Arts & Crafts

The Best Palettes & Palette Cups

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right palette and palette cups is crucial for any artist, impacting everything from color mixing efficiency to workspace organization. High-quality tools can enhance your creative process, allowing for smoother application and better color control. Investing in suitable art supplies ensures your focus remains on your artistic vision, not on struggling with inadequate equipment.

No. 1
12 Small Round Paint Trays Painting Color Palette Paint Mixing Cups, 2-inch Makeup Palette Stainless Steel...
  • Premium Material: Our paint mixing cups are made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability, and are easy to clean for long-term use.
  • Compact Size: Each paint mixing tray is 2 inches in diameter, perfect for mixing small amounts of paint or watercolor. Its open design makes it practical and convenient for precise paint pouring.
  • Reusable and Portable: These mini palettes are lightweight, easy to clean, and can be reused many times. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and store.
  • Versatile Uses: These paint mixing cups are perfect for artists and DIY enthusiasts, suitable for airbrush mixing, makeup painting, enamel model paint, and various art and craft projects.
  • Suitable for All Levels: Whether you are a professional artist, amateur, or beginner, these paint mixing trays are a great choice for model making, miniature mixing, art classes, and more.
No. 2
MyLifeUNIT Large Mouth Double Dipper Palette Cup
  • Sturdy Stainless Steel – Double dipper palette cup features two separate wells, each with a wide mouth. Made of durable stainless steel that resists rust and cracking. Whether you’re painting plein air, in studio, or at art class, it stays solid and...
  • Leak-proof Lids – Each palette cup comes with a screw-on lid and silicone gasket. Prevents leaks and spills when moving your palette in the studio or outdoors
  • Double Cup Design – Hold linseed oil and thinner at the same time, or water on one side and medium on the other. Great for oil painters, watercolorists, and craft artists
  • Compact & Portable – Paint cup is intentionally small: 3.5"W, 1.6" Dia. per cup, 1.2"H. Easy storage in the art kit, and minimal clutter on the palette. Perfect for short painting sessions, travel, or studio use
  • Stays Attached to Palette – Built-in metal clip attaches firmly to palettes. No more knocking over a separate jar, double-dipper palette cup stays right where you need it
No. 3
Stainless Steel Double Dipper Palette Cup with Screw Lid and Clip Oil Container for Acrylic or Oil Paint
  • Package includes 1 unit of Stainless Steel Double Dipper Palette Cup Oil Container for Acrylic or Oil Paint
  • Made of metal, design with a bottom clip that slides over the edge of your palette.
  • Dimension: Length 3.8 inch Height 1.2 inch, Diameter of container 1.8 inch
  • Equipped with sealed lids, so you can use them for both storing and mixing.
  • Great choice for carrying linseed oil or other medium.
No. 4
AUEAR, 2 Pack Stainless Steel Oil Painting Double Palette Cup with Screw Lid Dipper Clip for Watercolor...
  • Feature: Double Cup Design and a Bottom Clip That Slides Over The Edge of Your Palette
  • Apply To: Used For Oil Painting and Other Paintings to Hold Turpentine, Linseed Oil, and Other Mediums
  • Material: The Palette Cup with Clip Made of Stainless Steel Material, This Palette Cup Are Rust Resistant
  • What Will You Get: 2 Pcs Double Palette Cup
SaleNo. 5
LEIFIDE 3Pcs Stainless Steel Large Mouth Single Dipper Pallete Cup Paint Pot Container Cup with Lid and Clip...
  • Quantity: you will receive 3 paint cups, providing ample space for use and replacement
  • Dimensions: the cups are 1-3/4 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter, 1-3/16 inches (3 cm) deep, and have an opening diameter of 1-3/8 inches (3.5 cm), making them nice for outdoor painting
  • Nice Quality Materials: the paint cups are made of stainless steel, which resists oxidation and rust, making them durable and long-lasting; The nuts contain rubber washers to prevent dust and leaks, effectively preventing oil-based paints from drying out
  • Easy to Use: the wide-mouth design makes it easy to use, and the lid of the palette features a secure clip that clips onto the edge of the palette, securing solvents and paints while painting and making it easy to carry
  • Use: this paint jar can be cerved to mix different colors of paint and is suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, DIY crafts, and other artistic endeavors; It's an ideal gift for artists, painters, friends, family, painting studios, and art parties
No. 6
Double Dipper Palette Cup, Stainless Steel Oil Painting Pot Container with Screw Lid and Clip, Palettes...
