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The best palette for miniature painting is a wet palette. Miniature paints such as Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter and Scale75 are water-based acrylics used in tiny, thinned amounts, and on a dry palette they skin over within minutes. A wet palette sits a moisture-holding sponge under a semi-permeable paper, so paint stays fluid for hours and often days. That saves paint, keeps custom mixes consistent across a whole army, and makes thin layers and glazes far easier to control.
Quick answer: The Redgrassgames Everlasting Wet Palette Painter Lite is the best dedicated miniature wet palette here, with a thick foam and a paper formulated to keep paint workable for days. The Army Painter Wet Palette is a compact alternative with brush storage in the lid. If you want a palette plus brushes in one box, the Nicpro miniature kit with painting handle bundles a wet and dry palette, 16 brushes and a rotating grip, and the Nicpro stay wet palette alone is the budget wet palette pick.
Why Miniature Painters Use Wet Palettes
- Paint stays workable: thinned acrylic on a wet palette can last hours in a session and often days with the lid closed.
- Consistent thinning: the paper keeps paint at a steady, milky consistency, ideal for smooth layers.
- Custom mixes last: mix a skin tone or armor color once and use it across multiple models.
- Less waste: you squeeze out fewer drops because they do not dry up.
- Easier blending: wet-blending and glazing depend on paint staying fluid long enough to work.
How a wet palette works
A shallow tray holds a sponge or foam soaked in water. A sheet of special paper, such as baking parchment or a manufacturer’s hydro sheet, lies on top. Water passes slowly through the paper to the paint, replacing what evaporates, while the paper keeps the paint from dissolving into the sponge. A lid seals in moisture between sessions.
Setting up a wet palette
- Soak the foam or sponge in clean water and press out the excess so it is wet but not dripping.
- Place it in the tray and lay the paper on top. Some papers need a short soak first; follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Smooth out air bubbles with a finger so the paper contacts the sponge evenly.
- Add drops of paint and work them with your brush; add a touch of water if the paint feels too thick.
- Close the lid between sessions and change the paper when it gets crowded or stained.
Common wet palette problems
- Paint too runny: the sponge is too wet. Press out more water.
- Paint drying anyway: the sponge is too dry or the paper is not making contact.
- Mold or smell: rinse and dry the sponge regularly; some painters add a drop of anti-mold agent or use distilled water.
- Paper curling: soak it briefly, or use a thicker paper designed for wet palettes.
Read our full explainer on what a wet palette is for more detail, and our guide on keeping a paint palette from drying out for tips that apply to dry palettes too.
Thinning Paint on a Wet Palette
Miniature painters often talk about thinning paint “to the consistency of milk.” On a wet palette, that is easier to judge and maintain. Place a drop of paint, add a small amount of water with your brush, and mix until the paint flows smoothly but still covers when brushed onto a test surface such as the back of your thumbnail or a spare model. Two thin coats look smoother than one thick coat and preserve the fine detail sculpted into the miniature.
- Basecoats: slightly thicker, two thin coats for full coverage.
- Layers and highlights: thinner, built up gradually.
- Glazes: very thin, almost transparent, often mixed with a glaze medium.
- Wet blending: two colors kept fluid side by side on the palette and blended on the model.
Because the palette keeps replacing evaporated water, a mix you dial in at the start of a session stays close to that consistency for hours, which is the real advantage over a dry well palette.
Do You Still Need a Dry Palette?
Yes, for a few jobs. Metallic paints, washes, contrast-style paints and drybrushing usually behave better on a dry well palette. Many miniature painters keep a cheap round well palette next to their wet palette for these, and several kits here combine both.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Redgrassgames Everlasting Wet Palette Painter Lite — Best dedicated miniature wet palette
- The Army Painter Wet Palette — Best compact wet palette with brush storage
- Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette and Handle — Best all-in-one starter kit
- Golden Maple 2-in-1 Wet and Dry Palette with Brushes — Best wet and dry combo with brushes
- Nicpro Stay Wet Palette — Best budget wet palette
- Mr. Pen Round Paint Tray Palettes, 4 Pack — Best cheap dry palette for washes and metallics
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redgrassgames Painter Lite | Dedicated wet palette | 50 sheets, 2 foams, lid and seal | Long-lasting hydration | $$ |
| Army Painter Wet Palette | Compact setups | 13.8 x 19.8 cm, 2 foams, 50 hydro sheets | Inner tray stores brushes | $$ |
| Nicpro Kit with Handle | Beginners wanting everything | Wet/dry palette, 16 brushes, handle, 100 sheets | Painting handle included | $$$ |
| Golden Maple 2-in-1 Kit | Wet plus dry wells | 3-layer palette, 11 brushes, 100 sheets, 4 sponges | Airtight lid, brush holders | $$ |
| Nicpro Stay Wet Palette | Budget wet palette | 9.6 x 6.2 in, 16 dry wells, 100 sheets | Wet and dry in one | $$ |
| Mr. Pen Round Palettes | Dry palette for washes | 4 round, 10 wells + center | Cheap companion palette | $ |
How We Chose
These palettes were compared using Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, focusing on what matters for miniature painting: how well each system keeps thin acrylic workable, the quality and quantity of foam and paper included, whether a dry palette area is provided, extras like brushes and painting handles, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not painted with these palettes; all details come from the listings.
