The best watercolor mixing palettes include the 20-well Watercolor Paint Tray for versatility, MEEDEN's 12-well Porcelain Palette for durability, the flower-shaped 2pcs Plastic Tray for beginners, Shappy's 33-compartment palette for portability, and U.S. Art Supply's 10-well Rectangular Palette for affordability. You'll want to consider material quality, well size, ease of cleaning, and portability when choosing yours. The right palette will transform your painting experience beyond what you'd expect!
Watercolor Paint Tray Palette, 20 Well Mixing Plastic Artist Palette
Looking for the perfect palette that won't slow down your creative flow? This 20-well wonder might be your new studio bestie! At 13 x 10 inches, it's slightly larger than A4 size but still light enough (just 0.35 lb) to hold in one hand while you work your magic.
You'll love the thoughtful layout with 8 square wells, 4 large circles, and 8 small circles—plenty of room for all your color-mixing adventures! Made of sturdy white plastic, it's super easy to clean and reuse. Just rinse and you're ready for round two! Perfect for everyone from classroom teachers to professional artists, it'll fit right into your backpack for painting on the go.
Best For: Artists of all skill levels seeking a lightweight, versatile palette with multiple mixing wells for watercolor painting at home, in class, or on the go.
Pros:
- Features 20 versatile wells (8 squares, 4 large circles, 8 small circles) providing ample space for color mixing
- Lightweight (0.35 lb) and portable design that fits in a backpack while being larger than A4 size
- Easy to clean and reuse with paint washing off quickly after each creative session
Cons:
- At 13 x 10 inches, may be too large for very small workspaces or compact travel setups
- Limited to 20 wells, which might not be enough for artists working with extensive color palettes
- Made of plastic rather than more premium materials like porcelain or ceramic that some professional artists might prefer
MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette (7-Inch)
Professional artists and serious hobbyists will fall in love with the MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Palette's perfect balance of functionality and elegance. At 7 inches in diameter, this ceramic beauty isn't just pretty—it's practical! You'll appreciate how its medium weight prevents annoying flips while you're creating your masterpiece.
With 12 wells that are deep enough for serious mixing, you can work with watercolors, gouache, acrylics, or oils. Clean-up is a breeze—just wipe with a tissue and you're done! No wonder it boasts a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 2,400 artists who've made it their go-to palette.
Best For: Artists of all levels who work with watercolors, gouache, acrylics, or oils and want a durable, easy-to-clean mixing palette for both studio and field use.
Pros:
- Premium ceramic material resists staining and provides a smooth surface for optimal color mixing
- Medium-weight design prevents flipping during use while remaining portable enough for outdoor painting
- 12 deep wells offer ample space for various paint colors and mixing combinations
Cons:
- At 7 inches in diameter, may be too small for artists who need extensive mixing space
- Ceramic construction means it can break if dropped, unlike plastic alternatives
- Higher price point compared to plastic palettes with similar well configurations
2pcs Plastic Paint Tray Palette for Watercolor Painting
Artists who value convenience and efficient color mixing will appreciate these 2-piece plastic paint tray palettes. With a flower-like design featuring six outer wells and a central mixing area, they're perfect for watercolor adventures without breaking the bank.
At just 6.7 inches across, these lightweight palettes are ideal for painting on-the-go. Don't be fooled by their plastic construction—they're surprisingly durable and won't warp or stain over time. The smooth surface makes cleanup a breeze with just a quick wipe.
Try using them for your watercolors, gouache, or even acrylics! At this price point for a two-pack, why not grab a set to keep in your travel bag?
Best For: Beginning watercolor artists and art students who need affordable, portable palettes for practice, classes, or on-the-go painting sessions.
