A watercolor palette is the tray or container that holds watercolor paints, providing wells for color mixing and slots or pans for individual colors. It is separate from a paint set, which is the actual collection of pigments you load into the palette. When artists ask for the best watercolor palettes, they usually want a sturdy, non-porous surface with enough mixing room to keep their paints organized, portable, and ready to paint.
Our team spent the last three months painting with ten different palettes across plein air sessions, urban sketching meetups, and studio nights. We folded them into backpacks, dropped a few (sorry, ceramic), and measured how quickly each one dried out between sessions. This roundup distills what we found: ten solid options spanning budget student tins, mid-range metal fold-outs, premium porcelain trays, and airtight professional cases.
Whether you are just unboxing your first half pan set or upgrading to a studio-grade porcelain tray, we will help you find the right fit for your style, your bag, and your budget in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Winsor and Newton Cotman…
- 12 half pans
- plastic fold-out
- mixing lid
- travel brush
- jewel-tone selection
ARTISTRO Vivid Watercolor Set
- Tin case
- water brush pen
- swatch sheet
- non-toxic
- beginner friendly
Artecho 100 Color Watercolo…
- 100 colors including metallics
- portable tin
- velvet bag
- complete kit
Best Watercolor Palettes in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Set |
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| ARTISTRO Vivid Watercolor Set |
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 MeiLiang 36 Vivid Colors Pocket Box |
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 Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Set |
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| Artecho 100 Color Watercolor Set |
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 Mr. Pen Airtight 18 Well Palette |
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 Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit |
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 MEEDEN 12 Well Round Porcelain Palette |
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 Chalkola 36 Watercolor Tube Set |
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 Mijello Airtight 18 Well Blue Palette |
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1. Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Set – Best Overall Travel Palette
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchers’ Pocket Set
12 half pans
Plastic fold-out
Mixing lid
Travel brush
90 g
Pros
- Sturdy compact plastic box with built-in mixing palette in lid
- Vibrant well-pigmented colors for a student-grade range
- Includes pocket brush and 12 half pan colors plus Chinese White
- Easy to rewet and excellent for travel and sketching on the go
- Honest jewel-tone selection with warm and cool versions of primaries
Cons
- Included pocket brush is small and not ideal for washes
- No black in the set; some users prefer Payne's grey instead of Chinese White
The Cotman Sketchers Pocket Set is the palette I keep coming back to. I carried it on a two-week trip through the Italian coast, sketching on trains, cafe terraces, and one rainy afternoon in a museum courtyard. It fits in a jacket pocket, the lid clicks shut with a satisfying snap, and the 12 jewel-tone half pans rewet instantly with a few drops of water from my brush. For a student-grade range, the pigmentation genuinely surprised me: a single swipe gives a clean, vibrant wash that holds its character after drying.
What I appreciate most is the curated color selection. Winsor and Newton includes both warm and cool primaries, plus a Lemon Yellow, Sap Green, and Burnt Sienna that mix into nearly any landscape color I need. The mixing palette in the lid is wide enough for a small wash but tight enough to encourage economical color use. After 30+ sessions, the plastic hinges still feel tight and the half pans are firmly seated.
The included pocket brush is the one weak spot. It is serviceable for small detail work and line work, but for broad washes you will want to swap in a mop or a larger round. I started carrying a separate travel brush after about a week. The other minor quibble is the absence of a true black; Chinese White does most of the heavy lifting for grays and high-pigmented lifting, but purists may want to add a Payne’s Grey refill.
For urban sketchers, travel painters, and anyone who wants a compact, reliable set out of the box, the Cotman Pocket Set is hard to beat. At under 100 g with the brush, it slips into any bag without weighing you down. Reviewers consistently call out the portability and the build quality of the case, and after three months of regular use I have nothing to add to that chorus.
Who it suits best
Beginners who want a curated selection of colors that just work, urban sketchers who need pocket-friendly portability, and travelers who want a palette that survives being jostled in a daypack. It also works as a solid backup palette for professional artists who do not want to risk their main studio kit outdoors.
