I don't have a ton Aaron, but for what I do...they are nice to work with!!  You can AB and hand paint with then.  Hand painting may require a couple coat, but they are smooth!!!

As for the water...............Distilled water...super market a bug...quid whatever...not to much for a gallon.  ;D  Need it cheaper.....boil your own tap water and you should be fine...more than fine.