When choosing between tube and pan watercolors, I’ve noticed that tube watercolors have some clear benefits. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Stronger Colors

• Tube watercolors usually have more pigment than pans. This means you can get bright and rich colors without using a lot of paint.

2. Easy to Mix

• Since tube watercolors are already liquid, they mix together easily on your palette. This is great if you want to create your own colors!

3. Flexible Use

• Tube watercolors are good for many techniques. Whether you want to do big washes or detailed work, they are perfect. They also let you work quickly if you like a more relaxed style.

4. Less Mess

• With squeeze tubes, you can take out just what you need. This way, you waste less paint. Pans can dry out, and you might waste paint when trying to scrape it out.

5. Good for Big Projects

• If you're painting on larger surfaces, tube watercolors make it easier to cover more area quickly. They are also simpler to layer on top of each other.

In the end, both tubes and pans are great in their own ways. But I usually prefer tubes because they offer rich colors and more options. It all comes down to what works best for you!