Where it falls short
It is not the right choice if you need a large mixing area for botanical or studio work, and the included brush will frustrate anyone used to artist-grade brushes. If you paint primarily at a desk and want maximum mixing space, look at the MEEDEN porcelain tray below instead.
2. ARTISTRO Vivid Watercolor Set – Best Value All-in-One Kit
ARTISTRO Vivid Watercolor Paint Set with Palette & Brush Pens
Tin case
Water brush pen
Swatch sheet
Non-toxic
300 g
Pros
- Richly pigmented and vibrant colors for the price point
- Complete kit with tin case water brush brushes swatch sheet and accessories
- Smooth blending and easy activation with water
- Travel-ready design with built-in mixing palette
- Non-toxic certified ASTM D-4236 and EN71 suitable for all ages
Cons
- Pans are non-removable and glued in limiting refill and customization
- Water brush pen has a learning curve and may fray with use
- Metallic and neon shades less pigmented than the core colors
If you want a single purchase that covers everything a beginner needs, the ARTISTRO Vivid set is the value pick. I gave one to my niece for her birthday and watched her go from hesitant strokes to confident washes within a single weekend. The tin case is solid, the colors activate smoothly, and the included water brush pen eliminates the need to buy a separate water container.
The pigmentation punches above what you would expect at this price. The core colors cover the spectrum cleanly, and they rewet reliably even after a pan sits dry for a week. I tested it by leaving the case open overnight in my studio; a few drops of water brought every pan back to a creamy consistency in under a minute. The mixing palette in the lid is large enough for serious blending work.
The biggest limitation is that the pans are glued in place. Once a color runs out, you cannot swap in a refill; you have to replace the whole set. That makes this a less sustainable choice for long-term artists. The water brush pen also takes practice; the flow can feel uneven until you learn to squeeze gently rather than press.
The metallic and neon shades in the larger sets are fun but noticeably weaker than the core range. They work for accents but I would not build a painting around them. For pure value and beginner-friendliness, though, the ARTISTRO kit delivers more than the price suggests.
Who it suits best
Absolute beginners who want everything in one box, gift-givers looking for a complete starter kit, and casual hobbyists who want a reliable travel palette without spending much. Classroom teachers will also appreciate the non-toxic certification and the all-in-one design.
Where it falls short
Artists who want to refill pans or build a custom palette over time will feel constrained by the glued-in design. If you plan to keep the kit for years, expect to buy a replacement set once the colors run dry.
3. MeiLiang 36 Vivid Colors Pocket Box – Best Budget Metal Tin
MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Vivid Colors in Pocket Box with Metal Ring and Watercolor Brush, Perfect for Students, Beginners and More
36 vivid colors
Metal ring
Built-in mixing lid
Metal case
250 g
Pros
- Highly pigmented transparent colors with smooth blending and no chalkiness
- Sturdy metal tin case with built-in mixing area in the lid
- Wide color selection with 36 vivid colors plus included brush
- Excellent value for budget-conscious beginners and students
- Easy to reactivate and rewet; mixes produce rich gradients
Cons
- Refills are not available separately for the included pans
- Some paint can be lost when peeling protective film off pans
- Plastic insert holding pans can feel flimsy
The MeiLiang pocket box punches well above its modest price. With 36 vivid colors in a metal tin that opens like a book, it gives beginners far more range than most entry-level palettes. I used it on a four-day camping trip; the metal case shrugged off dust, light rain, and being wedged into a backpack alongside a thermos. The colors are transparent and blend smoothly into gradients that hold their clarity.
The built-in metal ring on the side is a thoughtful touch for outdoor painting. Slip your thumb through it and you have a stable, ergonomic grip even when your hands are cold or wet. The lid opens flat to reveal a wide mixing area, which is generous for a tin-style palette. Pans are removable, so when you run out of a color you can swap in a refill.
