Painting & Drawing Supplies: Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Published 2026-08-01 · Updated 2026-08-01
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-01.
Our pick: the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour 12 Tube Collection, 12 x 8ml Tubes — the best Painting & Drawing Supplies we tested, from £24.26.
It’s frustrating when your creative projects don’t quite go to plan, whether you’re working with watercolour paints like the Winsor & Newton Cotman sets, acrylic pens such as the ARTISTRO range or broader paint collections from brands like KOLOR KINGDOM. This guide focuses on diagnosing and resolving common issues encountered while using painting and drawing supplies – problems that might arise when experimenting with different mediums or techniques. Before contacting the manufacturer or seeking professional assistance, let’s start with some simple checks such as ensuring adequate ventilation, verifying correct brush cleaning practices, and confirming sufficient pigment concentration, all of which can significantly impact your results.
See the full range in Painting & Drawing Supplies.
#1 Pick
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour 12 Tube Collection, 12 x 8ml Tubes£24.26
Pros
- Trusted Winsor & Newton pigment quality at a student-friendly price
- 12 essential colours in travel-friendly 8ml tubes
- Highly rated by thousands of UK artists and hobbyists
Cons
- Tubes need topping up faster than pan sets with heavy use
#2 Pick
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Set, 10 x 5ml Tubes£32.45
Pros
- Trusted Cotman range offers reliable tinting strength for the price
- 10 tube colours give a broad, mixable palette
- Well suited to students and hobbyists stepping up from pans
Cons
- Premium price compared to entry-level watercolour sets
#3 Pick
ARTISTRO 24 Acrylic Paint Pens for Fabric, Rock, Wood, Glass and Ceramic£10.73
Pros
- Works on rock, wood, glass, ceramic and fabric for varied projects
- Quick-drying, water resistant finish once cured
- 24 colours suit rock painting, card making and kids crafts
Cons
- Pen nibs need priming before each use for a smooth line
#4 Pick
KOLOR KINGDOM Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colours Canvas Paints Kit with 3 Paint Brushes£9.40
Pros
- 24 vibrant colours cover most canvas and craft painting needs
- Includes 3 brushes so it is ready to use straight away
- Non-toxic formula suits both adults and older children
Cons
- Small tube sizes may need topping up for larger canvases
FAQ
My watercolour paints seem to be drying out quickly – what can I do?+
Watercolour paints naturally dry due to atmospheric evaporation, but this can be exacerbated by poor storage. Ensure your tubes and pans are tightly sealed with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture, and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources which will speed up the drying process. Regularly shaking the paint before use can also help redistribute pigments.
My drawing pencils keep breaking – is this normal?+
The hardness of a pencil significantly affects its durability; softer pencils are prone to breakage if applied with too much pressure. Check you’re using a consistent, light touch and that your pencil lead isn't damaged or worn down – consider replacing the lead with a new set for optimal performance. If this continues, it could be a manufacturing issue.
My acrylic paint brushes aren't releasing enough paint – what’s going on?+
Acrylic paints can build up residue on brush fibres, hindering their ability to flow smoothly. Clean your brushes thoroughly with water and a mild soap (specifically designed for artists) immediately after use, ensuring all traces of paint are removed before storing them properly. A clogged brush tip will also significantly reduce paint release.
My felt tips aren't laying down a consistent line – how do I fix this?+
Felt tip pens can suffer from uneven ink flow due to temperature changes or the nib becoming slightly damaged. Gently flex the pen tip back and forth while applying light pressure, and warm the tip briefly by holding it against your skin (not excessively hot!) to reactivate the ink. If this doesn’t work, check for dried ink build-up.
My coloured pencils aren't blending easily – what am I doing wrong?+
Poor blending often stems from using too little pressure or a dry application of the pencil. Lightly layer colours gradually, applying minimal pressure with each stroke and using a blending stump or tortillon to smooth out transitions between tones. Ensure your pencils are sharpened to a fine point for optimal blending capabilities.
My watercolour palette is leaking – what should I do?+
Leaks in a watercolour palette typically occur due to the pigments settling and creating blockages. Gently warm the palette with lukewarm water, swirling it to loosen the pigment deposits; avoid using hot water as this can damage the materials. If the leak persists, try carefully cleaning the channels with a soft brush.
My graphite stick keeps snapping – is there something wrong?+
Graphite sticks are susceptible to breakage if applied with excessive force or if the lead is damaged. Ensure you’re applying even pressure and using a sharp, well-maintained pencil point. Examine the lead for any visible cracks or imperfections that may be causing it to snap prematurely; if you find damage, replace the stick.
My acrylic paint is sticking to my brushes – how can I prevent this?+
Acrylic paint will stubbornly adhere to brushes if left uncleaned. Immediately after use, rinse your brushes thoroughly under lukewarm water, using a brush cleaner specifically formulated for acrylics to help lift the paint. Ensure all traces of cleaner are removed before storing your brushes in a dry place.
