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Best Art Palettes

Updated October 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Masterson Sta-Wet Airtight Box Premier Palette
Masterson
Sta-Wet Airtight Box Premier Palette
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

An industry favorite, especially among oil painters, acrylic enthusiasts, and mixed media artists who need a lot of time to make their creations.

Pros

Works as a palette with the Sta-Wet palette paper or as a holder for any other palette that fits. Unique design lets users wet the sponge, then keep their palette ready for weeks on end. Buyers laud the longevity, which pays for itself.

Cons

Sta-Wet pad comes separately. Don't forget to check the wet sponge every few days to prevent mildew.

Best Bang for the Buck
Strathmore Palette Paper
Strathmore
Palette Paper
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Disposable and Reusable
Bottom Line

The most convenient way to mix your paints without the hassle of cleanup when you're done.

Pros

Disposable palette that's reusable upon paint drying. Strathmore is a leading brand in artist papers, and Palette Paper is no exception. Buyers appreciate the convenience, ease of mixing, portability, and cleanliness that standard palettes just can't offer.

Cons

Creates more waste than standard palettes.

Caran D'Ache Aquarelle Palette
Caran D'Ache
Aquarelle Palette
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Best for Urban Sketchers
Bottom Line

This small palette has a smooth side for your paint and a rough one to get pigment out of artist crayons and watercolor pencils.

Pros

The sturdy plexiglass keeps its form and doesn't bend easily. Both sides clean up easily with water, while dry paint will peel/scratch right off. Great for small bags and portable easels due to its size. Best for water-soluble pastels and pigment sticks.

Cons

May be too small for some artists. Not ideal for oil paints.

MyArTool Watercolor Palette
MyArTool
Watercolor Palette
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Best for Watercolor
Bottom Line

A portable palette with 12 empty half pans for your favorite watercolors.

Pros

The lids double as mixing palettes that won't bleed into the half pans while you work. It works with oil and acrylics. The tin design is far sturdier than other portable palettes. The empty half pans let you bring along your favorite colors on the go.

Cons

Novice painters should not expect the oil and acrylics to stay wet.

The Army Painter Premium Wet Palette for Miniatures
The Army Painter
Premium Wet Palette for Miniatures
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Best for Acrylics
Bottom Line

This wet palette is smaller than most and easier to carry around for open air, models, and more.

Pros

Includes 2 hydro foam and 50 sheets that should last a long time. The mold-resistant wet palette keeps oil and acrylic paints wet for longer. There's room for hobby brushes. A great option for model makers and miniature painting.

Cons

It might be too small for some artists. There is a learning curve.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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