- Hydration design: foam thickness and paper type.
- Seal: a lid that keeps paint fresh between sessions.
- Refills: number of sheets and sponges included and availability of replacements.
- Dry palette option: wells for metallics and washes.
- Bundle value: brushes, handles and storage.
Best Palettes for Miniature Painting Reviewed
1. Redgrassgames Everlasting Wet Palette Painter Lite — Best for a Dedicated Miniature Wet Palette
Redgrassgames builds wet palettes specifically for miniature painters, and the Painter Lite is its most affordable model. The listing says it is tuned for Citadel, Vallejo, Scale75 and other miniature paints, and that its specially formulated paper keeps paint from drying out or running together, workable for days and even weeks.
It includes a lid and seal, 50 sheets and two foams. The thick light-gray foam is described as hard-wearing, able to hold a lot of water, and naturally mold resistant.
Best suited for: Miniature and wargame painters who want a purpose-built wet palette.
Key features:
- Lid with seal
- 50 palette sheets, 2 foams
- Thick light-gray foam
- About 7.9 x 5.9 in footprint
Pros:
- Designed specifically for miniature paints
- Long hydration time per the listing
- Mold-resistant foam
- Gray foam helps judge color
Cons and limitations:
- No dry wells
- No brushes included
- Mid price tier for a palette alone
Buying consideration: Keep a separate dry palette for metallics and washes, which can contaminate wet palette paper.
2. The Army Painter Wet Palette — Best for Compact Setups
The Army Painter’s wet palette uses Hydro Foam beneath Hydro Sheets to slow paint drying, so you can mix, blend and thin on the palette and keep custom colors usable longer. It includes two reusable Hydro Foam sheets and 50 disposable Hydro Sheets in a compact 13.8 x 19.8 cm palette with a lid and strap.
A special inner tray stores up to six Wargamer brushes when you are finished, and replacement Hydro Packs with two foams and 50 sheets are sold separately.
Best suited for: Wargamers and D&D painters with limited desk space.
Key features:
- 13.8 x 19.8 cm palette
- 2 Hydro Foams, 50 Hydro Sheets
- Lid and strap
- Inner tray holds up to 6 brushes
Pros:
- Compact footprint
- Brush storage built in
- Dedicated refill packs available
Cons and limitations:
- Smaller mixing area
- No dry wells
- Mid price tier
Buying consideration: Use the strap when transporting it to a game store or painting group to keep the lid sealed.
3. Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette and Handle — Best for Beginners Wanting Everything
Nicpro’s kit combines a triple wet and dry palette with a miniature painting handle, 12 detail brushes, 4 drybrushes in a nylon storage bag, 4 gray sponges, 100 palette sheets, a brush rest and an elastic band. The handle uses mounting putty to hold most miniatures and rotates 360 degrees with swappable caps.
The listing advises tying the elastic band to ensure a complete seal. Gray sponges help you see true paint color, and the thicker palette paper is described as tear resistant.
Best suited for: New miniature painters who want palette, brushes and a handle in one purchase.
Key features:
- Triple wet and dry palette
- Rotating painting handle with putty
- 12 detail brushes and 4 drybrushes
- 4 gray sponges, 100 sheets, brush rest
Pros:
- Most complete kit here
- Painting handle improves grip and control
- Wet and dry palette in one
Cons and limitations:
- Highest price tier
- Seal relies on an elastic band
- Bundled brushes may not match premium brushes
Buying consideration: If you already own brushes, the standalone Nicpro stay wet palette costs much less.
4. Golden Maple 2-in-1 Wet and Dry Palette with Brushes — Best for Wet Plus Dry Wells
Golden Maple’s palette has a three-layer design: a wet base for mixing, a middle tray with dry wells that also stores brushes, and an airtight lid. It includes 8 detail brushes and 3 drybrushes, 100 tear-resistant palette papers and 4 high-absorption sponges.
Having a dry tray on top of the wet base keeps metallics and washes separate without a second palette on the desk.
Best suited for: Painters who want wet and dry areas in one sealed unit.
