Derwent Inktense Paint Pan Set 24 Count - Portable, Permanent Color

In this review the Derwent Inktense Paint Pan Set (24 count) is judged as a compact, travel-ready watercolor alternative best suited to sketchers and mixed-media artists who want vibrant, permanent washes. The single biggest reason to buy is the set's uniquely intense, ink-like pigments that activate with water and then dry to a permanent layer, which makes it useful for layering and for projects that must not rewet. The included mini waterbrush and six mixing palettes make it easy to work away from a studio.

Key Features

• 24 Vibrant Pans: A curated palette of richly colored pigments gives a wide range of hues from Sun Yellow to Antique White for versatile mixing and color work.
• Permanent When Dry: Inktense technology produces stains that fix when fully dry so previously painted layers stay put during additional washes.
• Travel-Friendly Kit: Half size pans, one mini waterbrush and six mixing palettes pack into a compact set that is simple to carry for urban sketching or travel.
• Advanced Active Color: Specially formulated active color technology intensifies pigments on activation, giving intense color payoff from a small pan.
• Multi-surface Use: Can be used on porous materials and fixed on fabric with hand washing in cool water, extending use beyond paper to crafts and textiles.

Who It's For

The set is ideal for plein air artists, illustrators and crafters who want a portable palette with strong, permanent color and easy layering. Those who value quick setup and a compact kit will appreciate the half pans, mini waterbrush and built-in mixing wells.

Beginners will find it accessible but should be aware these behave differently from traditional watercolors since washes become permanent when dry; artists who need fully reworkable, liftable watercolor layers may prefer traditional pans or tubes instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intense, ink-like pigment quality that activates with water for vivid washes.
• Excellent layering capability because previously dried areas do not move when re-wet.
• Very portable kit includes a mini waterbrush and multiple mixing palettes for on-the-go use.
• Versatile use on porous surfaces and the option to fix color on fabric with gentle hand washing.

Cons

• Permanence opinions vary among users, so expect some pigment differences compared with other brands and test for archival needs.

Specifications

Product	24 Inktense paint pans set
Contents	24 half-size pans, 1 mini waterbrush, 6 mixing palettes
Color Range	Includes Sun Yellow to Antique White plus 22 other shades
Pigment Type	Highly pigmented, ink-like, active color technology
Finish	Colors dry permanently when fully dry
Ideal Use	Paper, porous surfaces, crafts and some fabrics (hand wash fix)

Our Verdict

The Inktense 24 pan set is a strong choice for artists who need intense, portable color that becomes permanent, making layering reliable and travel painting straightforward. It offers excellent value for creative sketching, mixed-media work and craft projects, provided you are comfortable with colors that fix when dry rather than reactivating like traditional watercolor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these paints waterproof once dry?
Yes; Inktense paints become permanent when fully dry, so dried washes will not rewet like traditional watercolors.

Can I use these on fabric?
They can be used on porous fabric and are fixed in place when hand washed in cool water below 30 degrees, but avoid harsh detergents.

Is this set good for travel?
Yes; the half pans, compact case, mini waterbrush and mixing palettes make it particularly travel-friendly and easy to carry.