How To Fix A Watercolor Bloom

The Most Common Problem In Watercolor Painting

Blooms are probably the most common problem one encounters when painting in watercolor. They occur when there is an imbalance in the water on the surface of the paper. The imbalance happens when more water is added to an area with less water.

The Dynamics Of Water

Water wants to equalize its volume over the area it covers. This is why the surface of a lake is flat even though the bottom likely varies in depth. Although the currents can’t be seen, water is moving on the paper propelled by the same dynamic that works on lake water. This force is partially responsible for the loose flowing look that is so admired in watercolor paintings. Unfortunately, for the un-wary or un-skilled, it is also responsible for blooms.

Avoiding Blooms

It is best to avoid blooms rather than try to fix them. Since they occur when there is an imbalance in the amount of water between two areas, there are some guidelines that will help.

First - train yourself to become aware of the condition of the paper. That is, how ‘wet’ it is. It’s not possible to measure the wetness, but taking a careful look at the wash and paper surface will give you a clue.

Wetness Of The Paper

Use this as a guide. Tilt the paper a bit so you more or less looking across the surface. Check for the amount of shine and reflection.

If the paper is : Then

Very Shiny Can’t See Papers Texture : Safe to paint - either wet-in-wet or dry-in-wet. Whatever you add will blend

Somewhat Shiny - Can See Some Paper Texture : Safe to paint, but approaching a danger point. Very wet strokes may bloom. Dry-in-Wet works

A Bit Of Sheen - Texture Is Clearly Visible : Dry-in-Wet is OK. Stay away from wet strokes - they WILL bloom

Looks Dry But Feels Cool - if the passage looks dry, place the back of your hand on the surface. If it feels cool, its damp, not dry. DO NOT PAINT IN A DAMP PASSAGE

Looks Dry, Doesn’t Feel Cool - the paper is dry at this point and can be safely layered again. Wet-In-Wet or wet strokes are best on dry paper. Dry-In-Wet will likely leave muddy blobs.

Instructions For Fixing A Bloom

If all else fails and a bloom develops anyway, you may be able to fix it. Note that blooms that have staining colors in them are less fixable.

Follow the steps in the video below to fix a bloom.