  • Package & Size: 1pcs double dipper palette cup; Size: 90 x 30 mm/ 3.54 x 1.18 inch; Diameter: 40 mm/ 1.57 inch
  • Made of: The palette cup is made of stainless steel material, sturdy, rust resistant, no leaks, long service life
  • Good Sealing: The palette cup is designed with screw seal lid, can help minimize spills, and effectively prevent mediums evaporation or dry out
  • Bottom Clip: A sturdy clip on the bottom of the palette cup allows for easy attachment to the edge of palette, ensure stability during the painting process and facilitate painting
  • Widely to Use: The double dipper design can hold two different mediums simultaneously, can be widely used for holding turpentine, solvent, water, linseed oil and more
No. 7
Honbay Stainless Steel Large Mouth Single Dipper Pallete Cup
  • Qty: 1pcs
  • It has a plastic gasket that seals tightly; Wide mouth for easy access
  • Features a bottom clip that slides over the edge of your palette
  • "Cup measures 1-3/4""(4.5cm) in diameter x 1-3/16""(3cm) deep, with an opening diameter of 1-3/8""(3.5cm)"
  • "Ideal for holding turpentine, linseed oil, and other mediums when you're painting out in the field"
SaleNo. 8
TIESOME 18 PCS Small Round Paint Trays, 2 Inch Stainless Steel Painting Color Palette Mini Watercolor with...
  • 【Complete Set】Our paint mixing palette set includes 18 pieces of silver stainless steel paint plates, providing ample quantity for simultaneous mixing of multiple hues in complex artworks.
  • 【Durable Design】Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, our paint tray palette set offers corrosion resistance and long-term reliability, making them perfect for mixing paints, makeup, and more.
  • 【Compact Size】Each small paint tray measures 5cm/2 inches in diameter, ideal for mixing small amounts of paint or watercolor. Their open design ensures precise paint pouring and easy handling.
  • 【Portable & Reusable】Lightweight and stackable, these mini watercolor palettes are easy to carry and store. Rehydrate dried paint by stacking trays, keeping your workspace organized and efficient.
  • 【Versatile Use】These small metal trays are perfect for artists and DIY enthusiasts, suitable for airbrush mixing, makeup painting, enamel model paint, and various art and craft projects.
SaleNo. 9
12 PCS Metal Paint Tray, 1.9 Inch Round Small Mixing Cups, Stainless Steel Metal Makeup Mixing Tray & Palette...
  • Compact Paint Mixing - Measuring just 1.9 inches in diameter, these airbrush metal paint tray provide precise control for watercolors or acrylics while their open design allows smooth paint transfer
  • Stainless Steel Durability - Our round small mixing cups are crafted from high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting use and effortless cleaning, maintaining their shine through countless art sessions
  • Portable Art Companion - The lightweight metal airbrush mixing cups slips easily into art kits or pockets, ideal for plein air painting, classroom projects, or studio work with its reusable design
  • Multi-Purpose Utility - Perfect for round metal paint tray needs across airbrushing, miniature models, and makeup artistry, these trays handle oils, enamels, and craft paints with equal versatility
  • Universal Artist Tool - From beginners to professionals, these watercolor small mixing cups solutions adapt seamlessly to acrylic pouring, school art programs, and detailed miniature work
No. 10
STEFORD 4 PCS Kids No Spill Paint Cups with Lids and 4 Pack Paint Brushes and a Palette Tray for Chlidren...
  • Value Pack of No Spill Paint Cups: This paint cup set comes with 9PCS painting tools, including 4PCS colorful paint brushes and 4PCS spill proof paint cups with grooved-rim circular holes caps, and also give away 1PCS oval painting palette.
  • High-Quality Material: The paint containers with lids and painting tray are made of non-toxic plastic material, sturdy and anti-corrosion, safe for kids to use.The painting brush heads are made of natural hog bristle, which are soft and convenient to...
  • Spill Proof Paint Cups with Lids: 4PCS anti-spill paint cups with grooved-rim circular holes caps prevent the day from scattering everywhere when the cup was knocked over. Paint palette are suitable for all water based media,such as oil,water,paints and...
  • Wide Usage: This paint brush cup is ideal for kids or beginners to practice painting, suitable for most painting projects such as art classes, art easel painting, painting parties, children's art craft and painting classes. At the same time, it is also a...
  • Convenient to Use: Our paint cups feature a kid-friendly design that can be easliy use and clean; painting cups and brushes are perfectly color-matched, 4 vibrant colors allow kids to easily and quickly identify the paint color inside each cup.

