Common Problems and Solutions to Painting a Wash

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You read through all the steps on How to Paint a Controlled Wash, drew several rectangle shapes, and made your puddle of watercolor. You painted your watercolor wash just as instructed in the directions, yet something doesn't look right. " What could have caused those streaks?" and "Why is there a big blob of color near the end?"	Common Wash Problems
	Learning how to recognize and avoid.
		Seeing - Examples - Solving

It happens to us all, especially in the beginning. The good news is there are solutions to these and other problems that might occur. Below are painted samples showing some of the most common watercolor wash problems, along with solutions on how to fix them.

Common Wash Problems and Solutions

	1. The bead was never established, causing the top to dry out.	Example 1.	1. Make sure to establish a bead before painting.
	2. Too much pressure was applied to the brush, causing a lighter value and uneven application.		2. Try not to push down so hard with your brush while you are painting. Use lighter brush strokes.
	3. Too much distance was covered in a single brush stroke throughout this sample, which made the wash dry to quickly.		3. Shorten the distance and release the color from your brush more often.
	4. Color was not mopped up when finished, causing a ballooning effect.		4. Remember to mop up any excess color when you are finished.
	5. The bead was not large enough, and more color was added after the top started to dry out, causing a ballooning effect.	Example 2.	5. Make sure the bead is fully established and the area above remains moist.
	6. The bead was used until it ran out, then re-established, causing another ballooning effect.	Example 2.	6. Load your brush often to maintain a consistent size to the bead.
	7. Wash was going well until the end, but the brush was rinsed out and not properly blotted before mopping up excess bead.	Example 3.	7. There is no need to rinse out your brush at the end. Just blot your brush well each time you mop up.

How to Paint
a Wash

Watercolor Painting Techniques

Common Wash Problems

How to Charge
Watercolors

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