Plastic vs Metal vs Ceramic Watercolor Palettes
What beginners should know
Plastic is light and inexpensive, metal is durable and portable, and ceramic offers an excellent mixing surface but is heavier and breakable. Consider where you paint before choosing.
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.
If you want a straightforward option for this setup, MEEDEN 18-Well Ceramic Watercolor Mixing Palette offers a stain-resistant ceramic mixing surface with separate wells.
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.
Ready to put your supplies to use? The $27 Beginner Watercolor Bundle includes four complete projects, each with a printable sketch, exact palette and six beginner-friendly steps.
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.
You may also find Jack Richeson 10-Well Round Plastic Palette with Cover useful because it provides a simple covered plastic palette for beginners and small workspaces.
Helpful Watercolor Supplies
Two practical choices for beginners:
- MEEDEN 18-Well Ceramic Watercolor Mixing Palette — stain-resistant ceramic mixing surface with separate wells.
- Jack Richeson 10-Well Round Plastic Palette with Cover — simple covered plastic palette for beginners and small workspaces.
