Wet Palettes for Miniature Painting: Why Beginners Should Use One

A wet palette is a specialized palette designed to keep acrylic paints wet and workable for extended periods. It consists of a shallow container, a layer of absorbent material (usually a sponge), and a sheet of parchment or baking paper on top. The sponge holds water, which is absorbed by the parchment, keeping the paints hydrated and preventing them from drying out.

Compared to a regular palette, where paints dry quickly—especially under warm lighting or in dry environments—a wet palette ensures your paints stay fresh and ready to use. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners who may take longer to complete a project or mix colors.

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Why Should Beginners Use a Wet Palette?

For those just starting in miniature painting, a wet palette offers several advantages:

1. Cost-Saving

Paint is a valuable resource, and wasting it can quickly become expensive. A wet palette minimizes paint waste by keeping unused portions wet and reusable for days or even weeks.

2. Easier Blending

Blending colors on miniatures can be tricky. With a wet palette, paints stay moist and workable, allowing you to achieve smoother transitions and gradients.

3. Convenience

A wet palette is especially handy during longer painting sessions. You can step away and return hours later without worrying about your paints drying out.

4. Consistency

Mixing the perfect shade of paint can be time-consuming. A wet palette helps maintain your custom mixes, ensuring consistent colors across your project.

How to Set Up and Use a Wet Palette

Setting up a wet palette is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized skills. Here’s how:

Basic Components:

• Sponge or absorbent material: Acts as the water reservoir.
• Parchment paper: Serves as the painting surface.
• Shallow container: Holds everything together and retains moisture.

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Place the sponge in the container and add water until it’s fully saturated but not dripping.
2. Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the container and place it on top of the sponge.
3. Smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the paper lies flat.
4. Add your paints to the parchment paper, and you’re ready to go!

Maintenance Tips:

• Replace the water and parchment paper regularly to prevent mold.
• Store the palette in the fridge if you need to keep paints workable for several days.

Best Wet Palettes for Beginners

For those who prefer ready-made options, here are some top-rated wet palettes to consider:

1. Masterson Sta-Wet Palette
   • Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and comes with refill sheets.
   • Cons: Larger size may be cumbersome for small setups.
     
2. Redgrass Games Everlasting Wet Palette
   • Pros: Compact, portable, and designed specifically for miniature painting.
   • Cons: Higher price point.
     
3. Army Painter Wet Palette
   • Pros: Affordable and includes a handy elastic strap for transport.
   • Cons: Slightly smaller surface area.

I personally use the Masterson Sta-Wet Palette here at the Mythic Minis Studio. The size isn’t cumbersome for me for my set-up. But, more importantly your palette should be most of your workspace anyway. You’ll want plenty of room to place all of the colors you need and have room for mixing colors together, tinting, or shading. I don’t use the refill sheets; instead I just use a fresh sheet of parchment at the start of each new project. Also, the lid closes tightly at the end of every painting session to preserve the paints for later use. I cannot recommend it enough, and it’s quite affordable and available!

DIY vs. Store-Bought Wet Palettes

While store-bought wet palettes offer convenience and professional features, making a DIY wet palette is a budget-friendly alternative. Here’s a quick comparison:

If you’re new to wet palettes, starting with a DIY version is a great way to test its benefits without committing to a purchase.

Conclusion

A wet palette is a game-changer for miniature painters, especially beginners. By keeping your paints wet, it saves time, reduces waste, and makes blending and consistency easier. Whether you choose to make your own or invest in a store-bought option, incorporating a wet palette into your painting process will undoubtedly enhance your experience and results.

So why wait? Try a wet palette today and watch your painting skills flourish!

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