Have you ever wanted to take your watercolour paints with you on holiday but didn’t know if it was allowed on the plane? In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can take your paints on a plane and what the restrictions might be. We’ll also give some tips for packing your watercolours safely to avoid being damaged in transit.
So, whether you’re planning a vacation or just need to transport your paints for an upcoming workshop, read on to find out everything you need to know about flying with watercolours.
Can I Take Watercolour Paints On A Plane?
The short answer is yes – you can take watercolour paints on a plane. UK travel regulations do not restrict dry and liquid watercolours, so you can pack them in your carry-on bag or checked luggage.
However, there are still certain things you’ll need to keep in mind when packing your watercolours for a flight:
Liquid Watercolour Paints
While liquid watercolour paints aren’t restricted, they pose a greater risk of leakage. For this reason, it’s safest to pack them separately from the rest of your luggage. Make sure that the paint tube top is tightly screwed on and wrap them in a ziploc bag to prevent spills.
The UK government has specific regulations concerning liquids and gels in carry-on bags. These regulations state that all liquids and gels must be placed in a single, clear, ziplock bag and placed in your carry-on bag. Each tube of liquid watercolour paint must be no greater than 100 ml (or about 3.5oz).
If you’re travelling with more than 100ml of liquid watercolours, you’ll need to pack them in your checked luggage. However, before doing so, make sure that the containers are sealed tightly, and there is no chance of leakage during transit.
Travel regulations also require all liquids to be removed from their bags for inspection at the security checkpoint. So if you’re travelling with liquid watercolours, be sure to declare it at the check-in counter so that it can be properly scanned for extra inspection.
Dry Watercolour Paints
Dry watercolour paints are much safer to travel with. Since there’s no risk of them leaking, you can pack them in your carry-on or checked luggage without worrying about spills. They also don’t need to be removed from their bags for inspection at the security checkpoint – making it easy to get through security without delays.
How To Pack Your Watercolours Safely
When it comes to packing your watercolours for travel, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, make sure that the paints are properly sealed and packaged to not leak or spill in your bag. You may also want to pack them in a hard-sided case or container to protect them from damage.
Second, you’ll also want to make sure that you pack your brushes and other supplies separately from the paints. Also, pack a few extra sheets of paper towels in your bag. This can come in handy if any of your paints spill during transit.
Third, flammable liquids are absolutely not allowed on a plane. So make sure you don’t pack any in your luggage. If you’re not sure if something is flammable, you may check the UK website to find more information about what items are prohibited on flights.
Finally, always check with the airline about any restrictions on packing paints and other art supplies. Some airlines may have specific rules about what you can and cannot bring on the plane, so it’s best to be aware of these in advance. Some airlines outside of the EU may also have different rulings, so it is best to check these too before travelling.
How To Travel With Watercolours
Now that we’ve covered how to pack your watercolours, here are a few tips on travelling with them.
Travel Light
It is a good idea to pack your art supplies as light as possible. Carry only the necessary art supplies and leave the rest at home. This will help you focus on your art instead of how heavy your supplies are.
Before travelling, it’s best to practice bringing your supplies with you on a short trip. This can be a day trip to the city, a weekend getaway or even just a walk around your neighbourhood. This will help you figure out what works for you and ensure that everything fits in your bag.
If Possible, Pack Your Supplies In A Paint Travel Case
Paint travel cases are designed to be sturdy and protect your watercolours and other art supplies from damage. They also keep everything in one place, so there is less chance of anything breaking or getting lost. The case has a sturdy metal frame that protects everything inside, and it also has a carry handle for easy transport.
The downside of using a paintbox is that they tend to be bulky, heavy and expensive. However, if you are going on a long trip and want to protect your supplies from damage, this might be worth considering.
Label Your Supplies
You can never go wrong with labelling your supplies. This will help you keep track of everything and prevent any confusion when packing or unpacking.
Pack A Portable Watercolour Palette
This palette is explicitly designed for watercolour paints, and it comes with a large mixing area, three wells for clean water and twelve small paint pans. This palette is perfect for travelling because it’s lightweight, durable and easy to carry around.
Bring Brushes With Caps
When travelling, it’s best to bring brushes with caps. This way, you can protect the bristles from dirt and dust, and they will be less likely to lose their shape.
If you are going on a long trip, it might be a good idea to pack an extra brush or two just in case something happens to them.
Final Word
While travelling with watercolours can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. You never know when the artistic inspiration might strike and when you’ll want to pull out your paints or pencils and paint a scene.
By following the guidelines above when packing your watercolour art supplies, you’ll be well on your way to creating amazing pieces of artwork no matter where life takes you.
