Plein air painting often requires compact, durable palette solutions that keep colors fresh while on the move. This guide highlights top palette boxes and plein air boxes designed for outdoor artists, emphasizing airtight storage, lightweight construction, and easy setup. Each option supports painting on location with reliable portability and practical features.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Masterson Artist Palette Seal | Masterson | Airtight, keeps paints fresh for weeks |
| New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (6×8) | New Wave | Baltic Birch wood, magnetic closure, portable easel |
| New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (8.4×11.25) | New Wave | Durable finish, 180° hinges, versatile setup |
| Sienna Plein Air Supply and Palette Box | Jack Richeson | Removable tempered glass palette, tripod-ready |
| New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (11×14.50) | New Wave | Large palette area, tripod-compatible |
Masterson Palette Seal: Airtight 12×16 Palette Box
The Masterson Palette Seal is designed to hold a standard 12in x 16in palette while sealing in freshness. It is especially useful for oil painters who want to slow oxidation between sessions. The product has a long-standing history since 1973 and is made in the USA. Its airtight lid helps preserve oils and pigments during transport or extended breaks in outdoor work. This box is suitable for artists at all levels and can be paired with a separate palette for travel and studio use. The lid and tray mechanism provide secure storage for the palette between painting sessions.
New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (6×8)
Materials include Baltic Birch wood with stainless steel and aluminum accents for durability. The finish is non-porous, water-resistant, and resistant to typical artist solvents and mediums. Rare earth magnets provide a secure closure, along with a panel/canvas holder and removable side wall for palette cleaning. A 180° hinge range enables vertical or horizontal use, and it is compatible with universal 1/4″ tripod mounts. The kit includes a high-density plastic painting palette, and the recessed lid accommodates drying and storage of dabbed colors between sessions. This compact pochade box is well-suited for quick field setups and small-to-medium plein air compositions.
New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (8.4×11.25)
This box follows the same robust construction as the smaller model, with Baltic Birch wood and a durable finish designed to resist water and solvents. It includes rare earth magnets for secure closure, a panel/canvas holder, and a removable side wall for palette maintenance. The 180° hinges allow flexible positioning, and universal tripod compatibility makes it suitable as a traveling easel. The included high-density plastic palette supports mixing while on location, and the recessed lid design helps keep paint dabs organized when stored between sessions.
Sienna Plein Air Supply and Palette Box
The Sienna Plein Air Box emphasizes convenience in travel and field setups. It features a removable tempered glass palette, integrated storage, and a folding brush holder. The design is intended to sit on front tripod legs for quick setup and breakdown, with two adjustable tripod clamping blocks to adjust height. This model is aimed at simplifying portability while supporting rapid palette changes and organization for on-the-go artists working outdoors.
New Wave u.go Plein Air Anywhere Pochade Box (11×14.50)
This larger u.go pochade box provides an expanded painting area while maintaining portability. It features Baltic Birch wood, non-corrosive hardware, and a durable finish that resists water and common solvents. The design includes rare earth magnets for closure, a removable side wall, and an accessory side tray. The hinges offer a 180° range, enabling flexible vertical or horizontal use. A built-in palette is included, and the recessed palette design helps keep paint dabs contained as the lid closes for transport or drying between sessions. It is well-suited for landscapes and larger plein air studies.
Buying Guide
- Purpose and size: Choose a box that fits your typical painting scale. Smaller boxes are ultra-portable, while larger boxes support bigger works but add weight.
- Construction materials: Baltic Birch wood is common for durability; look for non-porous finishes that resist water and solvents for easy cleaning and long life.
- Palette capability: Consider whether the kit includes a palette and if it’s recessed or removable for easy cleaning; hinged lids should accommodate drying colors without spills.
- Sealing and protection: Airtight designs preserve paint freshness for weeks; for oil painters, airtight lids slow oxidation and drying of paints between sessions.
- Portability and setup: Evaluate weight, handle design, and whether the box supports tripod mounting. A 180° hinge or smart closures improves field usability.
- Organization features: Built-in brush holders, side trays, and extra compartments help keep tools and paints orderly on-location.
- Compatibility: Ensure tripod or mount compatibility and whether the palette fits your preferred canvas sizes or panel formats.
- Maintenance: Look for easy-clean surfaces and durable finishes that resist staining and solvent damage for repeated use.
- Comparison snapshot: For quick outdoor work, a compact, airtight box with a protective lid and included palette offers simple transport; for larger landscapes, a mid- to large-sized pochade box with a durable finish and full-range hinges provides greater painting area and flexibility.