigment. It is the organizational equivalent of a multi-tier knitting caddy that keeps needles, scissors, and gauge swatches neatly separated.

The textured bottom helps scrub pigments from brush bristles, which is vital for preserving the longevity of synthetic and natural hair brushes. If you have ever struggled with stubborn lanolin residue on needles, you will appreciate how thoroughly this tub cleans fibers.

The integrated brush holes along the rim are excellent for drying brushes upright. This prevents water from traveling into the ferrule, which could otherwise weaken the adhesive and cause bristle shedding.

Transon Paint Brush Washer: Best Budget Option

The Transon washer is a straightforward, no-nonsense tool that provides a large volume of water for a very low cost. It is the reliable, stainless steel straight needle of the water container world—simple, durable, and highly effective.

The interior features a removable filter screen that allows pigment sediment to settle safely at the bottom. This keeps the water in the upper zone clearer for a longer period, reducing the need for constant trips to the sink.

Because it is made of metal, it is remarkably sturdy and won’t stain like some plastics. While it lacks the fancy bells and whistles of high-end basins, its durability makes it a solid investment for any long-term studio setup.

Creative Mark Brush Basin: A Simple Studio Staple

This basin offers a wide, shallow surface area that is incredibly stable on a flat desk. Its design philosophy centers on accessibility, similar to a wide-mouth yarn bowl that allows yarn to feed smoothly without snagging or tumbling.

The ridged sections on the bottom serve to gently tease color out of brush bristles. It is an uncomplicated choice that performs its primary duty without requiring a steep learning curve or complex cleaning rituals.

It is lightweight enough to move around, yet wide enough that it won’t easily tip over during a frantic search for a specific pencil. For artists who value a clean, minimalist workspace, this basin provides exactly what is needed without extra clutter.

How To Choose The Right Water Container For You

When selecting a water pot, assess your working environment first. If you are a mobile artist, portability must trump volume, just as you would prioritize a foldable project bag over a heavy wooden yarn bowl when traveling.

Consider the depth of your brush work and the frequency of your color changes. If you work primarily with light, airy washes, a single small basin suffices; if you engage in heavy layering with high-pigmentation pencils, a dual-pot or self-filling system is essential.

Do not overlook stability. A container that tips easily is a hazard to your paper and your finished work, much like a poorly balanced ball of yarn that bounces across the room during a complex pattern repeat.

Plastic vs. Glass: Picking Your Pot Material

Plastic containers are lightweight and shatterproof, making them the safest choice for busy, multi-purpose work surfaces. However, they can sometimes hold onto stubborn stains from highly saturated pencils over time.

Glass or ceramic options are heavier and provide superior stability, ensuring they stay firmly in place on your desk. They are also non-porous and incredibly easy to clean, meaning they will not carry residual color into future projects.

Choose glass if you have a permanent, dedicated space for your art. Choose plastic if your creative process requires moving between different rooms or traveling to workshops.

Keeping Your Water Clean: The Two-Pot Method

The two-pot method is the gold standard for maintaining color purity. Use one pot strictly for initial rinsing to remove the bulk of the pigment, and a second pot solely for the final pick-up of clean water.

This technique is akin to using a dedicated “wash” yarn for swatching versus using your actual project yarn. It prevents muddy, gray tones from creeping into your artwork when you transition from a dark blue to a soft yellow.

Always aim to replace your rinsing water as soon as it turns opaque. Clear water is the secret to vibrant, professional-looking watercolor effects, regardless of your skill level.

Beyond Pots: Are Water Brush Pens a Good Fit?

Water brush pens contain their own water reservoir, allowing you to blend pencils directly on the paper without an external pot. They offer the ultimate freedom for sketching in a café or working on a small, constrained lap desk.

However, these pens offer less control over water flow compared to a traditional brush dipped in a basin. They are best suited for smaller details or coloring book styles, rather than broad, expressive washes.

If you enjoy the tactile feel of a traditional brush, a water brush may feel too disconnected. Treat them as a specialized tool for your “on-the-go” kit, while keeping a high-quality traditional brush and water basin for your serious, detailed studio work.

Selecting the right water container is about balancing convenience with the specific requirements of your creative process. Whether you opt for a simple plastic basin or a sophisticated dual-well system, the goal remains the same: keeping your tools in peak condition to ensure your pigments flow as freely as your creativity. Once you settle on a setup that complements your workflow, you can focus entirely on the nuances of your color application.