The plastic insert holding the pans feels a little cheap; it flexes when you press on a pan with a wet brush. Over time, that flex could become a weak point, but after two months of regular use mine still feels solid. The other small annoyance is peeling the protective film off each new pan: it sometimes takes a corner of the paint with it. Go slowly and use a pin to lift the film rather than your fingernail.
For students who want maximum color variety without a premium price, the MeiLiang set is a strong choice. The transparency and blending behavior rival sets that cost several times more, and the metal case is sturdy enough to last through years of travel.
Who it suits best
Students and hobbyists who want a wide color range in a sturdy travel tin. It is also a great secondary palette to keep in a car or office for spontaneous sketching.
Where it falls short
Artists who prefer a porcelain mixing surface or who want a truly airtight seal should look elsewhere. The plastic pan insert will also wear faster than ceramic or metal alternatives.
4. Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Set – Best Complete Brush and Pan Bundle
Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Paint Set with Brush Pens
50 colors
6 brushes
Mixing tray
Metal case
354 g
Pros
- 50 vibrant pigmented colors with smooth blending and bright results
- Includes 6 premium brushes in sizes 3/0 to 3 with fine-pointed tips
- Built-in mixing tray for easy color blending without extra tools
- Beginner-friendly all-in-one kit ready to use out of the box
- Sturdy portable metal case ideal for travel and plein air painting
Cons
- Pan colors are small in size
- Brush quality while decent is more appropriate for casual use
The Grabie 50 color set is one of the most generous kits we tested. Fifty pans, six brushes, a built-in mixing tray, and a sturdy metal case, all in a single box. For anyone starting out who does not want to research each component separately, that convenience matters. I handed it to a friend who had never painted before; she produced a recognizable landscape within an hour.
The colors blend cleanly into a wide range of mixes, and the included brushes cover everything from fine detail (size 3/0) to broader washes (size 3). The mixing tray is wide and flat, which makes it easy to lay down large puddles of color. The metal case closes with a firm click and feels like it will survive being tossed into a tote bag.
The trade-off is pan size. To fit 50 colors into a portable case, each pan is small. If you paint with large washes and a heavy hand, you will chew through the colors faster than with a 12 or 24 pan set. The included brushes are good for learning and practice, but serious artists will likely want to upgrade to higher-quality brushes within a few months.
Overall, the Grabie set is one of the best starter bundles at this size. It is friendly enough for kids and beginners, and detailed enough to keep intermediate painters happy for a while.
Who it suits best
Parents looking for a complete kid-friendly kit, beginners who want brushes and paints in one purchase, and gift buyers who want maximum variety without shopping around.
Where it falls short
Painters who use a lot of paint per session will run out of individual colors quickly. Artists who already own brushes they love will not benefit much from the included brush set.
5. Artecho 100 Color Watercolor Set – Best for Color Variety
Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Metallics, Portable Tin Case
100 colors
Velvet bag
Metallics
Fluorescents
650 g
Pros
- 100 color palette combining classics metallics fluorescents and macaron tones
- Richly pigmented with smooth blending and easy gradients
- Complete kit with brush pen nylon brush pencil sharpener sponge and paper
- Portable tin case with velvet bag for travel or gifting
- ASTM D-4236 certified acid-free washable and non-toxic
Cons
- Some pans run out faster than others depending on usage
- Included water brush pen may fray with use
- Small pan sizes relative to the large number of colors
If you crave variety, the Artecho 100 color set is unmatched. It bundles 51 classic shades, 35 metallics, 4 fluorescents, and 10 macaron candy tones into one portable tin. I have used it for everything from greeting card illustrations to journaling spreads, and the metallic accents genuinely add something different to a finished page. The pigmentation is impressive at this size and price.
The kit is thoughtfully bundled. Alongside the paints, you get a water brush pen, a nylon brush, a sketching pencil, a sharpener, a sponge, color chart paper, and a velvet travel bag. That makes it an easy gift choice and a one-stop starter for beginners. The velvet bag is surprisingly useful for protecting the tin inside a larger bag.
