3 Fun Watercolour Techniques
Try: Salt, Lifting & Backruns
One of the things I love most about watercolour is how playful and unpredictable it can be. Some of the most beautiful effects happen when you let go a little and allow the paint and water to do their thing.
In this article, I’m sharing three fun watercolour techniques that are perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike:
-
Salt texture
-
Lifting paint
-
Backruns (also known as blooms or cauliflowers)
You’ll also find a link to a short video where I demonstrate each technique step by step, along with photos to show how they look on paper.
1. Salt Technique – Creating Magical Texture
The salt technique is a classic watercolour favourite — and for good reason. It creates beautiful, organic textures that feel a little bit magical every time.
How it works:
Lay down a wet wash of watercolour.
While the paint is still damp (not soaking wet), sprinkle a small amount of salt over the surface
Leave it alone and let it dry completely
As the water dries, the salt absorbs pigment and water, causing the paint to burst and separate,
creating a lovely sprinkled, star-like texture.
This technique is perfect for:
backgrounds
skies
abstract textures
adding interest to florals or illustrations
✨ Tip: Experiment with different types of salt (table salt vs sea salt) — each gives a slightly different effect.
2. Lifting – Removing Paint with Paper Towel
Lifting is one of the most useful techniques to know, especially if you’re still building confidence with watercolour.
How it works:
While your paint is still wet, gently press a paper towel or tissue onto the surface
Lift straight up — don’t rub
This removes some of the pigment and water, lightening the area underneath.
Lifting is great for:
fixing small mistakes
creating clouds in skies
adding highlights, such as a shine on fruit
softening areas that feel too dark
It’s a very forgiving technique and a lovely reminder that watercolour doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be beautiful.
3. Backruns (Blooms or Cauliflowers)
Backruns — also called blooms or cauliflowers — happen when wetter paint flows into a drier area, creating those beautiful branching, fan-like shapes.
How it works:
Start with a wash that has begun to dry slightly
Drop in clean water or a more diluted paint
Watch as it spreads and pushes pigment outward
You can make this even more exciting by:
adding a contrasting colour
This creates vibrant edges and unexpected shapes that feel energetic and expressive.
Backruns are perfect for:
abstract backgrounds
expressive florals
playful texture experiments
Instead of trying to “fix” blooms, try welcoming them — they’re one of the things that make watercolour so unique.
Have a Play & Enjoy the Process
All three of these techniques are about experimenting, letting go, and having fun. There’s no right or wrong — just discovery.
I encourage you to grab some scrap paper, try each technique, and see what happens. You might be surprised by the results.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll also love my Welcome to Watercolour guide, where I share more beginner-friendly tips, techniques, and encouragement to help you relax into your painting practice.
Happy painting,
Michelle 🌿
