Watercolor painting is amazing, but keeping your colors organized and wet can be a real struggle. I remember when I started, I was using old ceramic plates, and my paints would dry out in minutes! A good palette can truly transform your painting experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the top palettes for watercolor painting, based on my own experience and what other artists are raving about.
Here’s a quick look at the palettes we’ll be covering:
- Meeden Empty Watercolor Palette Tin: A classic, portable option for pan watercolors.
- PewiYee 2 Pack Porcelain Watercolor Palette: Perfect for mixing large washes and keeping colors separate.
- Artillery Paint Palette with Lid: A folding palette with tons of wells and mixing space.
- Sta-Wet Palette: Keeps your paints wet for days, reducing waste.
- John Pike Palette: A favorite among watercolor artists for its thoughtful design and large mixing areas.
Top 5 Best Palette For Watercolor Painting
1. Meeden Empty Watercolor Palette Tin
The Meeden Empty Watercolor Palette Tin is a fantastic, no-frills option for artists who love using pan watercolors. It’s basically an empty metal box that you can fill with your favorite pans, letting you create a custom palette. I used one of these when I first started out, and it was perfect for taking my paints on the go.
Pros:
- ✅ Super portable and lightweight.
- ✅ Customizable with your favorite watercolor pans.
- ✅ Affordable and durable metal construction.
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn’t include any paints or pans.
- ❌ Can be a bit small if you like to work with a lot of colors.
- ❌ The metal can sometimes get dented easily.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a simple, portable way to organize your pan watercolors, the Meeden palette tin is a great choice. It’s perfect for travel and plein air painting.
2. PewiYee 2 Pack Porcelain Watercolor Palette
The PewiYee Porcelain Watercolor Palettes are a pair of lovely, ceramic dishes designed for mixing watercolors. These palettes are great if you prefer to work with tube paints and need ample space for mixing large washes. I personally love using porcelain palettes because they’re so easy to clean and the colors stay true on the smooth surface.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to clean, non-staining porcelain surface.
- ✅ Provides ample space for mixing large washes of color.
- ✅ Colors appear true and vibrant on the white surface.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as portable as a folding palette.
- ❌ Can be breakable if dropped.
- ❌ Takes up more space than smaller palettes.
Verdict: These porcelain palettes are ideal for studio use, especially if you like to mix large quantities of paint. They’re easy to clean and offer a true color representation.
3. Artillery Paint Palette with Lid
The Artillery Paint Palette with Lid is a folding palette designed for artists who need lots of wells and mixing space. This palette unfolds to reveal a generous mixing area and numerous wells for individual colors. I appreciate how compact it becomes when folded, making it relatively easy to transport. It’s a solid choice if you like to have a wide range of colors readily available.
Pros:
- ✅ Large mixing area.
- ✅ Lots of individual wells.
- ✅ Folds up for easy storage and transport.
Cons:
- ❌ Plastic material may stain over time.
- ❌ Hinges may wear out with heavy use.
- ❌ Can feel a bit bulky compared to simpler palettes.
Verdict: This is a good option for artists who want a portable palette with plenty of space for both individual colors and mixing. It’s great for studio use and outdoor painting.
4. Sta-Wet Palette
The Sta-Wet Palette is designed to keep your acrylic and watercolor paints moist for extended periods. It uses a special sponge and permeable membrane to maintain humidity, preventing your paints from drying out. I’ve found this palette particularly useful when working on projects that take several days, as it significantly reduces paint waste. I used it for a large project once and was amazed at how much paint I saved.
Pros:
- ✅ Keeps paints moist for days, reducing waste.
- ✅ Suitable for both acrylic and watercolor paints.
- ✅ Easy to set up and maintain.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires occasional replacement of the sponge and membrane.
- ❌ May not be ideal for artists who prefer their paints to dry quickly.
- ❌ Can sometimes be a bit messy if over-saturated.
Verdict: If you frequently find your paints drying out before you can use them, the Sta-Wet Palette is a game-changer. It’s perfect for artists who work slowly or on long-term projects.
5. John Pike Palette
The John Pike Palette is a classic, round palette designed specifically for watercolor painting. It’s a favorite among watercolor artists for its thoughtful design, which includes a large mixing area and strategically placed wells. I’ve always admired how the layout encourages efficient color mixing and easy access to paints.
Pros:
- ✅ Large, round mixing area.
- ✅ Thoughtfully designed well placement.
- ✅ Lightweight and easy to hold.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as portable as folding palettes.
- ❌ Can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
- ❌ May not be suitable for artists who prefer rectangular palettes.
Verdict: The John Pike Palette is a solid choice for serious watercolor artists who value a well-designed, efficient palette for studio use. The large mixing area is a major plus.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right watercolor palette depends on your painting style, workspace, and budget. Here are some things to consider:
- Material: Plastic palettes are lightweight and affordable, while porcelain palettes are easy to clean and provide true color representation. Metal palettes are durable and often used for pan watercolors.
- Size and Shape: Consider how much mixing space you need. Larger palettes are great for mixing big washes, while smaller palettes are more portable. Round palettes, like the John Pike, offer a unique mixing experience.
- Number of Wells: Think about how many colors you typically use. If you like to work with a wide range of colors, choose a palette with plenty of wells.
- Portability: If you paint outdoors or travel frequently, a folding palette or a compact tin is a good choice.
- Lid: Palettes with lids help to keep your paints moist and prevent dust from settling on them.
Ultimately, the best palette for you is the one that feels most comfortable and meets your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before settling on your favorite.
FAQs
Q: How do I clean a watercolor palette?
A: For plastic palettes, use soap and water or a gentle scrubbing brush. Porcelain palettes are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. For palettes with dried paint, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before cleaning.
Q: How do I keep my watercolor paints from drying out on the palette?
A: Use a palette with a lid, or try a Sta-Wet palette. You can also spritz your paints with water occasionally to keep them moist.
Q: Can I use acrylic palettes for watercolor paints?
A: Yes, you can, but acrylic palettes may stain more easily than palettes designed specifically for watercolors. Porcelain palettes are a good universal option.
Q: What’s the difference between a pan palette and a tube palette?
A: Pan palettes use pre-dried watercolor paints in small pans, while tube palettes are designed for use with wet tube paints. Pan palettes are more portable, while tube palettes allow for more control over color mixing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right watercolor palette can really improve your painting process. Whether you prioritize portability, ample mixing space, or keeping your paints wet, there’s a palette out there for you. I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect palette to suit your needs. Happy painting!
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