PaintingProGuide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Acrylic paint has one habit that shapes everything about choosing a palette: it dries fast, and once dry it does not rewet. Squeeze out too much and half of it becomes a plastic skin before you use it. Mix on a surface with deep scratches and the dried paint never comes out. The best palette for acrylic paint matches how you work. Flat, smooth palettes are best for mixing and peel clean when dry, well palettes keep colors separate, and lidded palettes slow drying between sessions.
This guide compares six palettes across those types, from clear acrylic palettes with thumb holes to a 20-well mixing tray and a folding lidded palette. We also explain where a wet palette fits, how to keep acrylic workable longer and the quickest ways to clean each type.
Quick answer: For mixing acrylic, the Tamaki 2-pack clear acrylic palettes with thumb holes are the best all-round pick: a large smooth surface that dried acrylic peels from, in two shapes. If you prefer separate wells, the DUGATO 20-well 10×13-inch trays give the most room. To keep paint fresher between short sessions, choose the LNAUJS folding palette with lid.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Tamaki 2-Pack Clear Acrylic Palettes with Thumb Hole — Best overall palette for acrylic paint
- DUGATO 20-Well Plastic Palettes, 2-Pack — Best well palette for many colors
- LNAUJS Folding Paint Palette with Lid — Best lidded palette for keeping paint moist
- Vertexly 4-Piece Clear Acrylic Palettes — Best set of sizes for studio and travel
- Mr. Pen Round Paint Tray Palettes, 4-Pack — Best budget palettes for students
- Hulameda 12-Pack Plastic Paint Trays — Best for classrooms and parties
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamaki Clear 2-Pack | Mixing | 11.8 x 7.9 in, rectangle + oval | Thumb hole, transparent | $ |
| DUGATO 20-Well | Separating many colors | 10 x 13 in, 20 wells, 2-pack | Large and lightweight | $ |
| LNAUJS with Lid | Short-term storage | 10.63 x 5.12 in, 18 wells, 2 mixing areas | Airtight lid | $ |
| Vertexly Clear 4-Piece | Multiple sizes | 2 at 9.8 x 5.9 in, 2 at 11.8 x 7.9 in | 2 mm acrylic, thumb holes | $ |
| Mr. Pen Round 4-Pack | Students | 6.7 in, 10 wells + center | Very low cost | $ |
| Hulameda 12-Pack | Groups | 12 trays, 6.7 x 6.7 in | Stackable | $ |
How We Chose
We did not mix paint on these palettes. Picks are based on Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each palette’s material, surface, size and design suit acrylic paint, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. A Shuttle Art acrylic paint set that includes a palette also appeared in our search; it is a paint set rather than a palette, so it is not reviewed here.
- Surface: smooth, non-porous plastic or acrylic that dried paint peels from.
- Mixing space: enough flat area to mix generous piles.
- Wells: useful for fluid paints and keeping colors clean.
- Drying control: lids or covers to slow evaporation.
- Comfort: thumb holes and weight for handheld use.
Types of Palettes for Acrylic
| Type | Strength | Weakness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat clear acrylic or glass | Smooth mixing, dried paint peels | No separation for fluids | Studio mixing, heavy-body paint |
| Well palette | Keeps colors separate, holds fluids | Less mixing space | Fluid acrylic, students, crafts |
| Lidded palette | Slows drying between sessions | Smaller mixing area | Short breaks, travel |
| Disposable paper | No cleanup | Ongoing cost, paint dries fast | Quick sessions, classes |
| Wet palette | Keeps acrylic workable for days | Paint is thinner, setup needed | Slow, detailed painting |
A wet palette uses a damp sponge or paper towel under a sheet of palette paper in a lidded tray, so the paint draws moisture from below. Our explainer on what a wet palette is for painting covers how to set one up with any of the lidded or flat palettes here.
Best Palettes for Acrylic Paint Reviewed
1. Tamaki 2-Pack Clear Acrylic Paint Palettes with Thumb Hole — Best for mixing acrylic
Tamaki’s pair includes an 11.8 x 7.9-inch rectangular palette and an oval palette of the same size, both made of transparent acrylic with a thumb hole. The listing describes a smooth surface and edges, easy cleaning and reusability, with protective film to peel off both sides before use.
Clear palettes have a clever advantage: lay one over a sheet of neutral gray or white paper and you can judge your mixtures against the same tone as your canvas ground. Acrylic paint dries as a skin that usually peels off a smooth acrylic surface, which makes cleanup easy.
Best suited for: Studio painters mixing heavy or soft-body acrylic who want a smooth, large mixing area.