Key features:
- 3-layer wet and dry design
- Airtight lid
- 11 brushes (8 detail, 3 dry)
- 100 papers, 4 sponges
Pros:
- Built-in dry wells
- Airtight lid per the listing
- Plenty of refills included
Cons and limitations:
- Mid-to-high price tier
- Bundled brushes are basic
- Stacked design takes a moment to set up
Buying consideration: Use the dry wells for metallics and washes and the wet base for layering colors.
5. Nicpro Stay Wet Palette — Best for a Budget Wet Palette
Nicpro’s standalone stay wet palette measures 9.6 x 6.2 inches and includes a triple paint tray, 4 gray sponges, 100 palette sheets with a double-sided silicone-coated surface, a brush rest and an elastic band. The cover and bottom tray act as wet palettes, while the middle tray has 16 deep sloping wells and 2 corner water wells for dry paint.
That is a lot of function for the price, and it suits miniature painters who already own brushes.
Best suited for: Budget-minded painters who want wet and dry areas.
Key features:
- 9.6 x 6.2 in
- Triple tray: wet base and cover, 16-well dry tray
- 4 gray sponges, 100 sheets
- Brush rest and elastic band
Pros:
- Lowest-priced wet palette here
- Large mixing area
- Dry wells included
Cons and limitations:
- Elastic band rather than a latch for sealing
- Paper is silicone-coated rather than miniature-specific
- Larger footprint
Buying consideration: Wring the sponge well; silicone-coated paper can bead paint if the sponge is too wet.
6. Mr. Pen Round Paint Tray Palettes, 4 Pack — Best for a Cheap Dry Palette
Mr. Pen’s four round palettes each have ten wells and a central reservoir, 0.4 inch deep, in 6.7 inch white plastic. They are a simple, inexpensive dry palette to sit next to your wet palette.
Use them for washes, metallics, contrast paints and drybrushing, which tend to stain or flood wet palette paper.
Best suited for: Any miniature painter who needs a separate dry palette.
Key features:
- 4 round palettes, 6.7 in
- 10 wells and a central reservoir
- 0.4 in well depth
- White plastic
Pros:
- Lowest price tier
- Deep wells for washes
- Easy to clean
Cons and limitations:
- Paint dries quickly in wells
- No lid
- Not a wet palette
Buying consideration: Keep one palette just for metallics to avoid flakes in your other colors.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Palette for Miniature Painting
Wet palette quality
Foam that holds water evenly and paper that releases it slowly are what make a wet palette work. Dedicated miniature brands tune both for thin acrylics.
Size and footprint
Compact palettes fit cramped hobby desks and travel to game stores. Larger palettes give more room for mixes on big projects.
Seal
A good lid keeps paint usable between sessions. Latching or tight-fitting lids work better than loose covers.
Refill cost
Paper and foam wear out. Check whether replacements are available and affordable; baking parchment is a common cheap substitute paper.
Dry palette option
A dry area is useful for metallics, washes and drybrushing. Some palettes include it; otherwise, add a cheap well palette.
Bundles
Kits with brushes and handles are good value for beginners. Experienced painters often prefer to buy palettes and brushes separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the sponge so paint turns runny and spreads.
- Putting metallics on the wet palette, which leaves flakes in other colors.
- Never changing the sponge, which leads to smells and mold.
- Using printer paper instead of parchment or wet palette paper.
- Leaving the lid off between sessions.
- Loading too much paint at once; a few drops go a long way on miniatures.
FAQs
Do I need a wet palette for miniature painting?
It is not essential, but it is one of the most useful upgrades. A wet palette keeps thin acrylic workable far longer, saves paint and makes smooth layers and blending easier.
Can I make my own wet palette?
Yes. A shallow airtight container, a kitchen sponge or folded paper towels, and baking parchment make a working wet palette. Dedicated products offer better foam, paper and seals.
What paper do you use on a wet palette?
Manufacturer wet palette sheets or hydro sheets work best. Baking parchment is a popular substitute. Avoid printer paper, which dissolves.
How long does paint last on a wet palette?
Paint can stay usable for hours during a session and often for days with the lid closed, depending on the palette, paper and room conditions.
Why is my wet palette paint too watery?
The sponge holds too much water. Press out the excess, or let the palette sit open for a few minutes before adding paint.
Should metallic paints go on a wet palette?
Many painters keep metallics on a separate dry palette, because metallic flakes can spread across the wet paper and contaminate other colors.
Final Recommendation
Choose the Redgrassgames Painter Lite for a purpose-built miniature wet palette, or The Army Painter Wet Palette for a compact setup with brush storage. Beginners who want everything at once should pick the Nicpro kit with painting handle, while the Golden Maple 2-in-1 suits painters who want wet and dry areas in one sealed unit. On a budget, the Nicpro stay wet palette does the job, and a Mr. Pen round palette makes a cheap dry companion for metallics and washes.
