Everything You Need To Know About Paint Palettes and Mixing Trays

Many things come to mind when thinking about the art of painting – brush styles, paint hues, and the talented artist behind the work, to name a few. But what many seem to forget is one of the artist’s most important tools: paint palettes or mixing trays. Palettes are truly the backbone of any great painting! Having the space and ability to mix colors to get a customized hue is a necessity, and it’s a key aspect of any artist’s painting journey. Because of this, we wanted to spend some time talking about the different types of paint mixing trays. We’ll be comparing some of the most popular palettes that we offer, so you’ll be able to decide which one would work best for you!

Choosing The Right Paint Palette

While you may think that all painting palettes are pretty much the same, there are some key distinctions among trays that could make a big difference to the artist. There isn’t one palette that works best for all painters – you have to consider variations in skill level, artistic style, and even the preferred painting location.

So how do you know which type of palette to pick? There are a few questions you can ask yourself when you begin the palette-buying process. First, how often do you create your own colors, if at all? If you enjoy having the ability to customize a color exactly to your liking, then you’ll probably want a palette that has plenty of room to mix paints. If you’re mixing watercolor or thinning acrylic paint, you’ll want to look for a mixing tray that has deep wells. But if you’re mixing paint with something like a palette knife, you’ll want to find one with a large, flat surface that gives you plenty of room to move your utensil around.

You’ll want to consider the material of the palette as well. Most of them are made out of plastic, which is the most affordable option and pretty easy to clean. If you’re only looking at plastic palettes, you’ll notice that many of them share the same main features. But these aren’t your only option; ceramic or porcelain palettes are a popular choice, too. Like plastic ones, ceramic and porcelain palettes are easy to clean and use, but they’re also extremely durable and therefore a more sustainable choice if you want a palette that’ll last a lifetime. You can even go old-school and choose a wooden one!

Popular Palettes

At Cheap Joe’s, we offer a wide variety of paint palettes and mixing trays for all of your needs. Whether you’re a professional painter or trying out a new hobby, we have something for you here! We’ll go over some of the most popular painting palettes in our inventory, but you can browse our complete collection of palettes and mixing trays.

1. American Journey Porcelain Butcher Tray
   This is one of our top-reviewed paint mixing trays, and it’s for good reason. The heavyweight palette is perfect for mixing large amounts of color and is super easy to clean. While it’s on the higher end price-wise, it’s made to last a lifetime, so you’ll get your money’s worth!
2. Cheap Joe’s Porcelain Palettes
   Remember those porcelain palettes we were talking about earlier? We happen to make our own line of them! These palettes can last for many years, and they’re really easy to clean and store. We have a variety of styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that you love!
3. Anderson Folding Aluminum Palette
   Another highly rated product, this aluminum palette is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. It features a baked white enamel interior and a black enamel exterior, as well as 20 color wells, 4 mixing areas, and a thumbhole. At such an affordable price, this one’s hard to beat!
4. New Wave Grey Pad Disposable Palettes
   These disposable palettes are perfect for anyone who wants an easy clean-up after painting. While not the sturdiest option, they’re super affordable and they work well with all paint media, so they’re a great option for beginners or those who have a lower budget!

These are just a few of the many palettes and mixing trays available at Cheap Joe’s. As you can see, we have plenty of options for artists of all skill levels. If you have questions about finding the right palette for you, please contact us for assistance. We’re always happy to help!