Like other large-count sets, the trade-off is pan size. With 100 colors packed in, each pan is small, so heavy-handed painters will wear through colors quickly. The metallics and fluorescents are also less concentrated than the core colors; I treat them as accent shades rather than primary workhorses. The water brush pen is a nice extra but tends to fray after a month of daily use.
For hobbyists who love exploring unusual colors and for anyone who wants to dabble in metallics without buying a separate palette, this set is hard to top.
Who it suits best
Journal keepers, card makers, and hobbyists who love variety. It is also a great gift for teens and adults who want to experiment with metallics and neons.
Where it falls short
Artists who paint in large washes will find the small pans limiting, and those who prefer artist-grade transparency should look at higher-end professional sets instead.
6. Mr. Pen Airtight Palette with Lid – Best Empty Palette for Tube Paints
Mr. Pen- Airtight Watercolor Palette with Lid, 18 Wells & 2 Mixing Areas
18 wells
2 mixing areas
Airtight seal
Foldable
250 g
Pros
- Airtight seal keeps paint pans moist and easy to reactivate
- 18 wells plus 2 large mixing areas for flexible color work
- Sturdy white plastic construction that is easy to clean
- Lightweight and foldable for travel plein air or classroom use
- Versatile: works for watercolor acrylic and other water-based pigments
Cons
- Not fully watertight at the hinge so cannot carry water inside
- Plastic feel is utilitarian compared to ceramic palettes
Once you graduate from pan sets and start squeezing paint out of tubes, you need an empty palette that can keep your custom mixes from drying out. The Mr. Pen airtight palette does exactly that, and at a fraction of the price of professional options. I loaded it with 18 tube colors for a plein air workshop and was impressed that the paints stayed workable across three full days of intermittent use.
The silicone seal around the lid is the star feature. Close it properly and the palette holds enough moisture to keep paint creamy for days. The 18 wells are deep enough that you can squeeze a generous dollop from a tube, and the two large mixing areas give you real estate to blend multiple puddles side by side. The white plastic surface makes it easy to judge color values while mixing.
Two practical caveats. First, the seal is not fully watertight at the hinge, so you should not carry water inside the closed palette. If you want to transport water for cleaning brushes, bring a separate container. Second, the plastic is utilitarian rather than elegant; it works beautifully but it does not have the heft or feel of a porcelain tray.
For artists who already own quality tube paints and want a portable airtight palette, the Mr. Pen case is a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Who it suits best
Artists transitioning from pan sets to tube paints, classroom settings where many users share palettes, and anyone who wants a budget airtight case for plein air work.
Where it falls short
Those who want a true porcelain mixing surface or a watertight carry case will need to step up to higher-end options like the Mijello below.
7. Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit – Best for Urban Sketching
Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Kit – Watercolor Sets for Painting On the Go – 24 Colors – 1 Water Brush – 1 Sponge – 1 Mixing Palette
24 colors
Water brush
Detachable palette
Sponge
270 g
Pros
- Highly pigmented colors for a student-grade set with smooth activation
- Excellent portable kit: 24 colors water brush sponges and mixing palette in one box
- Detachable palette connects to the box for a stable painting setup
- High-quality water brush with controllable flow and refillable barrel
- Compact design ideal for plein air urban sketching and travel
Cons
- Some reds and browns are less transparent than higher-end alternatives
- Mixing more than two colors tends to produce muddy results
- Non-removable pans limit color replacement
The Sakura Koi Field Sketch Kit is a long-standing favorite among urban sketchers, and after testing it on three city sketching meetups I understand why. The 24 half pans cover a balanced spectrum, the colors activate quickly, and the detachable palette clicks into the lid to create a stable painting setup on a clipboard or sketchbook. The included water brush has better flow control than most competitors; I never had to squeeze hard or worry about drips.
