Why Use Honey in Watercolour

Honey is used in watercolor medium recipes as a natural wetting agent. Wetting agents are substances that help to improve the flow of watercolor paint and reduce the surface tension of the water. This allows the paint to spread more easily on the paper, resulting in smoother and more even washes.

Honey has been used as a wetting agent in watercolor painting for many years, and is still popular today due to its natural and non-toxic properties. It is also thought to have a preserving effect on watercolor paint, helping to keep the pigments from drying out and becoming brittle over time.

When using honey as a wetting agent, it's important to use a clear, pure honey rather than a processed or flavored variety, as these can contain additives that can affect the paint. Additionally, it's a good idea to use a small amount of honey and to mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients in the medium recipe to ensure consistent results.