Empty Watercolor Palettes vs Pre-Filled Sets
What beginners should know
Pre-filled sets are convenient and ready to use, while empty palettes let you choose every colour and replace it individually. Beginners who already own tube paint often benefit from an empty palette.
A palette is both a storage tool and a working surface. It should make colours easy to identify, provide enough open room and fit the way you paint at home or away. Photograph the finished layout and keep a written key so an empty well can be refilled correctly months later.
A beginner-friendly choice to consider is Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers’ Pocket Set, especially when you want a compact beginner paint set with a built-in mixing area.
A practical checklist
- Prioritize mixing room and easy cleaning.
- Keep a written key for every colour in the palette.
- Add new colours only when they serve a clear purpose.
Try this today
Open the palette and check whether every well can still be identified. Clean only the mixing areas, update the colour key and leave unused wells empty until a real need appears.
The $27 Beginner Watercolor Bundle helps you move from choosing supplies to completing four paintings with clear sketches, palettes and six-step instructions.
The bottom line
A small, dependable collection is easier to understand and maintain than a crowded one. Choose supplies deliberately, care for them consistently and let your real needs guide future purchases.
If your priorities are slightly different, Mijello Airtight Watercolor Palette — 18 Wells may suit you better with a seal-able palette that helps tube paint stay protected between sessions.
Helpful Watercolor Supplies
Useful supplies to compare:
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Set — compact beginner paint set with a built-in mixing area.
- Mijello Airtight Watercolor Palette — 18 Wells — seal-able palette that helps tube paint stay protected between sessions.
