An update about the situation... Looks like part of my assumptions are correct. FineTec has filled in the gaps at finetecus.com... "THE STORY OF TWO FINETECS -- In 2014 Draw.TEC purchased the FINETEC family of products together with the brand. At that time most product manufacturing was moved to Draw.TEC, but the mica paints were still being manufactured by the former owner of the brand. Draw.TEC and their distribution partner Alvin & Co. put a lot of time and investment into growing the FINETEC brand. Unfortunately, this manufacturer had serious delivery problems. In order to meet growing demand for pearlescent colors and to avoid supply problems again, Draw.TEC developed an innovative manufacturing process that had a positive effect on the quality. Improvements to the products solubility and applicability have also been implemented. Draw.TEC is the complete owner of the FINETEC brand name and the registered trademark holder in the United States. Alvin & Company is sole distributor of the product line in the USA. -Alvin & Company "
The original finetecs by Coliro are handmade. The other ones aren't. Also all colors of the coliro finetec (including the ones in the pearlescent and moiree sets are available individually, no need to buy a new set if you run out of one of them - that was one of my fears as I was using the sets apparently unfounded 😂). The colors that don't show up on white paper well weren't really designed to (this is what I've garnered from coliro's website), the new colors are more opaque and were specifically designed to show up on both light and dark papers 😁😬😀. Since coliro sells plastic and metal cases that hold 6-12 pans, I personally found it much easier to collect the colors by building my own palette 🎨. I guess it's lucky we have a lot of stores selling Coliro finetec where I'm from, both in sets or individual pans. Glad you guys will be able to get your hands on whichever manufacturer's version is available there 😊.
OMG i would've never thought to use a dip-pen with watercolour!! I can get so much better details with that technique! This is a very interesting video! I loooove swatching things and watching people swatch things!
IF YOU'RE WONDERING IF THESE METAL PALETTES ARE LEGIT... Coliro (the original manufacturer of FineTec watercolors) tells US stores to order from Alvin and these are the palettes directly from Alvin. Coliro would NOT sell products to Simon Says Stamp and instead told them to order from Alvin. A while back, Coliro sent out an email to customers telling them that there are fake watercolors out there claiming to be FineTec. Those fakes are in black circular pans (they look just like the white circular pans but are black). The watercolors sold by Alvin are square shaped pans, and in fact Coliro used pans like this a long time ago before switching to the the white circular (you can see them on their Instagram if you scroll back to when they started their account). Believe me, I researched the crap out of this. These new palettes from Alvin and Seelig carry the name Finetec legitimately.
Hey Kristina...you must have been reading my mind as I was wondering about these paints. Really helpful info for me and I so appreciate that. Thanks Kristina!
Thank you so much for this video! I was considering getting Finetec colours for my birthday in a couple of weeks and this help me decide which set to pick!
I consider myself lucky in being able to order directly from Coliro (pronounced: co-LEE-ro) in Germany. They don't only offer all their colours singly and open stock, they also carry empty tins so you can build up your own colour palette. :-)
Thanks! This is really helpful. I saw the iridescent ones in a Blick store yesterday and was surprised at how light they seemed when I opened the palette. While watching this video, it was astonishing to see how they perform on black paper vs white paper, the black paper makes them come alive; that was so fun to see in your video.
Thank you! Can't tell you how much I have wondered which first set to get, as I've sketched out many bible pages and needed a paint for my darker areas of backgrounds, I was going to wait till I saw the perfect colors, and I have! Thanks Kristina, I adore your work so much and value your expertise in lettering😇🎨🖌
What paintbrush and size did you use when writing? Those are beautiful colors, what would you use them for besides lettering? Maybe you can do a video on how you would use the colors in watercolor painting?
Wish I’d seen this video before I bought all the older sets recently. As you stated I ended up with 8 doubles which is a lot of extras for no reason and quite a few of your colours showing don’t exist in my sets. Yes I’m a full set fanatic and I use them often.🙏so much.