Pros:
- Comes as a convenient 2-pack with an economical price point
- Features 7 well-designed mixing areas (6 outer wells plus central area) that minimize paint waste
- Lightweight yet durable plastic construction that resists warping and staining
Cons:
- Limited capacity in each well compared to professional-grade palettes
- Basic plastic material lacks the premium feel of ceramic or porcelain alternatives
- At 6.7 inches, may be too small for artists who prefer larger mixing surfaces
Shappy Watercolor Palette with 33 Compartments & Mixing Areas
The Shappy Watercolor Palette stands out as a versatile choice for beginners and intermediate painters who need plenty of space for color experimentation. You'll love how it unfolds to reveal 28 small wells and 5 mixing areas—perfect for creating those custom shades you've been dreaming about!
The thoughtful design includes a thumbhole and brush holders, so you can hold everything with one hand while you paint with the other. Don't worry about your paints drying out; the lid helps keep moisture in. At just over 10 inches when folded, it's compact enough for your art bag. Just be aware—closing it can be a bit tricky!
Best For: Artists and students who need multiple color wells and mixing areas in a portable format that can be easily carried in an art bag.
Pros:
- Features 33 compartments (28 wells and 5 mixing areas) providing ample space for color experimentation
- Includes practical design elements like thumbhole and brush holders for convenient one-handed operation
- Folds to a compact size (10.24 × 5.31 × 0.83 inches) making it portable for travel and outdoor painting
Cons:
- Lid is difficult to close, which may cause frustration during use
- At 10.24 inches when folded, may still be too large for some compact art bags
- Plastic construction, while lightweight, may not be as durable as more premium palette materials
U.S. Art Supply 10-Well Plastic Rectangular Artist Painting Palette
Versatility meets practicality in the U.S. Art Supply 10-Well palette that's winning over artists of all levels. At just 7.5 × 4.4 inches, it's compact enough for your art desk but spacious enough to mix colors effectively. You'll love the thoughtful layout with five small wells and five sloped rectangular ones that give you plenty of mixing freedom.
Don't underestimate this lightweight plastic powerhouse! It handles everything from watercolor to oil paints with ease. The convenient tab makes it comfortable to hold, and you can stack multiple palettes when storage space is tight. Grab one for your next painting session—at 4.5 stars from over 200 artists, you can't go wrong!
Best For: Students, beginners, and hobby artists looking for an affordable, portable palette for various paint types without taking up too much space.
Pros:
- Versatile design with 10 wells (5 small, 5 sloped rectangular) provides ample space for mixing colors
- Lightweight, stackable plastic construction makes it easy to transport and store
- Works well with multiple paint types including tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints
Cons:
- At 7.5 x 4.4 inches, may be too small for professional artists who need extensive color mixing space
- Plastic material might not be as durable as ceramic or glass alternatives for heavy long-term use
- Limited number of wells compared to professional-grade palettes that offer more compartments
Factors to Consider When Choosing Palettes for Mixing Watercolors
Choosing the right watercolor palette isn't just about picking the prettiest one—you'll need to consider several key factors that directly impact your painting experience. Think about the size and number of wells (do you need tiny wells for detail work or larger ones for washes?), the material's durability, and how easily you can clean it after a marathon painting session. Don't forget to weigh the importance of portability if you're an on-the-go artist, as a bulky ceramic palette might be perfect for your studio but a nightmare for plein air painting!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Palettes for Mixing Watercolors
Finding the perfect watercolor mixing palette can transform your painting experience from frustrating to fantastic! You'll want to focus on material quality first—porcelain or high-grade plastic palettes resist staining and clean up beautifully, saving you headaches later.
Don't overlook well design! Those little compartments matter—varied shapes and sizes let you mix exactly what you need without wasting precious paint. And if you're an on-the-go artist, grab something lightweight and compact that won't weigh down your art bag.
Look for user-friendly features like thumbholes (your tired hand will thank you!) and smooth surfaces that make color mixing a breeze. Finally, choose palettes that clean up quickly—because let's face it, you'd rather be painting than scrubbing stubborn paint residue!
