You’re a watercolor enthusiast searching for the right palette, and you’ve noticed the Mr. Pen 18-well airtight option keeps popping up in artist forums. Yet you’re unsure if it’s truly worth the investment or if another tray might better suit your style. The distinction between well capacity, durability, and portability isn’t always obvious. We’ll help you navigate these essential factors.
Quick Overview
- Quality plastic, porcelain, and ceramic trays offer different durability levels; professionals prefer ceramic for superior stain resistance and longevity.
- Trays with 18-20+ wells and varied sizes enable better color organization, separation, and mixing space for diverse artistic palettes.
- Airtight lids and sealed compartments keep watercolor pigments moist, preventing waste and maintaining paint consistency during storage and transport.
- Lightweight, compact, and stackable designs maximize portability for plein air painting and travel while minimizing storage footprint in studios.
- Smooth, non-porous surfaces clean quickly with water and resist staining, ensuring paint trays remain functional and pristine after repeated use.
| Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette with Lid |
| Best Overall | Number of Wells: 18 wells | Material: Sturdy white plastic | Portability: Folding design, travel-friendly | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 20 Well Watercolor Paint Palette Tray White |
| Most Versatile | Number of Wells: 20 wells | Material: Sturdy white plastic | Portability: Lightweight (0.35 lb), portable | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mr. Pen 4 Pack Paint Tray Palettes for Kids |
| Best For Kids | Number of Wells: 10 wells | Material: Durable plastic | Portability: Small, comfortable to hold | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Hulameda Plastic Paint Tray Palettes for Kids (12-Pack) |
| Best Budget Pack | Number of Wells: Multiple wells (quantity not specified) | Material: High-quality plastic | Portability: Lightweight, stackable for storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Tamaki 8 Pack White Plastic Paint Tray Palettes |
| Best Eco-Friendly | Number of Wells: 6 wells | Material: High-quality white eco-friendly ceramic | Portability: Lightweight, stackable, space-saving | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| SUNIY Watercolor Palette with 33 Compartments |
| Best For Professionals | Number of Wells: 33 compartments | Material: Molded white premium plastic | Portability: Foldable, compact storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette |
| Premium Studio Choice | Number of Wells: 12 wells | Material: Premium white eco-friendly ceramic | Portability: 7-inch diameter, portable | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette with Lid
If you’re looking for a versatile palette that works equally well in a classroom, on your travels, or outdoors, the Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette with Lid delivers exceptional value. You’ll appreciate its sturdy white plastic construction and 18 wells that accommodate various paint colors, plus two generous mixing areas for blending. The airtight lid keeps your pigments moist between sessions, eliminating waste and ensuring easy cleanup. Whether you’re using watercolors, acrylics, or other water-based paints, this folding design suits students, occasional painters, and professionals alike. Its straightforward functionality keeps your colors organized while its compact form makes it ideal for studio work or plein air painting adventures.
- Number of Wells:18 wells
- Material:Sturdy white plastic
- Portability:Folding design, travel-friendly
- Ease of Cleaning:Easy to clean
- Suitable User Types:Students, occasional users, professional artists
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Watercolor, acrylic, water-based pigments
- Additional Feature:Airtight lid keeps paint moist
- Additional Feature:Two large mixing areas
- Additional Feature:Folding paint tray design
20 Well Watercolor Paint Palette Tray White
You’ll find the 20 Well Watercolor Paint Palette Tray White is your ideal choice whether you’re an educator managing classroom supplies, a student exploring artistic techniques, or a professional refining your craft. This sturdy plastic palette measures 13 x 10 inches—slightly larger than A4—and weighs just 0.35 lb for easy portability. The tray features 20 wells in varied sizes: eight squares, four large circles, and eight small circles, giving you ample mixing space. You can use it with watercolor, acrylic, or gouache. Its durable construction cleans quickly with water, making maintenance effortless. Whether you’re organizing art classes, hosting creative parties, or tackling DIY projects, this functional palette delivers reliable performance.
- Number of Wells:20 wells
- Material:Sturdy white plastic
- Portability:Lightweight (0.35 lb), portable
- Ease of Cleaning:Quick to wash, easy to clean
- Suitable User Types:Teachers, students, amateurs, professionals
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Watercolor, acrylic, gouache
- Additional Feature:Varied well shapes/sizes
- Additional Feature:Large 13×10 inch dimensions
- Additional Feature:Quick paint wash-off
Mr. Pen 4 Pack Paint Tray Palettes for Kids
The Mr. Pen 4 Pack Paint Tray Palettes for Kids offers you excellent value with four round palettes in one purchase. Each palette features a 6.7-inch diameter with ten wells surrounding a central reservoir, giving you ample space for mixing and holding colors. The lightweight, durable plastic construction makes these trays comfortable to hold during extended painting sessions. You’ll appreciate the smooth surface that facilitates easy cleaning after use. These palettes work exceptionally well for watercolor painting, allowing you to organize and blend your colors efficiently. The thoughtful design prioritizes functionality without unnecessary complexity, making them ideal for both beginners and casual artists seeking affordable, practical painting solutions.
