L. S. Eldridge
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L. S. Eldridge
W A T E R C O L O R S

Notes from the Deckle Edge

Best Watercolor Paint Storage System Ever! - June 23, 2014 (Updated August 2015...and it's still the Best!)

6/23/2014

7 Comments

 
I have been looking for a more convenient way to store 15 ml/.5 oz. watercolor tube paint.  I have tried one system after another and found all of them lacking for one reason or another.   My failed systems included the following:  a drawer system, fishing tackle box, art box, and clear bags.  Here is a diatribe on my failed systems to date:  
     1.  I didn't like the drawer system because it was too large and bulky and not portable (and frankly I don't have room for it);  
     2.  I didn't like the fishing tackle box because I couldn't tell at a glance whether I needed a certain color - I had to dig around in the compartments.  There was the option of having more tackle boxes, but they are large, bulky, pricey, and take up a lot of room; 
     3.   The art box is surprisingly less well designed than a fishing tackle box.  Shocking since it is supposed to be purpose built.  Plus, I found the closure system to be inadequate for travel; and   
     4.  Clear bags worked, but I had still had to search for the colors - too much time wasted.
    Since none of these were optimal, I would end up throwing my paint into an open shallow cardboard box and rummage through it for a particular color.  Oh so convenient, but again I would waste too much time searching through the tubes of paint.  Worst case I would find the color I wanted but it would be dried out or empty.   I would purchase a new one and then discover I already had a full tube.  Fail!  So it has been my mission to find a storage system that included the following criteria:  See-through, small, portable, long enough sections for one or two tubes of 15 ml tubes of paint, and a dependable locking system.  
      Finally, I have been successful and want to share the information with you.  

I found the TL502 Large 8-Compartment Box at The Container Store by the t-shirt display system, acrylic boxes, and bead holders.  I've looked at this store before, but this time they had just the item I was looking for.  This is what the label looks like.  I'll admit it is a little pricey at $4.98 a box, but besides the cardboard box, all of the options cost too much in my opinion.  (Update August 2015:  Have provided new link.  The item description has changed to "Large 8-compartment Box Translucent.  Size is the same; price $4.99 ea.  Order #10051815).
Picture
And this is why I love it.  See-through!  Room for two or two and a half tubes of paint (15 ml/.5 oz.)- one color for each little compartment!   Terrific locks!  Each box measures approximately
12" x 6" x 1 1/4" (w x h x d).  (In the photo below it opens on the left side.)  I purchased five boxes.  This makes the total space I need to store it approximately 12" x 6" x 6".
Picture
I hope this helps to make your painting experience more enjoyable and less frustrating.  These are easy to pack and you can tell at a glance without unlocking the box if you are shy a color or need a replacement.  I keep them in the order that I place them on my palette, so if I'm running low I know just where to look.  Back to my brushes.  


"To be in hell is to drift, to be in heaven is to steer."  - George Bernard Shaw
7 Comments
Mazzuchelli
2/12/2015 07:10:47 am

Perfect! I have just reached the stage where fishing around in a GladWare container was becoming more than awkward. Thanks from a beginner wc-er.

Reply
Gayle link
3/26/2015 01:42:40 am

I stumbled on your blog trying to find an acceptable system for storing tubes--now I need to see if I can find this box somewhere. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am still fairly novice--will be back for more tips and inspiration.

Reply
Crystal link
4/30/2016 04:24:36 pm

I will have time to look for this. Just starting so I'll be sure to have it when I upgrade from a pencil box. Thanks.

Reply
Ruby
6/15/2017 11:55:11 am

Awesome box they look like the kind thing I'm after for my hundreds and hundreds (600+)pencils
My paints I have basic turnkeys on most or binder clips and above my desk at head height when sat there is a shelf and I have lots of cup hooks so everything is arms reach but also out of the way and off the work area
I don't (or havent yet taken my paints anywhere) so it works for me
Take care x

Reply
jessieadair@earthlink.netie
3/22/2019 07:29:47 pm

Ah, the gift that keeps on giving . . . Just found this post and see that your storage system for watercolor tubes will work perfectly for me, too. Thank you very much for taking the time to share it and for the link to locate the containers! You're neat as your system! ;-D

Reply
Jennifer
12/15/2020 12:08:57 pm

I have more than 100 tubes—maybe 150–and in all sizes. I’d need too many boxes! I saw someone post pics of her system of binder clips on boards, but that takes up a lot of room against the wall... I’m still thinking. Meanwhile, I’ve done color swatches of them all and included tube size—and divided tubes into 4 tubs by size. Makes it a little easier to find a specific color.

Reply
Kate Panthera
8/1/2021 02:04:22 pm

I'm considering using a hanging jewelry storage system to store my paint tubes. It's tricky finding one that's not too huge and with pockets that aren't overly deep, but there are a lot to choose from on Amazon.
I figure the clear pockets will be perfect for seeing what I'm looking for without rummaging around, and will take up less space than the letter size plastic school boxes I'm using now.
PS This is the sort of thing I'm talking about:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07ZDJN9NN/?coliid=I3SBAAID8QZTIU&colid=3FW7UNDWZ9J2M&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

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