As always a HUGE THANK YOU for making such an in-depth review video for us all to see and learn from. You have an influence unlike another designer that I've seen since beginning my Lettering adventures as a hobby. I purchased the Gansai Tambi Starry Colors 6pk palette and LOVE the way look/behave on the 110lb cardstock from Michael's...so pretty! However if you can kindly do a video on them and their palettes (if you haven't already done so) that would so greatly appreciated! Thank You again Kristina...you're just all sorts of awesome!
"The new Finetec Pearl Color Sets offered by Alvin are NOT made by Finetec GmbH. The information by Alvin that our set M600 has been „replaced by the manufacturer with F0600“ is not correct. The F0600 is NOT manufactured by Finetec GmbH in Germany, the manufacturer of the original set M600. Alvin is NOT the distributor for Finetec GmbH in Germany. Contrary to rumours, the original Finetec Pearl Colors M600, M1200, M600S, MO600 and refills in round white pots are still available." - This was written on Finetec's webpage
That's correct. They are clarifying that they are not the ones manufacturing these new Finetec palettes. Rumors are there was a rift in the family and one family member is behind each company. I have no idea if there is truth to that. I just like the pretty watercolors. :)
Yeah they're not manufactured in Germany (mine say made in China) but they're still finetec brand watercolours, they're just made in a different factory
What are you writing on while you are doing calligraphy? The black paper that is lines and dotted on the other side. Loved the video! Subscribed to your channel 😊
I was wondering if you had a video or blog post about the different type of paint sets and what watercolor and paint set you would recommend for someone starting out?
Another item to add to my wishlist! Though I'll probably learn with the cheaper set I have right now before getting a set of Finetec. They are a little pricey to play with, since I'm mainly using it for splatters right now.
They just (?) started packaging these in black metal palettes. So slick, I much prefer it. Super sexy. You should check them out if you haven't seen them yet.
I'm curious if these are similar to H2O pots of iridescent or pearlescents? They are very small pots but I have had them forever! I also have some other bottles of powders that you add water to and can be used on fabrics and they have those colors where you get the light to hit it and it's one color and then changes. Radiant Pearls I think they are called. And then there is Pearl Ex. I wish I could get the containers your paints come in empty. I could make my own palette.
I have just ordered them and I am waiting for a package. My set is ocean. And several individual colors including two different black ones. A big plus is the opportunity to buy individual items.
Kristina, Enjoyed video very much, very helpful in purchasing. Where do you purchase your calligraphy items, such as your black book, pens, brushes. I am just an elderly, aspiring calligrapher and would appreciate your assistance. Melanie
I picked up a set of the pearlescent colors from a pop-up I've Been Framed shop at a Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Art Extravaganza a couple years ago. They are fun! Don't know about light resistance and they work very differently on white watercolor paper; had to do a swatch test just to remember what color did what.
i am definitely interested in these pallettes but the new ones that i want i can only find at Simon Says Stamp. I really hope they get these on amazon and on blicks website. EDIT: these are now available on blick for a way better deal than on simon says stamp.
Thank you Kristina, my set of 12 just came in yesterday. Your video excited me much. I now plan to do a swatch black and white, smart way that you shared. Was the black cardstock? I'm thinking so since i've not seen black WC.
I love your handwriting style there. I've tried but I get stuck in highschool handwriting, wich is UGLY on cards so to see the concistency of your writing makes me drool,haaha
QUESTION🤔...I just purchased the Earth+Ocean Pearlcolors Palette by COLIRO...GORGEOUS COLORS! Do you find that there's a difference between Finetec and these palettes? The ONLY difference I saw was the price on Amazon. I know it's literally 2 years since you've made this video, but I read your pinned update and I'd appreciate a response please.... Thank You...Laura🤓💙🇵🇷
I don't own any of the Coliro branded palettes. I only have the old ones that were labeled Finetec from before the split, and then these newer Finetec palettes. Sorry I don't have a direct comparison. From what I've seen online, all of them seem to be good.
thanks for reviewing! I am searching for copper colors, and I think this is it... Finetec seems expensive but worth it! The problem for me now is to choose between copper, bronze, and red-brown! :p
Hi Kristina, do you mind sharing the brand of notebook you used for the lettering at the end of the video? I checked your notes and blog and didn't see it , but maybe I missed it.
What pen holder and nib did you use? and where can you purchase these. Also have you done video on teaching your beautiful calligraphy and what styles (copperplate, Gothic, etc) of alphabet you are using. thanks.
