Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks vs Tubes: Which Is Right for Your Painting Style?

Quick answer

If you want quick, mess-free color application and easy portability, Daniel Smith watercolor sticks are a great choice. If you prefer precise mixing, large washes, and more control over pigment concentration, tubes are the better fit. Your painting style and workflow should guide the decision.

Choosing between Daniel Smith watercolor sticks and tubes comes down to how you like to paint. Both formats use the same high-quality pigments, but they behave differently on the palette and in your hands. This comparison focuses on the practical differences that affect your daily painting routine.

We'll look at what each format does well, where it falls short, and how to match the format to your style. You'll also see how digital kits and workbooks can complement either choice, helping you build a setup that works for you.

What Are Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks?

Daniel Smith watercolor sticks are essentially pan watercolors in a stick form. They are dry blocks of pigment that you can activate with water. You can draw directly on paper with the stick, then blend with a wet brush, or you can rub the stick on a palette to create a wash.

Because they are dry, sticks are less messy and more portable than tubes. They don't require a palette with wells, and they won't spill. However, they are not as easy to mix in large quantities. You might find it harder to create a big puddle of color with a stick, especially for large washes.

• Use a stick directly on paper for line work and details.
• Activate the stick with a wet brush for a controlled wash.
• Sticks are great for travel and outdoor painting.

What About Daniel Smith Watercolor Tubes?

Daniel Smith watercolor tubes contain moist, concentrated paint. You squeeze out a small amount onto a palette and mix with water. Tubes are ideal for mixing large quantities of color and achieving a consistent, strong pigment load.

Tubes require more setup and cleanup. You need a palette with wells or a flat surface, and you must manage the paint to avoid waste. They are less portable because you need to carry the tubes and a palette, and there's a risk of spills.

For painters who like to work wet-in-wet or create big, bold washes, tubes are often the preferred choice. They give you more control over the water-to-pigment ratio, which is key for layering and glazing.

• Squeeze a small amount onto a palette and mix with water.
• Tubes are great for large washes and wet-in-wet techniques.
• Store tubes upright to prevent separation.

Comparing the Trade-offs

The main trade-off is convenience versus control. Sticks are more convenient: no palette setup, no squeezing, no mess. Tubes offer more control: you can mix precisely, adjust consistency, and achieve a wider range of effects.

For quick sketches, urban sketching, or painting on the go, sticks win. For studio work, especially with large washes or detailed layering, tubes are more versatile. Many artists use both: sticks for travel and quick studies, tubes for serious studio pieces.

Cost is another factor. Sticks might seem more expensive upfront, but they last a long time. Tubes can be more economical if you use a lot of paint, but you may waste some if you squeeze out too much.

• Sticks are best for quick, clean application.
• Tubes are best for precise mixing and large washes.
• Consider using both formats for different situations.

How to Choose Based on Your Painting Style

If you prefer loose, expressive florals or landscapes, sticks can help you achieve that spontaneous look. You can draw directly with the stick, then soften with a brush. The Floral Workbook by Sarah Cray is designed for watercolor practice and works well with either format, but sticks make it easy to follow along without a lot of setup.

If you enjoy detailed, layered work, tubes give you the control you need. You can mix custom colors and build up glazes. Digital kits like the Gouache Yosemite National Park - Digital Kit or the Atmospheric Landscapes Digital Course often require precise color mixing, which is easier with tubes.

For holiday cards or small projects, sticks are convenient. The Poinsettia Holiday Card - Digital Kit or the Watercolor Fireworks - Digital Kit can be completed with sticks, saving you cleanup time.

• Loose, quick painting: sticks.
• Detailed, layered painting: tubes.
• Small projects: sticks for convenience, tubes for precision.

The Trade-off at a Glance

• Convenience: Sticks are mess-free and portable; tubes require a palette and setup. Choose sticks for travel and quick studies.
• Control: Tubes allow precise mixing and large washes; sticks are less precise for big color pools. Choose tubes for detailed, layered work.
• Cost: Sticks may cost more upfront but last long; tubes can be economical but may waste paint. Consider your usage frequency and budget.

Products That Work with Either Format

• Floral Workbook by Sarah Cray: This easy-to-use workbook is filled with custom outlines drawn by Sarah Cray herself. Each design is paired with simple step-by-step written instructions. Whether you use sticks or tubes, the workbook provides structure for practice. Sticks let you work quickly; tubes let you mix the exact colors shown in the instructions.
• Atmospheric Landscapes Digital Course: A digital only product, using supplies you most likely already have. This course is about technique, not specific supplies. Both sticks and tubes can work, but tubes give you more control for the layered atmospheric effects.
• Watercolor Fireworks - Digital Kit: The Digital Fireworks Watercolor Kit embraces techniques and supplies we've come to love, but with a new spin. Includes downloadable and printable supply list & step-sheet. If you're trying a new format, this kit's step-sheet helps you follow along with either sticks or tubes. It's a low-cost way to experiment.

Which Format Fits You?

Best for

• Artists who paint on the go or enjoy urban sketching.
• Painters who prefer quick, loose styles and minimal setup.

Not for

• Artists who need to mix large quantities of color for big washes.
• Painters who rely on precise pigment dilution and layering.

Both Daniel Smith watercolor sticks and tubes have a place in your studio. Start with one format, but don't hesitate to add the other as your style evolves. The best choice is the one that feels natural in your hand and supports the way you like to paint.