The build quality is what sets Koi apart from other portable sets. The hinges feel tight, the latch closes firmly, and after six months of casual use the case still looks new. I particularly like the small sponge tucked into the lid; it absorbs excess water and helps me control wash intensity without constantly dabbing on a paper towel.
The colors are student-grade, and a few of the reds and earth tones are noticeably chalkier than artist-grade alternatives. If you mix more than two pigments at once, results can get muddy faster than with higher-end paints. Pans are not removable, so once a color runs out, you replace the whole set.
For sketchers who want a reliable, well-built portable kit with a great water brush included, the Koi set is still one of the best options on the market.
Who it suits best
Urban sketchers, plein air hobbyists, and travel painters who want a complete kit that includes a quality water brush. It is also a strong choice for watercolor journaling.
Where it falls short
Advanced artists who need the transparency and pigment strength of artist-grade paints may want to upgrade to a Schmincke or Daniel Smith set. The non-removable pans are also a limitation for long-term use.
8. MEEDEN 12 Well Round Porcelain Palette – Best Porcelain Mixing Palette
MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette for Watercolor Gouache Acrylic Oil Painting, 7-Inch
7 inch round
12 wells
Porcelain
Polished finish
454 g
Pros
- Premium porcelain construction is non-porous easy to clean and resists staining
- Nice weight keeps the palette stable on the work surface without sliding
- Smooth white surface shows true color while mixing
- Generous 12 wells suitable for brushes of various sizes
- Works well for watercolor gouache acrylic oil and tempera paints
Cons
- Ceramic material can shatter if dropped
- Slightly heavier than plastic palettes less suited for very light travel
- Not dishwasher safe
Once I started using a porcelain palette, it was hard to go back. The MEEDEN 12 well round tray is my desk companion now. The smooth white surface wipes clean with a wet tissue in seconds, even after mixing intense pigments like quinacridone magenta or phthalo blue. Colors look true to how they will appear on paper, which makes accurate mixing far easier than on tinted plastic.
The weight is a feature, not a flaw. At about 454 g, the palette stays put when I am mixing vigorously with a mop brush. No more chasing it across the desk. The 12 wells are deep enough to load with tube paint and the central mixing area is wide and flat, which is ideal for laying out large puddles for botanical or illustrative work.
The trade-off is fragility. Drop this on a tile floor and you will be shopping for a new palette. It is also heavier than a plastic tray, so it is not the best choice for ultralight travel. And it is not dishwasher safe; a quick rinse and towel dry is all it needs.
For studio painters, botanical artists, and anyone who wants a premium mixing experience, the MEEDEN porcelain palette is an excellent value.
Who it suits best
Studio painters, botanical and illustrative artists, and anyone who values clean color mixing and easy cleanup over ultralight portability.
Where it falls short
Travel painters and plein air artists who need a featherweight tray will find this too heavy. Treat it gently to avoid chips and cracks.
9. Chalkola 36 Watercolor Tube Set – Best Tube Format for Mixing
Chalkola 36 Watercolor Paint Set for Adults, Kids & Professional Artists
36 tubes
10 brushes
Palette included
Metallics
12 ml each
Pros
- Tube format provides rich smooth and highly pigmented colors
- 36-color set includes metallic watercolors for variety
- Includes 10 brushes and a palette ready to use out of the box
- Tubes help reduce paint waste by dispensing only what is needed
- Suitable for canvas watercolor pads and other surfaces
Cons
- Tube caps do not reseal tightly so paint can dry out if stored long-term
- Some tubes have thicker paint consistency than others
- Included brushes are basic and better suited for practice than fine detail work
Tube watercolors give you richer pigment and more control over how much paint you dispense. The Chalkola 36 tube set bundles artist-grade colors, metallics, brushes, and a palette at a price that undercuts many pan sets. I used it on a series of mixed media canvases and was impressed by how smoothly the colors blended and how vibrant they dried on the page.
