Daniel Smith Watercolour Ground

Daniel Smith Watercolour Ground is available in Titanium White, Iridescent Gold, Pearlescent White and NEW Mars Black. Too often watercolour has been consigned to the painting-behind-glass niche - now almost any absorbent or non-absorbent surface can be transformed into a ground for watercolour paintings by using this revolutionary product. Let your imagination soar and open up your options beyond white paper! Find out more about the colours available by clicking the 'Colours' tab above.

Simply use a brush or foam to apply the ground to any surface - even wood, metal, ceramic, plastic and glass! Once dry it provides a soft, cottony texture similar to NOT paper. For more information on how to use these watercolour grounds click on the ‘How to Use’ tab above.

Please note: Although this ground allows you to paint on any surface using watercolours the results will not be the same as painting on paper. This product is NOT a direct substitute for watercolour paper.

Daniel Smith Watercolour Ground is a heavily pigmented, acrylic-based medium that can be applied to almost any surface using a brush or foam pad. Absorbent and Semi-absorbent surfaces will not require any preparation (this includes paper, canvas, fabric, wood, plaster, shell, hardboard etc.). For best results on non-absorbent substrates - like glass, metal and plastic - the surface should be abraded with sandpaper or steel wool beforehand.

It can be used straight from the tub and has a thick, brushable consistency. If you want a smooth finish then it is best to apply with a soft, synthetic brush. A hog bristle brush will give a more textured finish.

One coat will work for most materials and the surface should be allowed to cure for 24 hours before painting. If you are working on very absorbent surfaces you may need two or more coats. It will not reactivate once dry. Colour can also be lifted and scrubbed without damaging the surface.

As it provides a more absorbent surface than paper you won’t need to use as much water with your paint. If you are displaying the artwork without glass use a UV Archival Varnish to seal the surface.

• Titanium White - Offers a white surface similar to watercolour paper. Can be tinted with other colours to create an atmosphere/mood in your painting. Also acts as a white-out for ‘rescuing’ mistakes on traditional paper.
• Iridescent Gold - A semi-transparent shimmering gold ground that allows the texture and colour of the surface to show through. For a more opaque finish use 2 or more coats.
• Pearlescent White - Subtle, semi-transparent pearlescent ground that will give a soft glimmer to your watercolours.
• NEW Mars Black - An unexpected, dark surface that makes Daniel Smith Luminescent Watercolours come to life! Soft Pastels, graphite and watercolour pencils also work beautifully on this surface.