Why I Use Three Water Jars for Watercolor

🎨Why I Use Three Water Jars for Watercolor

Using three separate water containers may seem like overkill at first—but trust me, this simple habit has revolutionized my painting process. Here's how:

1Jar #1 – Dirty Rinse

This is your "first wash" jar. Right after each brush stroke, dip here to remove fresh pigment. It keeps that initial muck contained and prevents it from spreading.

2Jar #2 – Second Rinse

After the first dip, rinse again in Jar #2. It's my backup cleaner, making sure as much pigment as possible is gone—keeping my mixing water nearly spotless.

3Jar #3 – Clean Mixing Water

This is the sacred vessel for activating paint and glazing. With no stray pigment, your colors stay pure, vibrant, and true to their intended shade.

✅The Advantages

True-to-life color vibrancy – No accidental gray tints from dirty water

Layering made easy – Clear mid-tones and transparent layers stay crisp

Less frequent water changes – Three jars maintain freshness longer

Brush care – Reduces staining and extends brush life

Workflow efficiency – Paint, rinse, second rinse, and onto clean water—all seamlessly

💡Pro Tips & Extras

Use identical jars to develop the habit faster—they're easier to remember in order.

Label with tape or stickers if you're prone to forgetting which is which.

Carry a small spare bottle to top up rinsing jars without disturbing the clean jar—especially handy outdoors.

🔄An Alternative to the 3-Jar Setup

If you're short on space or just love gadgets, there's another great option to keep your brushes clean while painting: a brush rinsing tool designed specifically for watercolorists.

🎁Product Recommendation

Automatic Brush Rinser for Watercolor Paints

This clever tool automatically flushes dirty water from your brush and refills with clean water at the press of a button. It's great for home studios, especially when you want less mess and faster cleanup. #ad

🔘 Check it out »

Ceramic 2 Well Brush Rinser from Meeden

Perfect for keeping your brushes clean and your colors bright-not 3 well, but still excellent and elegant choice. #ad

🔘 Check it out »

Final Thoughts

You don't have to use three jars, but once you do, you'll wonder why you ever settled for less. It's easy to implement, dramatically improves color quality, and feels surprisingly luxurious.

Whether you stick to the triple-jar method or upgrade with a handy gadget, clean water = clean color. And that's something every artist can appreciate.