Notes from the bench
Wet palettes: what they do and how to set one up
Understand the hydrated palette surface, choose a practical size and troubleshoot paint that becomes too wet or dries out.
A wet palette places a paint-mixing surface over a damp absorbent layer. It is useful when you want ordinary water-based acrylic mixtures to remain workable during a session. It does not remove the need to check consistency, and it is not the right surface for every paint or technique.
| Part | Job | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Tray | Supports the layers | Footprint, rim height and stability |
| Absorbent layer | Holds water beneath the surface | Replacement material and cleaning instructions |
| Paper or membrane | Separates paint from the reservoir | Compatibility with palette and paint |
| Lid | Covers the palette between sessions | Storage and transport instructions |
Choose for the desk, including the lid
Measure the space beside your painting hand. Include somewhere for the lid while the palette is open. A larger mixing area is only helpful if it leaves room for the model and water pot. Think about whether you mix many colours at once or work through a small sequence.
Check availability of replacement paper or membranes before choosing a system. Reusable and disposable surfaces have different care instructions. The supplied surface is a sensible starting point because it lets you follow the maker's procedure without changing several variables at once.
Follow the instructions for your actual palette
The Army Painter and Redgrass publish setup guidance, but their handling instructions are not identical. For example, their advice on squeezing the absorbent layer differs. Do not combine steps from different systems and assume they apply to every foam or membrane.
Read the instructions supplied with your model, prepare the layers as directed, and start with a small amount of familiar paint. Use that first session to understand the surface. Do not fill the entire tray with valuable mixes before checking how it behaves.
Check the mixture at the brush
A hydrated surface can change a mixture while you work. Move a little paint into a clear mixing area and check it before loading the brush. Add water or appropriate medium according to the paint maker's advice and the result you need. There is no universal thinning ratio for every colour and technique.
If paint becomes unusually watery, first look for free water above the surface or entering from the edge. If it dries quickly, check whether the reservoir needs topping up and whether the surface is fitted properly. Keep notes about the room and the time between sessions rather than assuming the paint itself is faulty.
Keep a separate dry palette or mixing well available for products whose instructions call for it. Do not assume that cleaning up with water makes a paint suitable for a wet palette.
Close, clean and restart
A lid can help between sessions, but the palette is not permanent paint storage. Check a mixture when returning rather than applying it straight to a model. Follow the maker's cleaning procedure for the tray and absorbent layer. Replace damaged or contaminated materials; do not add household chemicals as an improvised preservative.
Keep the palette level when storing it unless the manufacturer explicitly permits another orientation. A closed lid alone is not proof that it is suitable for transport in a bag.
Do you need to buy one immediately?
A dry palette is enough to begin. If frequent drying interrupts sessions, a wet palette is a useful next thing to investigate. Try a DIY wet palette to understand the layout before choosing a dedicated product. For the rest of the desk, follow the painting station guide.
Browse options when you're ready
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Sources & further reading
- The Army Painter: wet palette setup — checked 2026-10-25
- Redgrass: wet palette setup instructions — checked 2026-10-25
- Redgrass: palette range — checked 2026-10-25