Budget Watercolor Hacks: 21 Ways to Save Money on Supplies & Paint
Budget Watercolor Hacks: Your Guide to Saving Money Without Skimping on Art
Let’s be real: loving watercolor is easy, but funding the habit can be tough. If you’re looking for serious watercolor hacks to save money, you’ve landed in the right place. I’ve been there—staring at a cart full of beautiful, expensive supplies while my budget screamed in protest.
After some time, and some gloriously cheap discoveries, I’ve nailed down the best ways to get quality watercolor supplies without the crazy price tag. This isn’t about using bad materials; it’s about being smart, creative, and a little sneaky. Here are my top 21 budget-friendly hacks to keep you painting more and spending less.
1. Stop Buying All The Colors. (Seriously.) You can mix pretty much anything with just 3-6 good primary tubes. It’s the ultimate budget watercolor power move. Less clutter, more learning, way more cash left over. I’ve got a guide on exactly which ones to pick here: Limited Palette Guide.
2. Paper is King. But a Thrifty King. Don’t paint on garbage paper—it’s soul-crushing. But “good” doesn’t mean “mortgage payment.” Grab a pad of Baohong or even Bee Paper. They’re the awesome, budget-friendly heroes that won’t betray you mid-wash.
3. Your Kitchen is an Art Store. Before you buy anything, look in your cabinets. That salsa jar? Perfect brush cleaner. That white plate you never use? Hello, perfect palette. You’re already richer than you think.
4. Dollar Store & Asian Market Treasure Hunts. Need more little dishes? Go to the dollar store. Want a gorgeous, heavy ceramic palette for $3? Hit an Asian home goods store. It’s like a treasure hunt for your studio.
5. Get Witchy with Gelatin. Okay, this one’s for the brave! You can buy big, cheap sheets of paper and make them watercolor-ready yourself with gelatin. It’s a weird, fun magic trick that saves loads on big paper.
6. Flip That Paper Over. Most paper is tough. Use the back for sketches, practice, or playing with colors. Two paintings for the price of one!
gni7. Be an Art Supply Scout. Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, estate sales. This is how you try fancy paints for cheap. I have got some Sennelier, Cotman and Winsor and Newton Pro paints for a very bargain price. Someone’s “barely used” tube or even brand new is your new favorite color for $5.
8. Date Your Paints Before You Marry Them. Never commit to a full tube of a new shade. Get a teeny half-pan first. If you love it after a few weeks, then get the big tube.
9. Plan for the Frame, First. Custom-cut mats cost a fortune. Paint on standard sizes (like 9″x12″) that fit into cheap, pre-made frames from the craft store. Your future self will high-five you.
10. Never. Pay. Full. Price. There is always a Michael’s 40% off coupon. ALWAYS. For online stuff, sign up for emails from Jackson’s Art or DickBlick—they have constant sales and even Clearance items.
11. Tubes are Your Pigment Piggy Bank. Once you’re sure about a color, buy the tube. It’s cheaper per drop, and you can squeeze it into empty pans to make your own perfect travel set.
12. Murder Your Empty Tubes. When the tube won’t squeak out another drop, take scissors to it. There’s SO much paint still hiding in there. Scoop it into a pan like artisanal frosting.
13. Your Dirty Palette is a Gold Mine. That crusty, dried paint on your palette? Don’t wash it! Spritz it with water and use it for magical, gritty backgrounds. Or keep a “Frankenstein” palette just for these leftover monster mixes.
14. Make a Wishlist & Wait. Want a fancy brush? Put it on a list and wait for a sale. Patience is a virtue that comes with a 30% discount.
e
16. Play with Clay. Air-dry clay is cheap and fun. Make little custom brush rests so your good brushes stop rolling onto the floor. It’s a fun craft that supports your other fun craft.
17. Send Your Family on a Supply Mission. Make an Amazon wishlist with specific art supplies and share it for your birthday/holidays. Makes it easy for them, and you get exactly what you need.
18. Be a Paper Surgeon & a Pigment Detective. Buy big sheets of paper and cut them to size—it’s way cheaper. And always check the little code on the paint tube (like PB29) so you don’t accidentally buy the same color twice with a different name.
19. Ditch the Paper Towels. They’re expensive and flimsy. Get a bag of those super-absorbent disposable makeup towels, or use a kitchen sponge. Way better for soaking up water. Of course, you can become even more creative and use recycle old T-shirts or even reusable diapers!
20. You Don’t Need Every Brush on the Market. Repeat after me: more brushes do not make you a better painter. A well-chosen handful of versatile brushes is all you’ll ever truly need. Having just a few trusted tools helps you learn their unique abilities inside and out. If you’re wondering where to even start with those first few brushes, I’ve got you covered in my simple beginner brushes guide here: First Watercolor Brushes For Beginners.
21. Light Table. Need to trace a sketch? Tape it to a sunny window. Want a great painting surface? Find a cheap second-hand table with a glass top. Instant, wipeable studio centerpiece.
Let’s Wrap This Up…
Look, being a budget watercolor artist isn’t about missing out. It’s about being clever, a little bit sneaky, and super creative—both on and off the paper. It’s about putting your money into the stuff that truly matters (good paper, a few good paints) and getting wildly inventive with the rest.
The goal is more painting, less stressing over prices. Now go use that old salsa jar, and make something beautiful 🙂
