5 Best Art Palettes - Apr. 2023

Most Versatile

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

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.

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

Disposable and Reusable

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

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.

Creates more waste than standard palettes.

Caran D'Ache

Aquarelle Palette

Best for Urban Sketchers

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

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.

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

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

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.

Premium Wet Palette for Miniatures

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

The Army Painter

Best for Acrylics

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

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.