Sometimes hobby grows into something bigger, in particular, profession. At this stage, there may appear some personal and equipment transformations that may involve upgrading your current tools and skills. Speaking about art, such a procedure can make you think as an artist that always has a proven set of tools. So if you are there, then it’s highly likely that you will be interested in getting one of the paint mixing trays. In fact, WoWPencils has spent 32 hours on the investigation of the best options of these tricky tools for you. So now, you can confidently select one of them.
Top Paint Mixing Trays
| Rank | Review | Name | Material | Dimensions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Easyou View Details | Porcelain | Diameter: 7.68 inches | 9.9 |
| 2 | | Hulameda View Details | Plastic | 8.5 x 7.72 x 1.42 inches | 9.8 |
| 3 | | CENTSTAR View Details | Plastic | 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.89 inches | 9.7 |
| 4 | | Penta Angel View Details | Plastic | 4.9 x 3.4 inches | 9.6 |
| 5 | | Artlicious View Details | Plastic | 8.8 x 0.6 x 6.5 inches | 9.5 |
Easyou Porcelain Ceramic Palette Mixing Trays
When it comes to finding the most comfortable mixing trays for paints then it’s better to jump to buying the palette that is made of ceramic or porcelain, like the one that is made by Easyou. This ensures that the paints don’t dry out too fast, the pigments don’t change as in metal or plastic. And, finally, cleaning it is a pleasure since they come off easily and saves your time greatly. However, you should know that all those features work thanks to a glossy enamel that creates a smooth surface.
The tray has a flower shape that consists of 7 wells: 6 small and the middle well is large. You can pour each of them or leave some empty in order to mix the existing colors. By the way, it can hold any type of media, liquid or more ductile such as Chinese, acrylic, watercolor and, even, oil paints.
- Colors stay true
- It cleans up very easily
- The tray doesn’t get stained
- It’s of perfect size
- The paints don’t bead up
- It’s fragile
Hulameda Paint Trays Palettes Plastic Pallets for Kid, Adult, Student
Meanwhile, the most common mixing trays among professional artists or those who use it just for DIY (do it yourself) projects are still plastic ones. And there is no wonder since they are more practical and shockproof compared to those that are made of porcelain. Besides, they also work with almost all existing types of media including the liquid ones.
The Hulameda mixing tray has a circle shape and 11 wells. However, while the 10 are small, the middle one is big and it’s perfect for mixing paints. Besides, there are 2 convexes between the small wells, they allow you to hold the palette more firmly so it will never slip out of your hand. On a separate note, the size is nice for both adults and children, as well as its weight that won’t bother a user.
The great news is that buying one product you get a pack of 12. It means that you will always have extra trays for switching to another art sphere, can be used by another user, or for pouring absolutely different color sets.
- There is a pack of 12
- They are break-proof
- There is enough space for pigments and mixing them
- They don’t get stained
- They wash up easily
- The wells are small
CENTSTAR 15 Pcs Round Plastic Paint Mixing Trays
If a pack of 12 palettes is not an option for you then you should consider a set of 15 mixing trays by CENTSTAR. They are also made of plastic so you can rely on their quality and durability, especially in case of using them by children that may drop palettes numerous times while using them at art class. However, they are also perfect for hobby, in particular, combining a few color sets without mixing them while painting.
Their size is not big, still, it’s enough to hold up to 11 pigments separately, or 10 ones and keep a special reservoir to mix them. Moreover, storing paint there is not the only option since you can place some tiny details that you currently use for your project.
- Trays are lightweight
- There is enough space for storing media and mix it
- It’s comfortable to hold it thanks to special bumps and size
- It’s too flimsy
Penta Angel Plastic Rectangular Art Paint Mixing Trays
There is a nice option for users who want to add some extra pigments but there is no space on the regular palette. It’s about the Penta Angel plate with 6 wells in it. In fact, there is not a big reservoir for mixing pigments but you can leave one empty well for such purpose. Besides, the pack consists of 3 palettes so you can add up to 18 colors at the same time.
Being made of plastic allows these trays to be lightweight and comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, they are quite sturdy and don’t bend like silicone ones. That is why they can be used for various types of media, including powder and water, liquid, or ductile paints.
On a different note, the shape is pretty unusual for art mixing trays. They rather resemble half-dozen of egg rack, which may be more appropriate for fitting in angular cabinets or storing boxes.
- Convenient shape
- They wash up easily
- There may be a strange odor, but it usually disappears in a few days
- The size may be too small for some users
Artlicious: Paint Mixing Trays with Thumb Hole
Finally, the most traditional version of the paint palette is the one made by Artlicious. Unlike the 4-hole tray, it has only one that is designed for a thumb that fixes the tray in a hand. Besides, it has 10 separate wells that can be used for paints or mixing them. For sure, such an amount would be perfect for you if your project is a cartoon that requires numerous pigments.
Like the majority of plastic palettes, this one is made of plastic that allows users not to worry about its safety even if it’s accidentally dropped on the floor. In addition, it’s surface is smooth enough to enhance its cleaning.
- It’s comfortable to hold in a hand
- It washes up easily
- It comes in a pack of 3
- Lots of wells
- It may contain dangerous chemicals, so use it only as directed
- There may be jagged edges
FAQ
No matter whether you are new to art or you’re a professional painter with a proven track record, there may be some gaps in knowledge about some of the most useful tools for art – palette or tray for mixing paints. That is why the information below will help you to eliminate them and reveal some tips that may be used by you.
What Is a Paint Mixing Trays ??
A palette, also known as a tray for mixing paints, is a plate that allows users to store some paints and mix them. Usually, they are made of different materials such as plastic (the most popular material), wood, aluminium, silicone, etc. However, the ceramic or porcelain ones are highly valued by artists, too. The main property that the user should pay attention to is the smooth and well-protected surface that allows not to absorb pigments but keep them.
How to Use ? Paint Mixing Tray Correctly?
For most people, the answer to the question of how to use the tray for mixing paints may be quite obvious. However, some of them may still have some difficulties to use it properly. Thus, here are some tips. First of all, it’s perfect for not taking a necessary pigment from the big container, instead, you can place a small amount of it on a palette. In addition, there is a special reservoir, where the chosen pigments can be mixed without dirtying the pigment in a container.
Where Can You Buy ? Best Paint Mixing Tray?
Nowadays, it’s quite easy to find lots of necessary things on the Internet. However, there can be a challenge to find the best price. Thus, if you want to be sure and not to overpay then it’s better to purchase the necessary stuff on trusted platforms. For sure, you are familiar with Walmart or eBay. Besides, don’t forget about Amazon where you can also find a Dimart 5 pcs cup holder that may come in handy for your hobby, too.
Conclusion
Selecting the most appropriate tool may take much longer than you think, especially, when there is a huge variety. Thus, in order to save your time, WoWPencils has prepared a review of the best mixing trays. For sure, such an article will help you to cut down the irrelevant tools, or, at least, tell you some tips that you should consider while searching the palette for you.
References
- Palette (Painting) – https://en.wikipedia.org/
- Palettes for Oils? – https://www.reddit.com/
- How to Choose Your Watercolor Palette (Paint Box, Mixing Trays) – https://www.youtube.com/