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For craft and art projects, a paint tray is really a palette: a shallow plastic dish with separate wells that keeps colors apart and gives you a central space to mix. The best paint trays for DIY projects are inexpensive, stack neatly, wash clean and come in quantities that match how many people are painting, whether that is you alone at the kitchen table or twenty kids at a birthday party.
This guide covers well-style craft paint trays from our October 2026 Amazon check, sorted by pack size and well layout. We left out 9-inch roller trays, which are built for painting walls rather than craft and art work. You will also find practical advice on choosing a well layout, keeping acrylic from drying out in the tray, and cleaning dried paint off plastic without ruining it.
Quick answer: For most crafters, the HYL.LL&RQ 22-Piece Round Paint Trays are the best balance of quantity and price, each with 10 wells and a central mixing reservoir. If you teach classes or host large parties, the 40-piece pack from the same maker scales up. For small individual kits and party favors, the LNAUJS 16-Piece Rectangular Trays are compact with six deep wells each.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- HYL.LL&RQ 22pcs Round Paint Tray Palettes — Best overall pack for home and small groups
- HYL.LL&RQ 40Pcs Art Paint Tray Palettes — Best bulk pack for classes and events
- FANDAMEI 20PCS Round Paint Trays — Best alternative mid-size pack
- Hulameda 12pcs Paint Tray Palettes — Best small pack for families
- LNAUJS 16PCS White Rectangular Paint Trays — Best compact trays for individual kits
| Tray Pack | Best For | Size and Wells | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYL.LL&RQ 22pcs | Home crafters and small groups | 6.6 x 6.6 in, 10 wells + reservoir | Good quantity for the price | $ |
| HYL.LL&RQ 40pcs | Classrooms, workshops, parties | 6.6 x 6.6 in, 10 wells + reservoir | Lowest cost per tray at volume | $$ |
| FANDAMEI 20pcs | Mid-size groups | 6.7 in diameter, 10 holes + reservoir | Cleaning guidance in listing | $ |
| Hulameda 12pcs | Families and siblings | 6.7 x 6.7 in | Break-proof, 45-day money back | $ |
| LNAUJS 16pcs | Party favors, individual kits | 5 x 3.4 x 0.5 in, 6 deep wells | Small and space-saving | $ |
How We Chose
We compared trays using the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026: pack size, tray dimensions, number and depth of wells, material and the paint types each seller lists, plus how widely each pack is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We did not use these trays ourselves. Because most round craft palettes share a nearly identical mold, we focused on the differences that matter to you: quantity, shape, size and stated care.
- Well layout: enough separate wells for a typical palette, plus mixing space.
- Well depth: deep wells keep fluid acrylic and watercolor from running together.
- Pack size: how many people will be painting at once.
- Material and cleaning: smooth molded plastic that releases dried paint.
- Storage: trays that stack flat.
Types of Paint Trays for Craft and Art Projects
| Tray type | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Round well palette (10 wells + center) | Acrylic, watercolor and gouache crafts; groups | Small mixing area |
| Small rectangular well tray | Individual kits, party favors, a few colors | Few wells, small capacity |
| Large flat or square palette | Mixing big batches, oil and acrylic artists | Colors can run together |
| Wet or stay-wet palette | Keeping acrylic workable for hours or days | Needs a lid, sponge and membrane paper |
| Roller tray (9 inch) | Walls and very large flat surfaces | Not suited to craft color mixing |
For the DIY craft projects this site covers, from painted rocks and birdhouses to canvas wall art, well palettes are the right tool. If you regularly mix large amounts of one color, add a larger flat palette; and if acrylic keeps drying before you use it, consider a wet palette for your own painting.
Best Paint Trays for DIY Projects Reviewed
1. HYL.LL&RQ 22pcs Round Paint Trays — Best Overall Pack for Home and Small Groups
This 22-piece pack gives you lightweight round trays measuring 6.6 x 6.6 inches, each with 10 wells and a central reservoir for mixing. The listing describes molded plastic that is sturdy and not easily broken, with deep wells that keep colors separate, suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache and acrylic.
Twenty-two trays is a practical quantity for a household that paints often or hosts the occasional craft afternoon. You can dedicate a few trays to particular color families, keep one for metallics so they do not contaminate other colors, and still have plenty for guests. The trays stack together for storage, and white plastic shows paint colors accurately.
The 10-well layout suits a typical acrylic craft palette: primaries, white, black, a couple of earths and a metallic, with the center used for mixing. If your projects only use three or four colors, consider the smaller rectangular trays instead.
Best suited for: Regular home crafters, families and small group painting sessions.