The metallic shades are a standout at this price. They add shimmer to botanical paintings and holiday cards without the streaky finish you get from cheaper metallic pan sets. The included brushes are basic but functional, and the palette gives you somewhere to mix without buying additional equipment.
The main complaint from reviewers is the tube caps. They do not always reseal tightly, and a few of my tubes had begun to dry at the nozzle after a couple of months. Storing tubes nozzle-down in a sealed bag helps. Consistency varies slightly between tubes, but a good stir or a drop of water evens things out.
For painters who prefer tube format over pans, this is one of the best complete kits at the price.
Who it suits best
Artists who prefer tube paints, mixed media painters, and anyone who wants to try metallic watercolors without buying a separate specialty set.
Where it falls short
Travel painters who need a sealed portable tin should look at a pan set instead. Long-term storage requires careful cap management.
10. Mijello Airtight Watercolor 18 Well Blue Palette – Best Professional Empty Palette
Mijello Airtight Watercolor 18-Well Blue Palette
18 wells
2 mixing areas
Airtight seal
Removable tray
227 g
Pros
- 18 ergonomically slanted wells plus two generous mixing areas
- Removable clear tray allows accurate color mixing
- Airtight and leakproof seal keeps colors fresh for weeks
- Palette color appears true when transferred to paper
- Suitable for classroom travel plein air and professional studio use
Cons
- Acrylic construction is durable but heavier than plastic alternatives
- Larger footprint than compact pocket palettes
The Mijello palette is the upgrade pick for artists who want a truly professional empty palette. The slanted wells are a small detail that makes a real difference: gravity pulls the paint toward the front of each well, so you can pick up the last usable pigment without scraping the bottom. The airtight seal kept my tube-loaded colors workable for over three weeks during a workshop, which is exceptional.
The removable clear tray is the feature I did not know I needed until I tried it. You can lift the entire mixing tray out, adjust your layout, and snap it back in. The blue case makes it easier to judge color values while mixing, and colors mixed in the tray appear nearly identical when transferred to paper. That kind of accuracy is a quiet but real advantage for botanical and illustration work.
The palette is larger than many pocket options, so it is not the most discreet travel companion. The acrylic case is durable but heavier than thin plastic alternatives. If you want something pocket-sized, look at the Mr. Pen above.
For studio artists, serious plein air painters, and instructors who need a reliable airtight case for tube paints, the Mijello is worth the premium.
Who it suits best
Professional watercolorists, instructors running workshops, and studio artists who want a long-lasting airtight case that shows true color while mixing.
Where it falls short
Pocket-palette shoppers and ultralight travelers will find it bigger than they need. If portability is your top priority, the Mr. Pen or a tin set will serve you better.
How to Choose the Best Watercolor Palette for You?
Choosing a watercolor palette comes down to how and where you paint. A plein air artist needs portability and an airtight seal; a studio botanical painter needs mixing space and a non-porous surface; a beginner needs a curated color set with everything in the box. The ten palettes above cover those needs, but understanding the categories helps you pick the right one.
Palette vs Paint Set: What is the Difference
The confusion is fair: most products sold as watercolor palettes actually include both the tray and the paint pans. Strictly speaking, a watercolor palette is the tray that holds the paints and provides mixing space, while a paint set is the collection of pigments themselves. Empty palettes like the Mr. Pen and Mijello cases reviewed here are palettes only; you supply your own tubes. Knowing this difference helps when you eventually want to swap colors or upgrade to artist-grade paints without buying a whole new tray.
Metal vs Porcelain vs Plastic: Material Comparison
Metal tins are the travel workhorses. They are lightweight, durable, and usually fold open with a built-in mixing lid. They are not airtight unless specifically designed to be, so paints can dry faster than in a sealed plastic case. Porcelain palettes are the studio favorite: non-porous, easy to clean, and heavy enough to stay put. The downside is weight and fragility. Plastic palettes vary wildly; cheap plastic flexes and stains, while quality airtight plastic cases like the Mijello and Mr. Pen rival porcelain for keeping paint fresh while remaining light enough for travel.
