Ever stare at a watercolor painting and think, how is that background so dreamy? Or maybe you’ve painted a sky or a flower and it just feels…flat. That’s where texture comes in.

Adding texture to watercolor isn’t just a fancy bonus, it’s what brings your painting to life. It adds personality, contrast, and that little spark that makes the piece feel dynamic and full of movement.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need any fancy tools to do it.

I’ve been painting (and teaching) watercolor for a long time now, and some of my favorite effects come from household items. Yup. Tings like salt, paper towels, and plastic wrap.

In this post, I’ll show you 6 easy ways to add texture to watercolor paintings, all using supplies you probably already have. So whether you’re a total beginner or looking to loosen up your style, let’s get into it.

Why Add Texture to Watercolor?

Watercolor is naturally unpredictable (in the best way). It flows, blooms, and blends, which is why I fell in love with it in the first place. But when you start layering in textures, you create something that feels full of depth and energy.

Adding texture to watercolor can help you:

• Create contrast and visual interest
• Suggest detail without overpainting
• Embrace spontaneity and happy accidents
• Make your paintings more you

So if you’ve ever felt like your work looks a little too “flat” or controlled, texture might just be your best friend.

Ready to play? Let’s go.

1. Salt Sprinkles

Yes, kitchen salt. It’s probably the most well-known way to add texture to watercolor, and for good reason. Salt reacts with wet watercolor by pulling pigment and water into itself, creating gorgeous starburst textures.

How to do it:

• Paint a juicy wash of color (wet and shiny is key).
• Sprinkle salt while the paint is still wet.
• Let it dry completely, then brush off the salt.

It’s perfect for skies, galaxies, or even textured floral backgrounds. The effect depends on how wet the wash is, and how coarse your salt is. (Try experimenting with table salt vs. sea salt.)

2. Paper Towel Lift-Off

This is one of the easiest (and most beginner-friendly) ways to lift pigment and add texture to watercolor while it’s still wet. It gives soft clouds, subtle blooms, and gentle highlights.

How to do it:

• Paint your wash.
• While it’s still damp, dab or blot with a crumpled paper towel.
• Adjust pressure depending on how much pigment you want to lift.

Pro Tip: Tissues work too, and they give a slightly softer effect. Try this in skies, flower petals, or abstract backgrounds.

3. Plastic Wrap Impressions

Want to add crisp, geometric texture? Grab some plastic wrap!

When pressed into wet paint, it creates crystal-like shapes that look like cracked ice or dried leaves. Perfect for abstract paintings, foliage, or dreamy backgrounds.

How to do it:

• Paint a juicy wash.
• Lay or scrunch plastic wrap onto the wet paint.
• Let it dry completely before removing.

This is one of those techniques that looks super advanced but is secretly SO easy. (And it never gets old, kids love this one too.)

4. Dry Brush Drag

Sometimes, texture comes from holding back on the water. This technique gives you scratchy, organic lines that are perfect for grass, fur, bark, or even loose linework.

How to do it:

• Load a small amount of paint onto a mostly dry brush.
• Drag it lightly across textured watercolor paper.
• The brush skips over the paper’s surface, leaving broken lines.

It’s also great for giving your piece a handmade, expressive look, especially if you love working in a loose or whimsical style (like I teach in The Art Within).

5. Found Object Stamping

Let’s get weird, in the best way.

Found object stamping is all about using random textures from your home to stamp pigment onto paper. This is a playful and freeing way to add texture to watercolor, especially in sketchbooks or backgrounds.

Try stamping with:

• Bubble wrap
• The bottom of a cup
• A rubber band ball
• Mesh produce bags
• Leaves or lace

How to do it:

• Dip the object in watercolor or paint it with a brush.
• Stamp onto dry or slightly damp paper.
• Layer and experiment!

This kind of playful experimentation shows up often in our community challenges and warmups. Whether you’re exploring abstract prompts or just loosening up your style, stamping with found objects fits right in. (Not a member yet? Come join the art community here!)

6. Toothbrush and Alcohol Splatter

This technique adds energy and movement, with an almost galaxy-like effect. The alcohol repels the pigment, leaving behind beautiful, organic blooms.

How to do it:

• Load a toothbrush by dipping it directly into 91% isopropyl alcohol.
• Flick the toothbrush over your wet wash to create a fine splatter of alcohol.
• Watch the alcohol push the pigment away and form unique textures as it dries.

This is one of those techniques that feels a little wild, in the best way. It’s especially stunning in underwater scenes, abstract pieces, or starry skies. (Always test first. Different paper and paint combos react differently!)

You can see this toothbrush and alcohol technique in action here. And watch more special effect combos in this texture video.

Want More Loose, Playful Techniques?

If you’re loving this kind of texture play, I have some great next steps for you:

• The Creativity Playbook: Your go-to for unlocking daily inspiration and creative flow.
• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor: Start strong with the essentials. Like brush control, mixing color, and core techniques to build a solid (and fun!) watercolor foundation.
• Everyday Watercolor Flowers: Practice flowers and texture at the same time.
• Digitize Your Artwork: Learn how to scan your textured paintings and use them in creative projects!

Final Thoughts Adding Texture to Watercolor Paintings

Texture is where the magic lives. It’s playful, expressive, and totally doable (no matter your skill level or supply stash).

So the next time you paint, ask yourself: how can I add texture to watercolor in a way that feels fun and intuitive? Then grab a salt shaker or some plastic wrap and go for it!

And remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about curiosity, expression, and getting your hands a little messy.

Want more ideas like this? Subscribe to my YouTube channel or browse the blog archive for more beginner-friendly watercolor goodness.