Key features:
- 2 palettes: rectangle and oval
- 11.8 x 7.9 inches each
- Transparent acrylic
- Thumb hole
- Reusable, easy to clean
Pros:
- Large smooth mixing area
- Clear surface over any background color
- Dried paint peels off
Cons and limitations:
- No wells for fluid paint
- Acrylic can scratch with palette knives over time
- No lid
Buying consideration: Slide a sheet of mid-gray paper under the palette; you will judge values far more accurately than on white.
2. DUGATO 20-Well Plastic Paint Palettes, 2-Pack (10 x 13 in) — Best for many colors at once
DUGATO’s palettes are large, at 10 x 13 inches, with 20 individual wells for holding colors and custom mixes. The listing describes sturdy, non-toxic white plastic that resists scratching and breaking, a smooth non-stick surface and easy rinsing.
Twenty wells mean you can lay out a full palette and keep each mix separate, which suits fluid acrylics, glazes and detailed work where colors must stay clean. The two-pack lets you keep one clean while the other is in use.
Best suited for: Painters who use many colors, fluid acrylic or glazes, and anyone who likes an organized palette.
Key features:
- 2 palettes
- 10 x 13 inches
- 20 wells each
- Non-toxic white plastic
- Rinses clean
Pros:
- Most wells and space
- White surface for true color
- Two-pack
Cons and limitations:
- Less open mixing space than flat palettes
- Large footprint
- No lid
Buying consideration: Use outer wells for pure colors and inner wells for mixes, the same way every time, to build good habits.
3. LNAUJS Folding Paint Palette with Lid — Best for keeping paint moist between sessions
LNAUJS makes a folding palette with an airtight lid, 18 wells and 2 spacious mixing areas, in sturdy ABS plastic with thickened walls and finger holes. The listing gives a size of 10.63 x 5.12 inches and says the sealed design keeps paints fresh.
For acrylic, a lid will not keep paint wet indefinitely, but it slows drying during breaks and overnight, especially if you mist the paint first. Its compact size also makes it a good travel and class palette.
Best suited for: Painters who work in short sessions, take classes or paint outdoors.
Key features:
- 18 wells and 2 mixing areas
- Airtight folding lid
- ABS plastic with finger holes
- 10.63 x 5.12 inches
- Acrylic, watercolor and gouache
Pros:
- Lid slows drying
- Portable
- Wells plus mixing space
Cons and limitations:
- Smaller mixing areas
- Lid adds bulk
- ABS can stain with some pigments
Buying consideration: Mist paint lightly with water before closing the lid; it can keep acrylic workable noticeably longer.
4. Vertexly 4-Piece Clear Acrylic Paint Palettes — Best for a range of sizes
Vertexly’s set gives you four 2 mm clear acrylic palettes: a 9.8 x 5.9-inch rectangle and oval, and an 11.8 x 7.9-inch rectangle and oval, each with a thumb hole. The listing describes a non-stick, easy-clean surface from which dried paint can be removed.
Four sizes let you keep a large palette in the studio, a small one in a travel kit, and spares for when one is caked with dried paint.
Best suited for: Painters who want studio and travel palettes, or spares in rotation.
Key features:
- 4 palettes in 2 sizes and 2 shapes
- 2 mm clear acrylic
- Thumb holes
- Non-stick surface claim
Pros:
- Multiple sizes
- Clear surface
- Spares for rotation
Cons and limitations:
- No wells
- No lid
- Thin palettes can flex
Buying consideration: Let dried acrylic build up for a day or two, then peel it off in one sheet; it often comes away more cleanly than fresh smears.
5. Mr. Pen Round Paint Tray Palettes, 4-Pack — Best for budget student palettes
Mr. Pen’s round palettes are 6.7 inches across, with 10 wells and a central reservoir, 0.4 inches deep. The listing describes them as lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for children, with a smooth, easy-clean surface.
They are classic student palettes: fine for craft acrylic, small canvases and beginners, and cheap enough to replace when they wear out.
Best suited for: Students, beginners and small craft projects.
Key features:
- 4 round palettes
- 6.7-inch diameter
- 10 wells + center reservoir
- 0.4-inch well depth
- Lightweight plastic
Pros:
- Lowest price tier
- Wells keep colors separate
- Light for small hands
Cons and limitations:
- Small mixing area
- Shallow wells
- Basic plastic
Buying consideration: Use the center reservoir for white; it is the color you will mix into most others.
6. Hulameda 12-Pack Plastic Paint Tray Palettes — Best for classrooms and parties
Hulameda’s 12-pack of 6.7 x 6.7-inch plastic paint trays is built for groups. The listing describes sturdy, break-proof plastic, a smooth surface for quick cleaning, and stackable storage. Each tray is small and light enough for children to hold.
Twelve palettes means each student or party guest gets their own, which reduces color contamination and arguments.