- Number of Wells:10 wells
- Material:Durable plastic
- Portability:Small, comfortable to hold
- Ease of Cleaning:Easy cleaning
- Suitable User Types:Kids
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Four-pack bundle quantity
- Additional Feature:Central reservoir design
- Additional Feature:Comfortable grip for children
Hulameda Plastic Paint Tray Palettes for Kids (12-Pack)
For young artists and educators seeking an affordable, hassle-free solution, the Hulameda Plastic Paint Tray Palettes (12-Pack) delivers excellent value. You’ll appreciate the durable, break-proof construction that withstands daily classroom use. The smooth surface cleans quickly, saving you precious setup and cleanup time. Each tray’s lightweight design makes it comfortable for children to handle independently. You can stack them efficiently for convenient storage or transport between locations. Beyond painting, you’ll find creative applications—decorating cupcakes or candies opens additional possibilities. The 45-day money-back guarantee demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in quality. Whether you’re running art classes or organizing group projects, this 12-pack provides versatile, reliable solutions for multiple users simultaneously.
- Number of Wells:Multiple wells (quantity not specified)
- Material:High-quality plastic
- Portability:Lightweight, stackable for storage
- Ease of Cleaning:Quick to wash off
- Suitable User Types:Children and painters
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Twelve-pack bulk quantity
- Additional Feature:Stackable for storage
- Additional Feature:45-day money-back guarantee
Tamaki 8 Pack White Plastic Paint Tray Palettes
If you’re looking to stock up on affordable palettes for group activities, the Tamaki 8 Pack White Plastic Paint Tray Palettes won’t let you down. Each palette measures 4.9 x 3.4 x 0.5 inches and features six deep wells that keep your pigments neatly organized and separated. Made from high-quality, eco-friendly ceramic materials, these trays are durable and built to last through countless painting sessions. They’re incredibly lightweight and compact, making them perfect for classrooms, art parties, and DIY projects. You’ll appreciate how easily they stack together for convenient storage and transport. Whether you’re teaching a group or hosting a painting event, you’ve got a practical, space-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Number of Wells:6 wells
- Material:High-quality white eco-friendly ceramic
- Portability:Lightweight, stackable, space-saving
- Ease of Cleaning:Easy to clean
- Suitable User Types:General users (school, party, DIY)
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Eight-pack bundle quantity
- Additional Feature:Deep wells separate pigments
- Additional Feature:Eco-friendly ceramic material
SUNIY Watercolor Palette with 33 Compartments
You’ll appreciate the SUNIY Watercolor Palette with 33 Compartments if you’re an artist juggling multiple colors simultaneously. This foldable design features 28 small wells and 5 central reservoirs, giving you notably more space than standard palettes. The premium plastic construction is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. You’ll benefit from five differently sized brush holders and a thumbhole that accommodates both right and left-handed painters. When folded, it halves in size for convenient storage and transport. The palette maintains paint moisture effectively, making it ideal for art classes, workshops, and serious painting sessions where you need organized, accessible color options.
- Number of Wells:33 compartments
- Material:Molded white premium plastic
- Portability:Foldable, compact storage
- Ease of Cleaning:Easy to clean
- Suitable User Types:Artists, students, crafters, enthusiasts
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Thumbhole for hand support
- Additional Feature:Five brush holders included
- Additional Feature:Folds to half-size
MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette
The MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette stands out as the ideal choice for artists who value durability and versatility without sacrificing quality. This premium white ceramic palette features seven wells arranged in a compact 7-inch diameter design with a 1-inch height, giving you ample mixing space without excessive bulk. You’ll appreciate its smooth, non-porous surface that prevents paint beading, allowing you to blend colors seamlessly. The palette accommodates watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, and tempera paints, making it remarkably adaptable to your preferred medium. Its easy-to-clean construction and eco-friendly materials guarantee you’re investing in both functionality and sustainability. Whether you’re working in a studio or painting outdoors, this sturdy palette delivers reliable performance.