Full Set syndrome....omg hahaha, it is going to be the end of me. Love collections. Glad there are more people and not only me.Just received my 12 set, so excited to use them. thank you for the review
Since I live in Germany I can order the original Finetec products easily (quite often :D) and I love them for little details in my illustrations 😍 but I would love to know what brush you are using in this video? :)
Just a different opinion here. Twinkling H2Os are NOT kids paints, they are just different quality not inferior. The amount of mica and binder is different per brand. I have many different brands of iridescent paint because I love the look. I have been painting with them for over 20 years and I can tell you that you will get some lovely effects from any of them.
I know this video is pretty old but can you please tell me what paper or card stock you are using and what BLACK paper is good for these palettes? I’m really struggling to get answers 😢 I also check the blog and don’t see anything about the paper
Can you please tell me what kind of black watercolour paper you use? I'm new to watercolors and would really like to get black paper of good quality :)
I don't have black watercolor paper. Unfortunately, I've never seen any. Maybe this means they don't make it? Not sure. In this video I used thick black cardstock.
Next month I'm gonna but an empty palette and 6 colors, it costs half of what the gold set costs in ny country 😂😂 thanks for the info and swatches, I'm still trying to decide which ones to get
Can anyone tell me what that super cool pen contraption that she's using at the end is? (I'm just a painter, not a calligrapher, I have zero knowledge!)
An update about the situation... Looks like part of my assumptions are correct. FineTec has filled in the gaps at finetecus.com... "THE STORY OF TWO FINETECS -- In 2014 Draw.TEC purchased the FINETEC family of products together with the brand. At that time most product manufacturing was moved to Draw.TEC, but the mica paints were still being manufactured by the former owner of the brand. Draw.TEC and their distribution partner Alvin & Co. put a lot of time and investment into growing the FINETEC brand. Unfortunately, this manufacturer had serious delivery problems. In order to meet growing demand for pearlescent colors and to avoid supply problems again, Draw.TEC developed an innovative manufacturing process that had a positive effect on the quality. Improvements to the products solubility and applicability have also been implemented. Draw.TEC is the complete owner of the FINETEC brand name and the registered trademark holder in the United States. Alvin & Company is sole distributor of the product line in the USA. -Alvin & Company "
I love watching your videos before bed because your voice is incredibly soothing and your lettering is flawless and so satisfying
to be real honest, i am in love with the soft kindness oozes out of Kristina's voice when she speaks... i love listening to her speak :)
same here 😀
The original finetecs by Coliro are handmade. The other ones aren't. Also all colors of the coliro finetec (including the ones in the pearlescent and moiree sets are available individually, no need to buy a new set if you run out of one of them - that was one of my fears as I was using the sets apparently unfounded 😂). The colors that don't show up on white paper well weren't really designed to (this is what I've garnered from coliro's website), the new colors are more opaque and were specifically designed to show up on both light and dark papers 😁😬😀. Since coliro sells plastic and metal cases that hold 6-12 pans, I personally found it much easier to collect the colors by building my own palette 🎨. I guess it's lucky we have a lot of stores selling Coliro finetec where I'm from, both in sets or individual pans. Glad you guys will be able to get your hands on whichever manufacturer's version is available there 😊.
OMG i would've never thought to use a dip-pen with watercolour!! I can get so much better details with that technique! This is a very interesting video! I loooove swatching things and watching people swatch things!
IF YOU'RE WONDERING IF THESE METAL PALETTES ARE LEGIT... Coliro (the original manufacturer of FineTec watercolors) tells US stores to order from Alvin and these are the palettes directly from Alvin. Coliro would NOT sell products to Simon Says Stamp and instead told them to order from Alvin. A while back, Coliro sent out an email to customers telling them that there are fake watercolors out there claiming to be FineTec. Those fakes are in black circular pans (they look just like the white circular pans but are black). The watercolors sold by Alvin are square shaped pans, and in fact Coliro used pans like this a long time ago before switching to the the white circular (you can see them on their Instagram if you scroll back to when they started their account). Believe me, I researched the crap out of this. These new palettes from Alvin and Seelig carry the name Finetec legitimately.
