These don’t warp and usually come in a few different shapes and sizes which means you can get one that fits comfortably in your hand while painting all day long. Metal palettes work best for advanced techniques where multiple colors are used. They also tend to last a very long time which means you may only have to buy one in your lifetime!
The Best Palette for Acrylic Paint: Product Reviews, Tips and FAQs
The best palette for acrylic paint is the most important tool for any artist. It’s what you will use to mix colors, create textures, and more! But with so many options out there it can be difficult to find the perfect one. That’s why we have put together this article that answers common questions about palettes, provides product reviews of some of our favorite brands, and contains helpful tips on how to make your palette last longer.
Best Choice
Masterson Sta-Wet Premier Palette
It keeps acrylics and other water-based paints wet for hours on an open palette. The paints will stay workable for days, if not weeks, after the lid is closed.
What Is a Palette?
A palette is a flat surface on which an artist mixes and blends different paint colors. Palettes are used by artists of all levels to create the color combinations needed for their paintings, drawings, or other works of art.
Palettes come in many sizes, shapes, styles, and materials. They are typically made of metal or plastic, but can also be found in other materials such as paperboard or glass. A plastic palette will last longer than one made out of cardboard or paper because it won’t warp or get soggy when wet with water.
Some artists also prefer the feel of certain types over others. For example, wooden palettes are often chosen by artists who want something more sturdy than plastic but don’t necessarily need the durability offered by metal palettes.
Why You Need a Palette for Acrylic Painting
1. Speed Painting
Palettes are great for mixing colors quickly on one surface and then using that pigment to paint your artwork several times before having to go back and make more color adjustments.
2. Easy Cleaning
Palettes are easy to use and clean and you don’t have to worry about spilling paint or thinner everywhere. Simply wipe them down with a moist rag, let them dry, and you’re ready for the next day.
3. Consistent and Predictable Paint
Palettes help you mix colors that are the same consistency each time. If the paint is mixed on a table or other surface it can be harder to get consistent results.
4. Advanced Techniques
Palettes are great for advanced techniques like glazing and scumbling. They can also be used to mix washes, gradients, textures, etc.
Best Palettes for Painting with Acrylics
Paint palettes are one of the most important tools an artist will ever have. So, let’s take a look at the various types of palettes you can use as an acrylic painter, starting with the best palette choices down to the -ahem- least desirable choices.
This by far is my favorite choice for dry palettes all acrylic painters must have.
Palette paper meets all the criteria with a large working surface giving me ample room to mix my acrylic colours and organize my paint pigments accordingly. Plus, it can come in lots of different shapes for better handling.
✅ The Canson palette paper itself has a smooth, poly-coated surface to allow for easy mixing without pilling or color absorption using either a brush or palette knife. They even offer palettes with a thumb hole for a better holding experience. #win
I also love the Strathmore palette paper as another great choice, with a large area for mixing: a whopping 12″x16″ working surface!
Plus, when you are done with your painting, you can simply tear out the paper and throw it in the trash. No clean up necessary.
Of course, unlike the more permanent palettes out there, you will eventually run out of this stuff, and will need to purchase more. Just something to consider.
- Advantages: Easy clean up, large working surface, great for mixing
- Disadvantages:more waste, not reusable
Plastic Hard Palette
A lot of artists recommend that if you are in the market for a new permanent palette, the best kind of material would be plastic – the main reason being the clean up is fairly simple and the plastic material will not absorb the paint.
I recommend looking for plastic palettes that have a broad surface for mixing, as opposed to the “dollar store” round palettes that have a tiny mixing surface. You will not have a good time with those, trust me.
Plus the advantage of plastic palettes is the clean up – simply wait for your paint to dry and then peel it right off.
✅ A great palette option in this category is this plastic non-stick palette from USA Art Supply. It has several large non-stick working surface sizes to choose from, and has a thumb hole for easy handling.
- Advantages:Large working surface, will not absorb paint, easy clean up, reusable
- Disadvantage:Does require a bit of cleanup
Glass Palette
A glass palette has its own various advantages. On top of being able to resist pigment absorption and promote optimal color mixing, this material also allows for very easy clean up. If some acrylic is still wet, a quick wipe with a damp cloth or under running water will remove the acrylic. If the acrylic is dry, simply using a scraper will get the paint right off.
This particular glass palette from Paragona features the classic palette shape with a large working surface (11″x14″) and finger holes for easy holding.
The one disadvantage that has been reported is the weight. If you happen to struggle with upper body strength, it can be a bit of a challenge to hold for long periods of time (unless of course you are looking for a good workout!).
>>>> Want to make your own? Check out my DIY glass palette tutorial here!
- Advantages:Durable, relatively easy clean up, no color absorption, good color-mixing surface, reusable
- Disadvantages: involves some clean up, may be a bit heavy for some, greater price