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Palettes & Palette Cups

Materials Matter

The material of your palette significantly affects its performance and longevity. Common options include plastic, ceramic, glass, and wood. Plastic palettes are lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean, but can stain over time. Ceramic and glass palettes offer a smooth, non-porous surface ideal for precise color mixing, are easy to clean, and don't stain, but can be heavier and fragile. Wooden palettes are beautiful and traditional, but require sealing to prevent warping and can be harder to clean.

Palette Types and Shapes

Palettes come in various forms to suit different artistic needs. Stationary palettes, like ceramic or glass slabs, are great for studio work. Portable palettes, often made of plastic or metal with lids, are convenient for artists on the go. Folding palettes offer a compact solution for travel. The shape also varies, from simple rectangular or round surfaces to complex designs with numerous wells for holding individual colors.

Considering Palette Cups

Palette cups are essential for holding solvents, mediums, and water separately, keeping your main palette clean and organized. Look for cups made from durable materials like stainless steel or plastic that won't react with your art supplies. Consider the size and number of cups you need; some artists prefer a single large cup, while others benefit from multiple smaller ones for different liquids. Leak-proof lids are a valuable feature for portability and preventing evaporation.

Features to Look For

When choosing, consider the size of the palette in relation to your typical working space and the scale of your projects. Ensure the surface is smooth and easy to clean. For portable options, a secure closure is paramount to prevent spills. Ergonomics also play a role; some palettes are designed to be held comfortably in hand, while others are intended for tabletop use. Think about how many colors you typically use at once to determine the ideal number of mixing areas or wells.

Comparison Tips

  • Portability vs. Studio Use: If you paint outdoors or travel frequently, prioritize lightweight, durable palettes with secure lids. For studio work, larger, heavier, or more delicate surfaces like glass or ceramic might be preferable.
  • Medium Compatibility: Ensure the palette material is compatible with the mediums and solvents you use. Some plastics can degrade when exposed to certain chemicals.
  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Consider how easy the palette and cups are to clean. Non-porous surfaces are generally easier to maintain than porous ones.
  • Mixing Space: Evaluate the amount of mixing area provided. Artists who use many colors simultaneously will benefit from larger palettes with ample space or numerous wells.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a watercolor palette?
For watercolors, ceramic or plastic palettes with wells are often preferred. Ceramic offers a smooth, non-staining surface, while plastic is lightweight and affordable. Ensure the surface is non-porous for easy cleaning.
How many palette cups do I need?
The number of palette cups needed depends on your artistic process. Many artists find two cups useful: one for water and one for solvent or medium. If you use multiple mediums or water for rinsing brushes, you might need more.
Are glass palettes good for oil painting?
Yes, glass palettes are excellent for oil painting due to their smooth, non-porous surface. They are easy to clean, allow for precise color mixing, and do not stain, making them a favorite among many oil painters.
What's the difference between a palette and a palette cup?
A palette is the surface where you mix your colors. Palette cups are small containers used to hold liquids like water, solvents, or mediums separately, keeping your main mixing area clean.
Can I use a plate as a palette?
While a plate can serve as a temporary palette in a pinch, it's not ideal for serious art creation. Dedicated palettes offer better surfaces for mixing and are designed for durability and ease of cleaning.
How do I clean a stained plastic palette?
Stubborn stains on plastic palettes can sometimes be removed with artist-grade solvents or a paste made of baking soda and water. For heavily stained palettes, replacement might be the most effective solution.