Jackman’s Art Materials Watercolour Quality Control Process

At Jackman’s Art Materials, we are dedicated to producing the finest professional watercolours. Each batch undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure consistency, performance, and artist-grade quality. Here's an overview of the testing stages involved:

1. Fineness of Grind

We use a Hegman Gauge to measure the fineness of pigment grind after milling. This precision instrument features a graduated trench that helps us determine the size of pigment particles in microns. A smooth, even finish ensures optimal colour flow and application.

2. Density Testing

Using a density cup, we verify that each paint’s density matches previous batches. Maintaining consistent density ensures the paints perform reliably with every use.

3. Colour Swatching

We hand-test every batch by painting swatches on various watercolour papers. These swatches are washed down with different water-to-paint ratios to reveal tonal range and transparency. Our experienced chemist visually compares new samples against previous batches for accuracy and consistency.

4. Drying & Rewetting Tests

We test drying performance by applying samples to paper and allowing them to dry for two weeks in a humidity-controlled room. This reveals any potential cracking and allows us to assess rewetting ability and paint performance when layered wet-on-wet or dry-on-wet.