Wiping Out and Washing Out in Watercolor Painting

Wiping Out and Washing Out in Watercolor Painting

Article by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

Both "wiping out" and "washing out" painting techniques were described in the "Preserving Whites" article. These methods are good not only for taking paint off white paper, but also for applying and removing colors in layers.

Painting by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

Wiping out is done when the paint layer is still wet. Paint can be wiped out by absorbing it with a semi-dry brush, a paper towel, blotting paper, sponge, cotton buds, or a similar material. It can also be pushed aside by non-absorbing tools like a palette knife or a brush handle.

Adding a little bit of glycerin to the paint mix will help the paint to float above the water and make wiping out easier. Glycerin will also prolong drying time, which is helpful when wiping out is planned as one of the creative steps.

Painting by Ilya Ibryaev, Watercolor Academy tutor

The "washing out" process involves adding water on the artwork surface and washing the paint away. This technique can be used when paint is dry or semi-dry. Washing out can be done with clear water and also with light tints of paint.

Small and large areas can both be washed out. Sometimes an artist just needs a thin line to be lightened. Other times, the whole artwork must be washed out.

Painting by Ilya Ibryaev, Watercolor Academy tutor

Some paints are easier to wash out than others. As the rule of thumb, granulating pigments grip the paper surface less than dyes, which tend to go into the paper fibers and are very difficult, if not impossible, to wash out.

I also suggest using washing out with caution because overdoing it might damage the paper surface and spoil the appearance of the artwork.

Painting by Ilya Ibryaev, Watercolor Academy tutor

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