How to Use Crystalline Watercolours by Jackman’s Art Materials

How to Use Crystalline Watercolours by Jackman’s Art Materials

Beginner-friendly guide to vibrant, professional-quality Crystalline Watercolour techniques

If you’re looking to elevate your watercolour painting with intense, vibrant colours and unique textures, Jackman’s Crystalline Watercolours are a must-try. These highly pigmented, lightfast crystal powders offer artists a new way to create dynamic, transparent effects in their artwork.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this guide will walk you through how to use crystalline watercolours with easy, step-by-step instructions.

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What Are Crystalline Watercolours?

Jackman’s Crystalline Watercolours are pure pigment crystals that react with water to create rich, flowing colour. Unlike traditional pans or tubes, these pigments come in a crystal form, offering unmatched intensity, transparency, and movement.

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What You’ll Need

To get started with Jackman’s Crystalline Watercolours, you’ll need:

• Jackman’s Crystalline Watercolour jars or sample packs

• Watercolour paper (preferably cold-pressed or rough)

• A spray bottle (fine mist recommended)

• A mixing palette or dish

• Clean water

• Paintbrushes (optional, depending on technique)

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3 Easy Techniques to Use Crystalline Watercolours

1. Sprinkle on Wet Paper

This is one of the most exciting ways to use crystalline pigments.

Steps:

• Wet your watercolour paper evenly with clean water.

• Sprinkle a small amount of Crystalline Watercolour powder onto the surface.

• Watch as the pigment bursts into colour and spreads across the page in organic, unexpected patterns.

Great For: Abstract backgrounds, nature-inspired textures, and expressive washes.

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2. Mist on Dry Paper

This technique offers more control over where the pigment lands.

Steps:

• Sprinkle the crystalline powder directly onto dry paper.

• Use a fine mist spray bottle to lightly mist the area with water.

• The pigment will begin to bloom and blend beautifully.

Great For: Textural effects, layered colour builds, and experimental painting.

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3. Mix Like Traditional Watercolours

For artists who love brush control, you can mix Crystalline Watercolours in a palette just like traditional watercolour paints.

Steps:

• Add a small amount of pigment to your palette.

• Mix with water using a brush until the desired intensity is reached.

• Paint as you normally would.

Great For: Detailed work, washes, layering, and controlled blending.

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Tips for Best Results

• Less is more: Start with a tiny amount of pigment—these colours are highly concentrated.

• Use quality paper: Watercolour paper with good absorbency allows the pigments to move and blend naturally.

• Layer and experiment: These pigments layer beautifully once dry. Combine wet and dry techniques for more dimension.

• Fully intermixable: Mix different crystalline colours together for custom shades.

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Why Choose Jackman’s Crystalline Watercolours?

• 100% pure pigment

• Highly lightfast and professional-grade

• Handcrafted in the UK

• Ideal for expressive, contemporary watercolour painting

• Suitable for use with other mediums like ink, gouache, and traditional watercolour

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Where to Buy Crystalline Watercolours

Explore the full range of Crystalline Watercolours, sample sets, and fine mist spray bottles at:

Jackman’s Art Materials – Crystalline Watercolour Collection