Watercolor on the go demands a compact, durable palette that keeps colors organized and ready to mix. This guide highlights five top empty travel palettes—each designed for portability, ease of cleaning, and reliable performance in field sketches, plein air sessions, or classroom demos. Explore metal and ceramic options that balance lightness and sturdiness, with lids that double as mixing surfaces and secure lids to prevent color drift during travel.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| MEEDEN Empty Watercolor Paint Palette: Travel Water Color Palette Tin with 12 Half Pans – Black | MEEDEN | Foldable, anti-rust, 12 half pans |
| Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette | Mr. Pen | Airtight lid, 18 wells, easy to clean |
| Bower Bird Travel Watercolor Palette, 6 Well | Bower Bird | Ceramic mixing surface, portable |
| MEEDEN Empty Watercolor Paint Palette: 12 Half Pans, Galaxy | MEEDEN | Galaxy design, foldable |
| MYARTOOL Watercolor Tin Palette, 12 Pans | MYARTOOL | Metal tin, 12 pans, multiple mixing areas |
MEEDEN Empty Watercolor Paint Palette: Travel Tin, 12 Half Pans
The MEEDEN Black travel palette combines a compact tin body with a fold-out mixing area. Its white enamel lid serves as a secondary mixing surface, while the enamel edges are rounded to avoid sharp corners. A back-mounted metal ring stabilizes the palette in one-handed painting, and the box measures 4.6L x 2.6W x 0.8H inches, accommodating a range of painting scenarios. This design emphasizes portability, rust resistance, and reusability for students and professionals alike.
Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette
Designed for moisture retention and tidy color management, this Mr. Pen palette features 18 wells plus two large mixing areas. The sturdy white plastic body is easy to clean, and the airtight lid helps keep pans moist for longer working sessions. Suitable for field sketching and studio work, its practical lid construction supports on-the-go artists who require dependable organization in a compact footprint.
Bower Bird Travel Watercolor Palette, Ceramic 6 Well
This palette blends ceramic mixing surfaces with a metal travel box, offering a smooth, wipe-clean area for color blending. The six-well configuration is compact for travel yet provides enough space for on-site sketches. Its ceramic surface provides a pleasant texture for mixing and cleaning, while the outer metal shell ensures durability during outdoor excursions.
MEEDEN Galaxy Empty Watercolor Palette: 12 Half Pans
With a galaxy-patterned tin, this palette keeps the fold-out tray as a mixing zone and uses a white enamel lid for additional blending space. The compact 4.6 x 2.6 x 0.8-inch footprint makes it suitable for travel, teaching environments, and casual plein air sessions. Its rust-resistant construction supports long-term use in varying climates.
MYARTOOL Watercolor Tin Palette, 12 Pans
MYARTOOL offers a sturdy metal tin with 12 half-pans and four fold-out mixing areas. The design supports customization of colors and a secure lid to prevent accidental spills during transport. The lid doubles as an additional mixing surface, and the bottom buckle system provides one-handed operation for stable painting on the move.
Buying Guide
- Material and durability: Metal tins are generally sturdy and rust-resistant, while ceramic surfaces offer smooth mixing but add weight. Consider your travel needs and preferred weight when choosing a palette.
- Number of wells and mixing areas: Larger palettes with more wells support broader color palettes, but prioritize compact models for travel. Look for fold-out or lid-mixing options to maximize space.
- Sealing and moisture retention: Airtight lids help keep colors moist, reducing the need for frequent re-wetting. This is especially useful for longer on-site sessions or varying humidity.
- Portability features: Back rings, compact dimensions, and pocket-friendly designs are valuable for plein air painting. A secure closure and easy grip improve handling on the go.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Smooth enamel or ceramic surfaces are easier to clean; metal tins may require mild care to prevent rust. Consider whether you prefer easy wipe-downs or deeper cleaning.
- Compatibility with pans: Ensure the palette supports standard half-pans if you already own pans, and check whether the set includes pans or requires separate purchase.
- Design appeal: Aesthetic patterns (galaxy, floral, etc.) can be a personal motivation factor, but prioritize function first for field use.
- Price and availability: While not listing prices, evaluate value based on durability, included pans, and overall portability to match your typical travel scenarios.
- Multifunction use: Some lids double as mixing surfaces; consider this for a more compact setup if you sketch in tight spaces.