Key features:
- 22 round trays, 6.6 x 6.6 inches
- 10 wells and 1 central reservoir
- Molded plastic, stackable
- Listed for watercolor, oil, gouache and acrylic
Pros:
- Good quantity at a modest price tier
- Deep wells keep colors separate
- Stack neatly
Cons:
- Central reservoir is small for big batches
- Lightweight trays can slide on slick tables
- No lids
Buying consideration: Set aside one or two trays for metallic and glitter paints; their particles are hard to fully wash out and can show up in later projects.
2. HYL.LL&RQ 40Pcs Art Paint Tray Palettes — Best Bulk Pack for Classes and Events
The 40-piece pack uses the same 6.6 x 6.6-inch round design with 10 wells and a central reservoir, described as sturdy, non-toxic, sanitary and reusable. It is the logical choice when you need one palette per person for a class, a workshop or a large birthday party.
Having a dedicated tray for each painter saves time at the start of a session, because you can pre-fill palettes before guests arrive, and reduces cross-contamination when people share bottles. At the end, trays stack for washing.
For teachers, a bulk pack also means you can keep half the trays in rotation while the other half dry after cleaning.
Best suited for: Art teachers, workshop hosts, paint-and-sip organizers and big parties.
Key features:
- 40 round trays, 6.6 x 6.6 inches
- 10 wells and 1 central reservoir
- Molded plastic, non-toxic, reusable
- Stackable for storage
Pros:
- Lowest cost per tray here
- Enough for a full class
- Uniform trays simplify setup
Cons:
- More than most households need
- Storage space for 40 trays
- Same small mixing area as other round trays
Buying consideration: Pre-fill trays with small amounts of paint and cover with plastic wrap until guests arrive to keep acrylic from skinning over.
3. FANDAMEI 20PCS Round Paint Trays — Best Alternative Mid-Size Pack
FANDAMEI’s 20-tray pack offers round palettes about 6.7 inches across with 10 holes and a central reservoir. The listing suggests uses ranging from art classes to Easter egg painting, Halloween masks and Christmas decorations, and gives a sensible cleaning tip: wash gently with a paintbrush under running water.
It is functionally very similar to the HYL.LL&RQ 22-pack, so treat them as interchangeable and choose whichever has the better offer when you buy. The detail page lists the material as acrylic while the bullets describe plastic; either way, it is a rigid, smooth molded tray.
Best suited for: Crafters who want around 20 trays for seasonal projects and group activities.
Key features:
- 20 round trays, about 6.7 inches
- 10 wells and 1 central reservoir
- Smooth surface and edges
- Stackable
Pros:
- Clear cleaning advice
- Good mid-size quantity
- Suits seasonal crafts
Cons:
- Material description inconsistent in listing
- Nearly identical to other packs
- No lids
Buying consideration: Use a soft brush rather than an abrasive scrubber when cleaning, so the wells stay smooth and release paint easily next time.
4. Hulameda 12pcs Paint Tray Palettes — Best Small Pack for Families
Hulameda’s 12-pack of 6.7 x 6.7-inch round palettes is described as firm, break-proof and smooth for easy cleaning, light enough for children to hold, and stackable. The seller offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
A dozen trays is enough for a family that paints together regularly without filling a cupboard. Because the trays are light enough to hold, older kids can carry their palette to an easel or outdoor table.
Best suited for: Families, siblings and home crafters who paint with a few people at a time.
Key features:
- 12 round trays, 6.7 x 6.7 inches
- Break-proof molded plastic
- Light enough for children to hold
- Stackable, 45-day money-back
Pros:
- Right quantity for families
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Well count not stated in bullets
- Few spares for parties
- No lids
Buying consideration: If you mostly paint alone, even 12 trays is plenty; consider one larger palette for mixing big batches instead.
5. LNAUJS 16PCS Rectangular Paint Trays — Best Compact Trays for Individual Kits
LNAUJS’s trays are smaller and rectangular, 5 x 3.4 x 0.5 inches, each with six deep wells. That size is ideal when you want to give each person just a few colors, for example in party favor bags, scout projects or a quick rock-painting station.
Six wells is enough for a simple palette, and the small footprint means sixteen trays fit in a shoebox. They are made of white plastic and stack together.
Best suited for: Party favors, individual craft kits, small projects that use a handful of colors.
Key features:
- 16 rectangular trays, 5 x 3.4 x 0.5 inches
- 6 deep wells per tray
- White eco-friendly plastic
- Lightweight and stackable
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Deep wells for fluid paint
- Very low price tier
Cons:
- No mixing reservoir
- Too small for canvas painting
- Only six colors per tray
Buying consideration: Pair with small surfaces like rocks, ornaments or wooden shapes; for canvas work, choose a 10-well round tray.
