Derwent Inktense Paint 12 Pan Palette #1 - Vibrant Permanent

In this review the Derwent Inktense Paint 12 Pan Palette #1 is assessed as a travel-ready, highly pigmented paint set best suited for artists who want vivid, permanent washes. The reviewer found the standout reason to buy is the Inktense formulation that dries to a fixed, non-rewettable finish, allowing layered work without disturbing earlier layers. The set's combination of lightfast pans, a mini waterbrush, sponge and mixing palettes makes it convenient for sketchbook work, fabric accents, and postcard painting where permanence and saturated color matter.

Key Features

• Inktense formulation: Produces intensely pigmented color that dries permanently so subsequent washes will not lift earlier layers.
• 12 pan range: Offers a compact but versatile palette of highly lightfast colors suitable for small studies and mixed color work.
• Portable kit: Includes a mini waterbrush, sponge and five mixing palettes for painting on-the-go without extra tools.
• Mixability: Wet the pans and mix colors or add water to create custom shades with consistent, vivid results.
• Surface flexibility: Works on paper and fabric where a permanent finish is desired, expanding project options beyond traditional watercolor.

Who It's For

The Derwent Inktense 12 Pan Palette is ideal for urban sketchers, postcard painters, travelers and craft artists who value bold color and permanence. Its compact format and included mini waterbrush suit anyone who wants a complete, portable kit that fits into a small bag or backpack for quick outdoor studies or fabric details.

Artists seeking rewettable, traditional watercolor techniques that rely on lifting or soft glazing may prefer conventional pans or tubes instead. Also, those needing a broader professional mixing range should consider larger palettes or separate tubes for extended color matching.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vibrant, high pigment load produces striking color that remains after drying.
• Permanent finish allows layered work without unintentionally reactivating earlier layers.
• Travel-friendly kit with a mini waterbrush, sponge and multiple mixing palettes for instant use outdoors.
• Easy to mix and smooth application, which customers report as more convenient than the block format.

Cons

• Because the paint dries permanently, it does not behave like traditional watercolor for lifting or subtle glazing techniques.

Specifications

Product	Inktense Paint 12 Pan Palette #1
Brand	Derwent
Included items	12 paint pans, mini waterbrush, sponge, five mixing palettes
Formulation	Inktense permanent ink-based paint
Suitable surfaces	Paper and fabric
Pigment quality	Highly pigmented, lightfast pans

Our Verdict

The Derwent Inktense 12 Pan Palette #1 is a strong choice for creatives who want bold, permanent color in a compact kit. Its portability and included tools make it excellent value for travel painting, mixed-media accents, and fabric work where fixed color is important, though it is not a substitute for rewettable traditional watercolors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the colors permanent after drying?
Yes, the Inktense formulation dries to a fixed finish and will not dissolve with later washes.

Can I use these on fabric?
Yes, the reviewer found the paint works on fabric and paper, providing a permanent finish when fully dry.

Does the set include brushes or mixing areas?
Yes, the palette includes a mini waterbrush, a sponge and five mixing palettes for on-the-go use.