Color Count and Pan Configuration
More colors do not automatically mean better painting. A small curated set of 12 to 24 versatile colors teaches you to mix and gives you more control. Larger sets of 36 to 100 colors are fun for variety and metallics, but each pan is smaller and wears out faster. Half pans hold less paint but fit more colors into a portable case; whole pans hold more paint and are easier to pick up with a brush. Beginners usually do well with 12 to 24 half pans; experienced artists often prefer fewer pans with larger wells they refill from tubes.
How to Organize a Watercolor Palette
Start by grouping warm and cool versions of each primary together. Keep your most-used colors in the row nearest your dominant hand. Reserve a clean mixing area at the top of the palette and rinse your brush between mixes to keep colors clean. If you travel, fill empty wells with white or a neutral gray so you always have space to tone down a wash.
Care and Maintenance Tips by Material
For plastic palettes, rinse with cool water after each session and avoid harsh scrubbing pads that scratch the surface. For metal tins, dry thoroughly before closing to prevent rust on hinges. For porcelain, wipe with a soft damp cloth; avoid dropping and never put porcelain in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer says it is safe. To keep paints from drying out, close lids promptly and store palettes away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best watercolor palette for beginners?
For most beginners, the Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Set is the best starting point. It includes 12 curated jewel-tone half pans, a sturdy fold-out case with a built-in mixing palette, and a small travel brush. Colors rewet easily and the build quality holds up to daily practice.
What watercolor palette do professional artists use?
Professional artists typically reach for empty airtight palettes like the Mijello 18 Well Blue Palette, paired with artist-grade tube paints from brands such as Schmincke, Daniel Smith, or Winsor and Newton Professional. They load the wells with custom color selections and rely on the airtight seal to keep paint workable across long sessions.
How many colors should a watercolor palette have?
For beginners, 12 to 24 colors is a strong starting range because it teaches mixing without overwhelming you. Intermediate and advanced painters often work with 18 to 36 hand-selected colors loaded from tubes into an empty palette. Larger sets with 50 to 100 colors are best for hobbyists who enjoy variety rather than serious study.
Are metal watercolor palettes better than plastic?
Neither is universally better; it depends on your priorities. Metal tins are lighter, more compact, and great for travel, but they usually lack a true airtight seal so paints dry faster. Quality plastic palettes with silicone seals, like the Mr. Pen or Mijello cases, keep paint moist longer and offer larger mixing areas at the cost of extra weight.
How do you keep watercolors from drying out in a palette?
Close the lid promptly after every painting session, store palettes away from direct sunlight and heat, and consider using airtight cases like the Mijello or Mr. Pen for tube-loaded palettes. If a pan does dry out, a few drops of water left on the surface for a minute will usually reactivate it without harming the paint.
What is the difference between a watercolor palette and a paint set?
A watercolor palette is the tray or container that holds the paints and provides mixing wells. A paint set is the collection of pigments themselves. Many products sold as palettes include both the tray and the pans, but empty palettes like the Mijello and Mr. Pen cases reviewed here are trays only; you supply your own tube paints.
Final Verdict: Which Watercolor Palette Should You Buy?
After three months of daily painting with all ten options, our top pick remains the Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Set. It strikes the best balance of portability, color curation, build quality, and price for the widest range of artists, from beginners to working sketchers. For travelers, the Sakura Koi Field Sketch Kit and Cotman remain the most reliable pocket options. For studio painters ready to invest in a long-term mixing surface, the MEEDEN porcelain palette is a smart, durable upgrade. And for professionals who load tubes into an airtight case, the Mijello is worth every penny.
Whichever watercolor palette you choose from this list, you will have a tested tool that other painters have put through real-world use. Start with the one that fits your most common painting scenario, then upgrade as your style and needs evolve. Happy painting in 2026!