Setting Up Trays for a Group Painting Session
A little planning makes a group craft session run smoothly, whether it is a classroom, a birthday party or a family evening.
- Decide the palette first. Choose the colors the project actually needs, usually five to eight, and pour the same set into every tray so no one feels left out.
- Use the same well for the same color. Putting white in the top well and black at the bottom on every tray makes instructions easier: everyone can find the color you are talking about.
- Leave the center empty. The reservoir is for mixing; keep it clear so painters can blend.
- Fill shortly before starting. Pour paint 10 to 15 minutes before painters sit down and cover trays until then.
- Keep a refill station. One adult with the bottles tops up wells, which controls waste.
- Stack trays for cleanup. At the end, collect trays in a stack and soak them together in warm soapy water.
For painters who need more than a tray’s worth of one color, such as a sky or background, give them a paper plate or a second tray just for that color. It prevents a big wash of blue from flooding the other wells.
Keeping Acrylic Paint Usable in a Tray
Acrylic dries fast, and in a shallow well it can skin over in 15 to 30 minutes in a warm, dry room. A few habits extend working time:
- Pour small amounts. Add a coin-sized amount and top up as needed.
- Mist occasionally. A fine spray of water keeps the surface from drying; do not flood it.
- Cover between sessions. Plastic wrap or an upturned tray slows drying during breaks.
- Use a slow-drying medium. A little acrylic retarder or slow-dry medium extends open time for blending.
- Try a wet palette. For your own painting, a sealed wet palette can keep acrylic workable for days.
How to Clean Plastic Paint Trays
- Acrylic, still wet: rinse under warm water and wipe with a soft brush or sponge.
- Acrylic, dried: soak for 10 to 20 minutes in warm soapy water, then peel; dried acrylic often lifts in a single skin from smooth plastic.
- Watercolor and gouache: rewet and rinse, or leave dried colors in place to reuse later.
- Oil paint: wipe with a rag, clean with a little solvent or vegetable oil, then wash with soap.
- Never use trays for food after they have held paint, even if a listing suggests decorating cupcakes; keep separate trays for kitchen use.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Paint Trays for DIY Projects
Count the painters
One tray per person avoids fights and color contamination. Buy a pack that covers your largest group plus a few spares.
Wells versus mixing space
Ten wells and a center reservoir suit most craft palettes. If you mix large amounts, add a flat palette.
Well depth for fluid paints
Deep wells contain fluid acrylic and watercolor. Shallow trays are fine for thick paint.
Size and portability
Small rectangular trays travel well and fit kits. Round 6.6-inch trays suit a table setup.
Material and finish
Smooth, white molded plastic shows true colors and releases dried acrylic.
Do you need a roller tray instead?
Only if you are painting very large flat areas with a roller. For crafts and art, a well palette is the right tool.
Projects to Fill Your Trays
Plan a project before you pour paint. Start with our overview of what DIY painting projects are, then put a tray per color family to work on a painted birdhouse or a colorful string art piece with a painted background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Squeezing out full wells of acrylic that dry before you use them.
- Sharing one tray among several painters, which muddies every color.
- Scrubbing trays with abrasive pads that scratch the plastic.
- Using paint trays for food afterward.
- Letting acrylic dry in trays for weeks, making it harder to remove.
- Choosing a 9-inch roller tray for craft color mixing.
FAQs
What is the best paint tray for acrylic crafts?
A round plastic palette with 10 wells and a central mixing reservoir, such as the HYL.LL&RQ trays. Deep wells keep colors separate.
How do I keep acrylic paint from drying in the tray?
Pour small amounts, mist lightly with water, cover the tray during breaks, or use a wet palette for longer sessions.
How do I clean dried acrylic from a plastic palette?
Soak the tray in warm soapy water, then peel or gently scrub the softened paint. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Can I use the same tray for watercolor and acrylic?
Yes, if you clean it thoroughly between uses. Many painters keep separate trays to avoid acrylic flakes in watercolor.
How many paint trays do I need for a party?
One per guest plus a few spares. A 22- or 40-pack covers most parties and classes.
Are paint trays food safe?
Do not use trays for food once they have held paint. Keep a separate set for kitchen decorating.
Final Recommendation
For most home crafters, the HYL.LL&RQ 22-piece pack offers the right number of 10-well trays at a fair price, and FANDAMEI’s 20-pack is a near-identical alternative. Teachers and party hosts should step up to the 40-piece HYL.LL&RQ pack.
Families who paint together occasionally will be well served by Hulameda’s 12-pack, and LNAUJS’s small rectangular trays are the neatest choice for individual kits and party favors. Keep paint portions small, cover trays during breaks, and clean them before acrylic has a chance to harden.