Coliro, the original manufacturer, does also ship worldwide according to their webshop!
Hey Kristina...you must have been reading my mind as I was wondering about these paints. Really helpful info for me and I so appreciate that. Thanks Kristina!
my kind of eyeshadows
Thank you so much for this video! I was considering getting Finetec colours for my birthday in a couple of weeks and this help me decide which set to pick!
I just love your reviews. You are very thorough and give great ideas and organizational tips.
I consider myself lucky in being able to order directly from Coliro (pronounced: co-LEE-ro) in Germany. They don't only offer all their colours singly and open stock, they also carry empty tins so you can build up your own colour palette. :-)
Yayyy! I have been eagerly anticipating this video since you asked viewers about it in IG:). So much great info! Thanks. Kristina!
Thanks! This is really helpful. I saw the iridescent ones in a Blick store yesterday and was surprised at how light they seemed when I opened the palette. While watching this video, it was astonishing to see how they perform on black paper vs white paper, the black paper makes them come alive; that was so fun to see in your video.
Thanks for your take on these beautiful paints. Love them.
I really laughed when you said full set syndrome as I was glad I am not the only one lol
Thank you! Can't tell you how much I have wondered which first set to get, as I've sketched out many bible pages and needed a paint for my darker areas of backgrounds, I was going to wait till I saw the perfect colors, and I have! Thanks Kristina, I adore your work so much and value your expertise in lettering😇🎨🖌
What paintbrush and size did you use when writing? Those are beautiful colors, what would you use them for besides lettering? Maybe you can do a video on how you would use the colors in watercolor painting?
Thanks for explaining these finetec colors. I really do want them all.
As always, great information....hoping to get some of these for a birthday 🎁!
Thank you so much for the video!! Love how much detail you go into, great job!! 😊💕 excited to order some!
Just ordered the 12 color palette! Happy birthday to me!💜🤣 mother in law send a b-day card with $50 💜 Looking forward to playing with these!💜🤗
gorgeous...i want them all. i want a black book and a beautiful pen like yours!!
Wish I’d seen this video before I bought all the older sets recently. As you stated I ended up with 8 doubles which is a lot of extras for no reason and quite a few of your colours showing don’t exist in my sets. Yes I’m a full set fanatic and I use them often.🙏so much.
This are really nice new palletes and the colors are awesome as usuall 😁
As always a HUGE THANK YOU for making such an in-depth review video for us all to see and learn from. You have an influence unlike another designer that I've seen since beginning my Lettering adventures as a hobby. I purchased the Gansai Tambi Starry Colors 6pk palette and LOVE the way look/behave on the 110lb cardstock from Michael's...so pretty! However if you can kindly do a video on them and their palettes (if you haven't already done so) that would so greatly appreciated! Thank You again Kristina...you're just all sorts of awesome!
This is gorgeous! especially on a black paper!
Thank you so much! Love this video! It answers ever question I had about these and every reason I was holding off on purchasing these!
amethyst and jade green are so beautiful....
what is that black note you practice your handlettering on?
Oh my gosh, that nib holder looks like you're writing with a seashell, I'm in love
Wonderful demo - would not have known about these otherwise.
I've got some of the white pan FineTec that I love playing with! I'll look for the new ones too! I think I just saw them on Amazon.
Ahhhh thank you so much!! I've always wanted some good swatches and review of these cause they look so cool online but you never know 0-0
"The new Finetec Pearl Color Sets offered by Alvin are NOT made by Finetec GmbH. The information by Alvin that our set M600 has been „replaced by the manufacturer with F0600“ is not correct. The F0600 is NOT manufactured by Finetec GmbH in Germany, the manufacturer of the original set M600. Alvin is NOT the distributor for Finetec GmbH in Germany.
Contrary to rumours, the original Finetec Pearl Colors M600, M1200, M600S, MO600 and refills in round white pots are still available." - This was written on Finetec's webpage
That's correct. They are clarifying that they are not the ones manufacturing these new Finetec palettes. Rumors are there was a rift in the family and one family member is behind each company. I have no idea if there is truth to that. I just like the pretty watercolors. :)
Yeah they're not manufactured in Germany (mine say made in China) but they're still finetec brand watercolours, they're just made in a different factory
your writing is gorgeous! so is the product...