Well Size and Quantity
Three critical decisions await you when selecting the perfect watercolor palette: how many wells do you need, what size should they be, and how will they work together?
Your painting style determines your ideal well count. If you're mixing complex shades, go for 20+ wells to keep your creative flow uninterrupted. But remember, those tiny 6-well palettes can be perfect travel companions!
Don't overlook well size – bigger wells let you mix generous color puddles, while smaller ones keep individual pigments organized. The sweet spot? A palette with both! Look for designs featuring large mixing areas surrounded by smaller wells for your pure colors.
Make sure there's enough space between wells too – nobody wants that gorgeous cerulean blue sneaking into their cadmium yellow! Your future masterpieces will thank you.
Material Durability
While you're swooning over those gorgeous color swatches, don't forget that your palette's material will make or break your painting experience!
Premium ceramic palettes are worth every penny—they resist staining and maintain their pristine appearance even after countless painting sessions. If you're on a budget, don't worry! Sturdy plastic options can take a beating without warping or cracking.
For the eco-conscious artist, ceramic palettes aren't just sustainable—they're tough enough to withstand accidental drops during those inspired creative moments. Love painting outdoors? Grab a lightweight molded plastic palette that won't weigh down your art bag but still stands up to regular use.
Ease of Cleaning
After your artistic masterpiece is complete, you'll face the inevitable cleanup—and trust me, nothing kills creative momentum faster than a stubborn, paint-caked palette!
Look for materials that let you wipe away colors with minimal effort. Porcelain options like the MEEDEN 12-Well Round Palette are superstars in the cleanup department, resisting stains even from the most stubborn pigments. If you're constantly switching between colors, consider plastic alternatives such as the 20 Well Watercolor Paint Tray—they'll save you precious creative time.
The best palettes can be quickly wiped clean with just a tissue or cloth, getting you back to painting in seconds. Don't underestimate this feature! Choose materials that can handle repeated cleanings without degrading. Your future self will thank you when you're spending more time creating and less time scrubbing.
Portability and Weight
Now that you've got a spotless palette ready for action, let's consider how you'll get it to your next painting location! When you're dashing to a workshop or heading out to capture that perfect sunset, the last thing you need is a bulky palette weighing you down.
Lightweight options like the 20 Well Watercolor Paint Tray Palette (just 0.35 lb) won't make your shoulder ache during a day of outdoor painting. For the ultimate grab-and-go convenience, try the MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Palette—at only 7 inches in diameter, it'll slip right into your backpack!
Don't forget to check for handy features like thumbholes that make your palette easier to hold while painting. Remember, a smaller palette means easier transport but less mixing space—choose what matches your painting style and travel needs!
Mixing Area Space
Three essential qualities make a watercolor palette's mixing area truly effective: size, layout, and surface texture. You'll want a palette that gives you plenty of room to blend multiple colors at once—it's a game-changer for your creative flow! Look for designs with varied well sizes that let you organize your paints while keeping them easily accessible.
Don't be fooled into thinking bigger is always better! A well-designed compact palette can actually prevent paint waste while still giving you all the space you need. Many artists swear by palettes with separate mixing zones that keep your custom blends from contaminating your pure colors.
Check the surface too—is it smooth and easy to clean? Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're not scrubbing dried paint from textured surfaces!
Color Separation Design
When you're mixing watercolors, the layout of your palette can make or break your painting session! Look for designs with multiple wells of varying sizes that keep your colors distinct while giving you room to play. The best palettes feature dedicated mixing areas where you can create custom hues without the fear of colors creeping into each other.
You'll want to consider how many wells you need—more smaller wells give you quick access to a rainbow of options! Don't overlook comfort, either. Palettes with thumbholes and ergonomic shapes let you hold and mix with ease. And remember, a palette that's easy to clean means your colors stay true every time you paint. No one wants yesterday's blue muddying today's sunset orange!