01 · How do I use the water brush and collapsible cup?

Illustrated steps for opening a collapsible water cup and filling a water brush.

For POCKET 9-color kits, the water brush and collapsible cup are included only with Premium (FT1052F). Essential and Standard do not include these tools.

A water brush has a refillable barrel; a detachable travel brush does not. TRAVELER Classic includes both types; POCKET Saddle Pouch includes a detachable travel brush.

Match the illustrated assembly steps to the brush and cup supplied with your kit. Fill only a refillable barrel with clean water and gently squeeze to wet the tip. Do not force a threaded joint if it does not turn easily.

02 · How do I use the magnetic clip?

Using a compact watercolor palette with a magnetic grip while painting outdoors.

EXPLORER Hand-Poured 24 Colors lists a magnetic grip and clip. TRAVELER Classic does not list these accessories. Match the diagrams to your hardware.

Clip the holder onto your sketchbook or painting board, then attach the matching palette to the magnetic surface. Check that everything is secure before painting.

The attachment design varies by set. View the metal palette magnetic attachment close-up.

03 · How do I connect ClickLink markers and replace a refill?

Illustrated color-pan and pad replacement guides for a mini watercolor palette.

Connect colors: Separate at the locking clip, align the two clips, and press until they snap together.

Replace a refill: Twist off the barrel and pull out the empty pod downward. Place the new pod with its narrow end up, then press the tip down vertically to insert it. Reassemble, shake thoroughly, and test the ink flow.

Use a refill intended for your marker model. See FAQs for refill and bundle questions.

Choose the refill pack listed for your ClickLink marker option; do not assume every refill pod fits every marker.

04 · How do I activate new watercolor pans?

Dry pans are normal. Touch a wet brush to the paint or add a little clean water, allow the surface to soften, then gently pick up color. Test the mix on watercolor paper and adjust the water until you have the wash you want.

05 · How do I clean and maintain my palette?

  1. Wipe the mixing area with a damp cloth or paper towel after painting.
  2. For dried paint, add a little water, wait briefly, and wipe clean.
  3. Let the palette air-dry completely before closing it.

Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive tools, and soaking wooden palettes.

Keep water away from hinges and glued joints. Follow your product’s care instructions.

06 · How do I clean and care for watercolor brushes?

  1. Rinse frequently in clean water while painting.
  2. After use, gently wash with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  3. Reshape the damp bristles and lay the brush flat to dry.
  4. Store only once dry.

Avoid hot water and leaving brushes standing in water, which can damage the bristles and loosen the ferrule.

07 · How can I reduce watercolor paper warping?

  • Choose heavier watercolor paper, such as 300gsm / 140lb.
  • Secure the edges to a board with suitable artist tape.
  • Control the amount of water used in each wash.
  • Let your painting dry flat.

Some movement is normal when paper gets wet. Heavier paper and controlled washes can help reduce it.

08 · How should I store my watercolors?

Store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight and let them dry after use. Follow any storage or expiry information on the packaging. Dry watercolor can usually be reactivated with water; this is not a guarantee of an unlimited shelf life.

If the paint develops an unusual smell or visible growth, stop using it and contact us for help.

09 · Why is my water brush releasing too little or too much water?

These checks are for refillable water brushes. KISS LOCK and POCKET Saddle Pouch travel brushes do not store water.

  1. Check that the barrel contains clean water and is securely connected.
  2. Moisten the brush tip, then gently squeeze the barrel over a rinse cup or cloth until water reaches the bristles.
  3. If too much water comes out, release your grip and blot the tip before painting. Avoid keeping pressure on the barrel while you paint.

If the connection leaks or water still will not flow, contact support with your product name, SKU and a photo.

10 · Can I paint on both sides of my watercolor journal?

You can work on the reverse of a page in the listed FUNTO journals. Let the first side dry completely before turning the page, painting on the reverse or closing the book.

Use less water for a small sketch and test a corner before a heavy wash. The 3.5 × 5.5 in and 5.5 × 5.5 in ROAMER journals use 230gsm paper; the listed 8.5 × 5.5 in ROAMER, MOMENT, REVEAL and TRACE journals use 300gsm paper.

A sheet is one physical piece of paper; a page is one side. For example, 24 sheets provide 48 pages when both sides are counted.

11 · Why do my dried watercolor pans have small cracks?

Watercolor can develop small surface cracks as it dries. A crack on its own does not tell you how the paint will perform.

Add a few drops of clean water to one color, then test it with a wet brush on watercolor paper. Avoid scraping or prying the dry paint out of its pan.

If the paint is loose in the pan, arrives badly broken or will not pick up with a wet brush, send us a photo and your product name or SKU so we can check it.

12 · How many colors are in my EXPLORER kit?

EXPLORER Watercolor Tube Kit: every option includes 12 tube colors. The numbers 8 and 15 describe the empty wells in the selected walnut palette, not the number of paint colors.

EXPLORER Walnut Watercolor Kit: the 8-color option includes 8 hand-poured colors; the 15-color option includes 15.

Check the product name and SKU on your order to identify which kit you have.

Still Need a Hand?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our team is here to help you make the most of your FUNTO supplies.

support@funtoart.com

Contact Support