I really hope they're on amazon soon! Shipping where I live is very tricky with most US stores.
What are you writing on while you are doing calligraphy? The black paper that is lines and dotted on the other side.
Loved the video! Subscribed to your channel 😊
I was wondering if you had a video or blog post about the different type of paint sets and what watercolor and paint set you would recommend for someone starting out?
I love the new look of the pallets but I'm dieing for that blue and green original palette 🤤
Oh my goodness, you have the most beautiful lettering!
It's a fantastic material of watercolours with a range inmense of colours. THANKS!
Another item to add to my wishlist! Though I'll probably learn with the cheaper set I have right now before getting a set of Finetec. They are a little pricey to play with, since I'm mainly using it for splatters right now.
They just (?) started packaging these in black metal palettes.
So slick, I much prefer it. Super sexy.
You should check them out if you haven't seen them yet.
Thank you for the video :) I have all the Coliro/FineTec colours and I love them all :) Where can I can this nice letteringpencil you have?
11.14 totally agree with that sentiment...want all the sets😍
These colours look amazing....wow. May I ask what brand that silver brush is your are working with? Thank you :)
Great review!! Now I'm interested in the pen too! lol
I'm curious if these are similar to H2O pots of iridescent or pearlescents? They are very small pots but I have had them forever! I also have some other bottles of powders that you add water to and can be used on fabrics and they have those colors where you get the light to hit it and it's one color and then changes. Radiant Pearls I think they are called. And then there is Pearl Ex. I wish I could get the containers your paints come in empty. I could make my own palette.
I have just ordered them and I am waiting for a package.
My set is ocean.
And several individual colors including two different black ones.
A big plus is the opportunity to buy individual items.
Hi! I was just wondering what brush and pen did you use for the lettering? And if so, could you direct me to a store/site in which I can get them? :DD
Kristina, Enjoyed video very much, very helpful in purchasing. Where do you purchase your calligraphy items, such as your black book, pens, brushes. I am just an elderly, aspiring calligrapher and would appreciate your assistance.
Melanie
I asked months (Thanksgiving) ago for refills in the Finetec Gold Pallete because I use one color way more than others.
How long did it take to get to write that well. Is there a set to get to start learning? Your writing is always very pretty. Well done.
Very useful info, thank you!
Such a rich informative video ❤️thank u my lady
I picked up a set of the pearlescent colors from a pop-up I've Been Framed shop at a Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Art Extravaganza a couple years ago. They are fun! Don't know about light resistance and they work very differently on white watercolor paper; had to do a swatch test just to remember what color did what.
You are just so artistic! Everything you do is so perfect...Also I would like to know what kind of pen nib were you using?
i am definitely interested in these pallettes but the new ones that i want i can only find at Simon Says Stamp. I really hope they get these on amazon and on blicks website.
EDIT: these are now available on blick for a way better deal than on simon says stamp.
Beautiful colours, thank you for sharing. Hugs 🤗
Thank you Kristina, my set of 12 just came in yesterday. Your video excited me much. I now plan to do a swatch black and white, smart way that you shared. Was the black cardstock? I'm thinking so since i've not seen black WC.
hi Kristina, could you include the link to the journey (black paper) that you used?
this was soo useful, thank you so much! would you happen to know if regular watercolour half pans would fit in the finetec metal palette at 3:50?
Watching this with my cat. I really think she liked the Shiney
I love your handwriting style there. I've tried but I get stuck in highschool handwriting, wich is UGLY on cards so to see the concistency of your writing makes me drool,haaha
What kind of lightfastness do the colors have? Do they fade? Thanks.
Thank you very much for put the video with subtitles in Spanish!!! 😍❤️
Question: Is the black lined paper in this video watercolor paper? Where did you get it? Thank you, love your channel and website!
No, it's a notebook from Ink Me This: www.inkmethis.com/collections/calligraphy-supplies/products/copy-of-whimsical-calligraphy-address-stamp
QUESTION🤔...I just purchased the Earth+Ocean Pearlcolors Palette by COLIRO...GORGEOUS COLORS! Do you find that there's a difference between Finetec and these palettes? The ONLY difference I saw was the price on Amazon. I know it's literally 2 years since you've made this video, but I read your pinned update and I'd appreciate a response please....
