Don't worry, most watercolor mistakes can be softened or hidden! How you fix it depends on whether the paint is still wet or already dry.
What can I do while the paint is still wet?
- Blot it. Gently press a clean tissue onto the area to soak up the extra paint. Press, don't rub.
- Lift it with the brush. Clean your water brush, wipe the tip so it's only damp, then touch it to the area. The brush picks up the color. Wipe it on your wristband and repeat.
What can I do once it's dry?
- Rewet and blot. Add a little clean water to the area with your water brush, wait a few seconds, then blot with a tissue. Repeat a few times if needed.
- Be gentle. Scrubbing hard can rough up the paper surface. Some colors also leave a light tint behind, and that's completely normal.
- Paint over it. Once the area is dry, a darker color can cover a lighter mistake.
- Make it part of the picture. A stray drip can become a leaf, a cloud, a shadow or a little bird.
What are those flower-shaped marks in my painting?
These "blooms" happen when wet paint or water flows into an area that's starting to dry. To avoid them, wait until an area is either fully wet or fully dry before you touch it again. Many painters love blooms as texture in skies and backgrounds.
Good to know
- Test colors on a scrap page before they go on your painting.
- A light pencil sketch helps you plan where colors go.
- Once everything is dry, you can tidy edges with outlines. See "What is the Fineliner for?"
Every painter makes mistakes, and each page helps you learn. 💙