Best suited for: Teachers, art clubs and painting parties.
Key features:
- 12 trays
- 6.7 x 6.7 inches
- Break-proof plastic
- Stackable
Pros:
- Enough for a group
- Durable
- Easy storage
Cons and limitations:
- Small trays
- Basic design
- Not ideal for large mixing
Buying consideration: Write each student’s initials on the underside with a permanent marker.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Palette for Acrylic Paint
Pick a surface that releases dried acrylic
Smooth plastic, acrylic and glass let dried acrylic peel or scrape off. Avoid porous surfaces like unsealed wood for acrylic, as paint bonds to them.
Decide on wells or flat
Flat palettes are best for mixing thicker paint. Wells suit fluid acrylic and keep colors from running together. Many painters use both.
Size to your painting style
Larger palettes reduce crowding and mud. Small palettes suit travel and small works.
Color of the palette
White palettes show true color. Clear palettes let you place a gray or toned sheet underneath to match your canvas ground.
Drying control
A lid or a wet palette setup keeps acrylic usable longer. For quick sessions, a simple flat palette is fine.
Handheld or tabletop
Thumb holes are useful at an easel. On a table, larger trays without holes are more stable.
How to Lay Out an Acrylic Palette
A consistent layout saves time and reduces muddy mixes. Place colors around the edge of the palette in the same order every session, typically white first, then yellows, oranges, reds, purples, blues, greens and earth tones, finishing with black. Keep the center clear for mixing. Because you always know where each color sits, your brush goes to the right spot without searching, and you are less likely to dip into the wrong pile.
Put out more white than anything else, since nearly every mix uses it, and place it slightly apart so it stays clean. If you are using a well palette, reserve the largest well for white and a couple of wells for the mixtures you will return to, such as a sky blue or a skin tone. On a flat palette, keep a palette knife handy to scrape away mud and reset a clean mixing area halfway through a painting.
Turning a Lidded Palette Into a Wet Palette
- Fold two or three paper towels to fit the base of the palette.
- Soak them, then pour off excess water so they are damp, not swimming.
- Lay a sheet of baking parchment or palette paper on top and smooth out bubbles.
- Place paint on the paper; it will draw moisture from below.
- Close the lid between sessions and refresh the water every day or two.
Keeping Acrylic Workable on the Palette
- Squeeze out small amounts and add more as needed.
- Mist paint lightly with water from a spray bottle every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Keep the palette out of direct sun and drafts.
- Use a slow-dry or retarder medium for blending-heavy work.
- Cover the palette with plastic wrap or a lid during breaks.
- Convert a lidded palette into a wet palette with a damp paper towel and parchment paper.
More tips are in our guide on how to keep a paint palette from drying out. If paint does dry, see how to rehydrate dried acrylic on a palette to understand what can and cannot be saved. And when you finish, how to clean a painting palette covers each palette material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Squeezing out every color: most will dry before you use them.
- Mixing on a tiny palette: crowding leads to muddy color.
- Scrubbing scratched plastic: scratches trap pigment; peel dried paint instead.
- Rinsing big amounts of paint into the sink: let it dry and peel it into the trash.
- Ignoring palette color: a dark or colored palette skews mixing judgments.
- Using wooden oil palettes for acrylic: acrylic bonds to unsealed wood.
FAQs
What is the best palette for acrylic paint?
A smooth plastic, acrylic or glass palette is best for mixing acrylic because dried paint peels off. Well palettes help with fluid paint, and lidded or wet palettes keep paint workable longer.
How do I stop acrylic paint drying on my palette?
Put out less paint, mist it with water, keep the palette out of sun and drafts, cover it during breaks, or use a wet palette.
Can I use a glass palette for acrylic?
Yes. Glass is smooth and easy to scrape clean with a razor scraper. Place gray or white paper underneath to judge colors.
Is a wet palette worth it for acrylics?
For slow, detailed painting, yes. A wet palette keeps acrylic workable for hours or days. For fast sessions, a regular palette is fine.
How do I clean dried acrylic off a plastic palette?
Let it dry fully, then peel it off. Soaking in warm water can loosen stubborn bits. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that scratch the surface.
Should my palette be white or clear?
White shows true color. Clear palettes let you place a toned sheet beneath, which helps you match the color of your canvas ground.
Final Recommendation
For general acrylic mixing, the Tamaki clear palettes offer a large smooth surface in two shapes. Choose DUGATO’s 20-well trays if you like to keep many colors separate, and LNAUJS’s lidded palette if you paint in short sessions or travel. Vertexly gives you four clear palettes in two sizes, Mr. Pen is the budget pick for students, and Hulameda’s 12-pack is made for classrooms and parties.
One Comment