Thank You...Laura🤓💙🇵🇷
I don't own any of the Coliro branded palettes. I only have the old ones that were labeled Finetec from before the split, and then these newer Finetec palettes. Sorry I don't have a direct comparison. From what I've seen online, all of them seem to be good.
thanks for reviewing! I am searching for copper colors, and I think this is it... Finetec seems expensive but worth it! The problem for me now is to choose between copper, bronze, and red-brown! :p
Hi Kristina, do you mind sharing the brand of notebook you used for the lettering at the end of the video? I checked your notes and blog and didn't see it , but maybe I missed it.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you Kristina.......
Love you're water dropper!
Can you tint these by adding a drop of gouache to slightly alter the color? I don't want to buy so many expensive color paints.
Awesome handlettering!
What pen holder and nib did you use? and where can you purchase these. Also have you done video on teaching your beautiful calligraphy and what styles (copperplate, Gothic, etc) of alphabet you are using. thanks.
I've been watching g your videos with you using these paints I absolutely love them have to get me some
Full Set syndrome....omg hahaha, it is going to be the end of me. Love collections. Glad there are more people and not only me.Just received my 12 set, so excited to use them. thank you for the review
What brand and size brush did you use for the swatching and lettering??
Since I live in Germany I can order the original Finetec products easily (quite often :D) and I love them for little details in my illustrations 😍 but I would love to know what brush you are using in this video? :)
I was using a brush from Royal-Langickel's Zen brush line. Super affordable.
Ah Thank You! I found them on amazon :-)
but the 83 line is not available on amazon for germany or austria 😑
they look exquisite
"Full set sindrome..." - I laughed way too much on that. I hardly can hold myself back if I see something in a set. :'D
Are these similar to twinkling H20? Thanks. Blessings....
biblescraps No, twinkling H20 are kid's paints....the quality doesn't even touch FineTec
Just a different opinion here. Twinkling H2Os are NOT kids paints, they are just different quality not inferior. The amount of mica and binder is different per brand. I have many different brands of iridescent paint because I love the look. I have been painting with them for over 20 years and I can tell you that you will get some lovely effects from any of them.
I know this video is pretty old but can you please tell me what paper or card stock you are using and what BLACK paper is good for these palettes? I’m really struggling to get answers 😢 I also check the blog and don’t see anything about the paper
I haven't find them in Germany either and i went to big and small stores so I don't know wether they sell in physical shops at all
Thank you so much Kristina.This was a huge help.
🤔 i want these to mix with colored pencils and possibly inktense. :o i wonder if they'd go well together
Do you see strokes lines when painting an image with these? I see stroke lines in the swatches that are dried in the video. Thank you.
What would you use the pearly paints for?
Lettering, painting, watercoloring, adding details to images or words. :)
the pigment used to make Mystic Color is like an exact dupe for Colourpop Partridge... *mind blown*
Can you please tell me what kind of black watercolour paper you use? I'm new to watercolors and would really like to get black paper of good quality :)
I don't have black watercolor paper. Unfortunately, I've never seen any. Maybe this means they don't make it? Not sure. In this video I used thick black cardstock.
thank you so much that was really helpful
Do you happen to remember what brush you used for the lettering of Caribbean green?
Zen brush from Royal & Langnickel. Looks like maybe a size 6 round.
Next month I'm gonna but an empty palette and 6 colors, it costs half of what the gold set costs in ny country 😂😂 thanks for the info and swatches, I'm still trying to decide which ones to get
Best regards from Germany. I have the golden color set.
If I buy them at Simon says Stamp (the one on your description) is there a shipping fee if your from another country??
One word: artgasm
To be honest, I've never seen even one of the Finetec watercolors at a German craftstore. But I guess it's still a lot easier to purchase them here ^^
Can anyone tell me what that super cool pen contraption that she's using at the end is? (I'm just a painter, not a calligrapher, I have zero knowledge!)
These are so beautiful I wish I had them but I live in canada so it is hard for me to get them.
Can you get these in the UK?