My pastel sticks aren't producing much colour – what’s causing this?+
Pastel sticks rely on surface friction to release pigment; if they aren’t picking up enough colour, the stick itself may be worn down. Use a pastel sharpener to maintain a fresh, angled point and regularly sharpen your pastels for optimal pigment transfer. Avoid applying excessive pressure.
My charcoal sticks are crumbling when I draw – is this normal?+
Soft charcoal can crumble easily if handled incorrectly or if the stick is overly worn down. Use a pastel sharpener to maintain a clean, pointed tip and avoid excessive pressure while drawing. Ensure your charcoal is stored in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming brittle.
In depth
Let’s address some common issues you might encounter with your painting and drawing supplies, focusing on practical checks you can undertake before seeking external assistance. Many problems stem from simple oversights or build-up that can often be resolved with careful observation and minor adjustments.
If your brushes aren't dispensing paint effectively, the first thing to check is for any obvious blockages within the ferrule – the metal band that holds the bristles in place. Often, dried paint pigment accumulates here, restricting flow. Gently flex the bristles individually while moving them through the paint pot; this can dislodge some of the build-up. Ensure you’re using a good quality paint and not one with an excessively thick consistency. Very thick paints require more vigorous mixing and may simply overwhelm smaller brushes. Also, check that your brush is properly loaded – applying too much pressure when picking up paint can create air bubbles which impede flow. A soft, gentle touch is key. If the issue persists after these checks, it’s best not to force anything; excessive manipulation could damage the bristles or the brush itself.
Battery-operated drawing tablets and styluses frequently experience sporadic performance or complete failure. Begin by verifying the battery level. Many devices have an indicator light or a status display showing remaining charge. If the battery is low, charging it fully is often the immediate solution. However, if the device still isn’t responding after charging, check that the USB cable and power adapter are functioning correctly – test them with another compatible device to rule out a faulty connection. Ensure the tablet's surface is clean; even a small amount of dust or debris can interfere with the stylus’s tracking. A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient for cleaning, but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the tablet screen.
If you are experiencing problems with watercolour pencils, the primary culprit is often excessive moisture. Watercolour pencils are designed to work with a light touch and minimal water; over-wetting the pencil or the paper will cause the pigment to bleed uncontrollably, leading to muddy colours and unpredictable results. Experiment with using a drier brush or a very small amount of water – a single drop on the pencil tip is usually enough. Furthermore, ensure your watercolour pencils are stored correctly. Excessive humidity can damage the lead and affect its performance. A cool, dry place is ideal. Check that the pencil's ferrule isn’t cracked or damaged; this could be allowing moisture to enter.
For oil-based paints and markers, it's vital to consider potential blockages within the dispensing mechanism. Many felt tips and tube systems have internal filters designed to prevent pigment from clogging the flow. These filters can become blocked with dried paint or debris over time. Carefully check for any visible obstructions within the tip of the marker or tube – you may need a magnifying glass for this. Gently blowing through the marker (with the tip pointing away from yourself) can sometimes dislodge minor blockages, but avoid forceful blasts which could damage the internal components. If using a paint tube, ensure it’s properly seated within its holder and that the nozzle isn't blocked by dried paint.
If you have an electric easel or stand, the most common issue is often related to power supply. Check that the unit is securely plugged into a functioning electrical outlet – test the outlet with another device if possible. Examine the power cable for any signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires. Never attempt to repair damaged cables yourself; this poses a significant electrical hazard. Also, verify that the fuse (if present) hasn’t blown. Replacing a fuse requires caution and should only be done by someone with experience in electrical work.
Concerning paint pots themselves, sometimes they develop an uneven surface film which can hinder the consistent flow of paint. Gently stir the paint thoroughly – this often dislodges any settled sediment or dried patches. If you've been storing your paints for a long time, particularly in warmer conditions, some separation may occur. Stirring vigorously will usually re-integrate the pigment and restore proper consistency. Avoid using excessively abrasive cleaning methods on the pot’s surface; gentle rubbing with a soft cloth is preferable.
If you are using charcoal or pastel pencils, excessive pressure during application can lead to broken leads and uneven shading. Light pressure is crucial for achieving smooth blending and controlled marks. Also, ensure your paper isn't too textured – rough surfaces can cause the charcoal to aggregate and create unwanted textures. Consider switching to a smoother paper surface if this is an issue. Regularly cleaning the charcoal or pastel tips with a soft cloth will maintain their sharpness and prevent them from clogging.
Finally, should you encounter persistent problems with any of your painting or drawing supplies that haven't been resolved through these basic checks, it’s imperative to seek professional assistance. Electrical components, particularly those involving power sources, should only be examined and repaired by a qualified electrician. Gas-powered equipment – if applicable (e.g., a heated drawing board) – must be serviced and maintained by a certified gas engineer. Any issues relating to safety, such as leaks or malfunctioning electrical systems, demand immediate attention from an appropriately trained professional. Continuing to use a product with a faulty component poses serious risks and should not be attempted without expert guidance.