- Number of Wells:12 wells
- Material:Premium white eco-friendly ceramic
- Portability:7-inch diameter, portable
- Ease of Cleaning:Smooth surface, easy to clean
- Suitable User Types:All skill levels, studio and field use
- Paint Medium Compatibility:Watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, tempera
- Additional Feature:Round 7-inch diameter
- Additional Feature:Premium eco-friendly ceramic material
- Additional Feature:No paint beading surface
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paint Trays
When selecting a watercolor paint tray, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors that directly impact your painting experience. Consider the number of paint wells you need, the material’s durability, how easily you can transport and store it, the mixing space capacity, and whether it’s compatible with your preferred paint types. Each of these elements plays a pivotal role in determining which palette best suits your artistic practice.
Number of Paint Wells
One of the most critical decisions when selecting a watercolor paint tray involves determining how many wells you’ll need. Paint trays typically range from 4 wells up to 33 or more, offering varying levels of color organization and separation.
If you work with numerous colors, you’ll appreciate the expanded space that additional wells provide. More wells don’t just store paint—they give you dedicated areas for mixing and blending without cramping your workflow. However, well size and depth matter too; deeper wells hold more paint, while shallow designs encourage quick access.
Consider your typical working style. Minimalist painters thrive with fewer wells, while detailed artists benefit from greater color variety. Match your tray’s well count to your actual needs rather than defaulting to maximum capacity.
Material and Durability
Material and durability form the foundation of a worthwhile watercolor paint tray investment. You’ll find three primary options: plastic, porcelain, and ceramic. Plastic trays offer lightweight convenience and affordability, though they’re prone to cracking and warping with time. Porcelain and ceramic alternatives provide superior durability and stain resistance, making them better long-term choices.
The material’s thickness and quality directly impact longevity. You’ll benefit from investing in thicker, higher-quality trays that withstand regular use. Smooth, non-porous surfaces prove easier to clean and maintain than rougher, absorbent materials—a practical consideration for frequent painters.
Your storage and handling habits matter too. You can extend your tray’s lifespan by avoiding extreme temperatures and physical impacts. Proper care guarantees your investment remains functional and pristine for years.
Portability and Storage
If you’re painting outdoors or working in tight spaces, you’ll want a lightweight, compact tray that travels easily and stores without consuming your studio real estate. Fold-up or stackable designs maximize portability while minimizing footprint, making them ideal for plein air sessions and studio organization.
Look for trays constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials that withstand frequent transport and use without degrading. Shallow wells prevent paint from sloshing during travel, reducing spills and waste. A well-designed lid proves essential—it keeps your paints moist between sessions and protects against accidental spills in your bag or vehicle.
These practical features work together to give you a reliable, travel-friendly setup that doesn’t compromise on functionality or paint preservation.
Mixing Space Capacity
While portability keeps your supplies organized and ready to go, the actual mixing space inside your tray determines how effectively you’ll blend and work with your colors. You’ll want to evaluate the number and size of mixing wells available, as larger trays with more wells give you greater flexibility when working with diverse color palettes. Deeper wells prove particularly valuable because they hold more paint and prevent spills during your mixing process. Look for trays that feature additional mixing areas beyond individual wells, offering extra blending space. The overall dimensions matter too—larger trays generally provide superior flexibility for your artistic workflow. Prioritize adequate mixing capacity to guarantee you’re not constantly compromising your color work due to space constraints.
Suitable Paint Types
Before investing in a watercolor tray, you’ll want to ponder what paint mediums you’ll be using, since different formulations require specific tray features. You can use trays for watercolor, acrylic, gouache, and tempera, but not all trays work equally well with every medium.
Standard watercolor trays feature sealed compartments that maintain paint moisture, essential for watercolor’s performance. However, if you’re mixing acrylics or gouache, you’ll need trays with materials that prevent beading and guarantee even color blending.
Consider your primary medium before purchasing. Specialized watercolor trays offer features designed specifically for traditional watercolor work, while versatile trays accommodate multiple paint types. Match your tray’s material and design to your chosen medium to achieve ideal results and prevent compatibility issues that compromise your artwork’s quality.
Price and Value
Watercolor paint trays span a considerable price range—from just a few dollars for basic plastic models to over $30 for premium ceramic or foldable designs. You’ll find that higher-priced options often justify their cost through superior features: expanded well counts, larger mixing areas, moisture-locking lids, and sturdier construction that withstands regular use.
If you’re an occasional painter, budget-friendly plastic trays serve your needs perfectly. However, frequent artists benefit from investing in quality trays that endure repeated cleaning and storage cycles. When evaluating value, consider the number of wells, mixing space capacity, and build quality against your budget and painting frequency. Long-term durability and ease of maintenance ultimately determine whether you’re getting genuine value for your investment.
