Keeping your paints workable is a huge part of painting miniatures. You don’t want your perfect mix to dry out before you’re done with it.
That’s where a good dry palette comes in. It can feel tricky to choose the right one when there are so many styles and materials available.
We tested seven popular palettes to see how they perform. We checked how long they kept paint wet and how easy they were to clean up after a session.
Our results will help you find a palette that fits your painting style. Let’s dive into what actually works on your hobby desk.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dry Brush Palette | Texture Palette for Miniature Painting & Model Kits | Textured Surface | PRICES |
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Fuyoooo Miniature Painting Dry Brush Palette | Large Working Area | PRICES |
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Wet Pallet for Painting Miniatures – Golden Maple 2 in 1 Dry and Wet Palette | Starter Bundle | PRICES |
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Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette & 11PCS Detail Paint Brushes | Complete Starter Kit | PRICES |
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Nicpro Stay Wet Palette for Acrylic Miniature Painting Kit | Extended Wetness | PRICES |
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Nicpro Stay Wet Palette for Painting Miniature | Deep Tray | PRICES |
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Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette & 11PCS Detail Paint Brushes | All-In-One Kit | PRICES |
Dry Brush Palette | Texture Palette for Miniature Painting & Model Kits
This unique palette is a game-changer for creating perfect drybrush effects and textured paint.
It’s designed specifically for dry brushing and paint scraping techniques. The textured surface helps you remove excess paint from your brush efficiently. This gives you much more control over the final highlight effect.
The plastic is durable and easy to clean with water. Its rectangular shape provides plenty of workspace for multiple colors or techniques at once.
Pros:
👍 Excellent for controlled dry brushing
👍 Textured surface removes paint perfectly
👍 Durable and very easy to clean
👍 Good large size for the workspace
👍 Affordable specialized tool
Cons:
👎 Only useful for dry brushing/scraping
👎 Texture can be too aggressive for some
👎 Not a replacement for a wet palette
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with dry brushing, this tool is a fantastic buy. It simplifies the technique and helps prevent chalky highlights, making it worth the shelf space for any mini painter who uses the method often.
Fuyoooo Miniature Painting Dry Brush Palette
This skeleton-themed palette is a fun and functional tool for mastering the dry brushing technique.
It features a textured, non-stick surface that’s perfect for wiping excess paint off your brush. The unique design helps you achieve a perfectly dry brush every single time. This makes highlighting details on miniatures much easier.
The palette is a great size at 7.9 x 5.9 inches, giving you plenty of workspace. Its durable plastic construction is easy to clean with just water. The cool skeleton graphic is a nice bonus for any hobbyist’s painting station.
Pros:
👍 Excellent textured surface for paint removal
👍 Large, practical working area
👍 Durable and very easy to clean
👍 Fun skeleton design adds character
👍 Helps create perfectly dry brushes consistently
Cons:
👎 Graphic might not appeal to everyone
👎 Slightly larger than some other options
👎 Texture could wear over very long-term use
My Honest Opinion:
I think this palette is a fantastic choice if you want a reliable dry brush tool. The texture works exactly as advertised, and the size is a real advantage. It’s a simple product that does its job very well.
Wet Pallet for Painting Miniatures – Golden Maple 2 in 1 Dry and Wet Palette
This all-in-one kit is perfect for beginners who want to try both wet and dry palettes without buying separate tools.
It’s a versatile 2-in-1 palette with a lid to keep your paints fresh. You get a huge bundle of supplies right out of the box. This includes brushes, paper, and sponges to start painting immediately.
The build feels sturdy, and the compartments keep your workspace organized. Switching between the wet and dry sections is simple and intuitive for any skill level.
Pros:
👍 Excellent starter bundle with brushes and paper
👍 2-in-1 design offers great flexibility
👍 Lid helps preserve paints between sessions
👍 Very good value for the included accessories
👍 Compact and easy to store
Cons:
👎 Brushes are basic starter quality
👎 The palette itself is plastic, not premium
👎 Can feel crowded with all the items packed in
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic entry point for new painters. You get everything you need to experiment and see which palette style you prefer, all for a very reasonable price.
Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette & 11PCS Detail Paint Brushes
This all-in-one kit is perfect for painters who want a complete dry palette setup without buying separate pieces.
It comes with a sturdy dry palette, a brush holder, and a great selection of detail brushes. You also get a huge supply of 100 palette papers and replacement sponges. This means you can start painting right away.
The palette itself is durable and has deep wells for mixing paints. The included brush holder keeps your tools organized and safe between sessions. It’s a very practical and space-saving design for your hobby desk.
Pros:
👍 Complete starter kit with brushes and palette
👍 Includes 100 sheets of palette paper
👍 Has a convenient brush holder
👍 Deep mixing wells prevent spills
👍 Good value for the number of items
Cons:
👎 Brushes are decent but not professional-grade
👎 The palette lid could be more secure
👎 Sponges may need replacing over time
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic bundle for beginners or anyone wanting a tidy, all-in-one solution. You get everything you need to organize your paints and brushes in one purchase, which I really appreciate.
Nicpro Stay Wet Palette for Acrylic Miniature Painting Kit
This palette is a fantastic starter kit that keeps your paints workable for days, not hours.
It comes with a huge supply of 100 palette papers and four sponges. You won’t need to buy refills for a very long time. The kit has a brush holder and a lid to keep everything moist.
The container is sturdy and seals tightly. I found it very easy to set up and start using right away.
Pros:
👍 Excellent value with tons of paper
👍 Keeps acrylics wet for extended sessions
👍 Includes a handy brush rest
👍 Lid creates a solid, airtight seal
👍 Very beginner-friendly and simple
Cons:
👎 The palette itself is a bit large for small desks
👎 Sponges can be slightly uneven in thickness
👎 Paper can sometimes curl at the edges
My Honest Opinion:
This is a perfect first wet palette. The amount of paper you get makes it a tremendous deal. If you’re tired of wasted paint, this kit will solve that problem immediately.
Nicpro Stay Wet Palette for Painting Miniature
This all-in-one kit is perfect for painters who want to keep their acrylics workable for days without the hassle.
It comes with a deep tray, a secure lid, and a massive supply of 100 palette papers. You also get four sponges and a built-in brush holder. This means you have everything you need to start painting right away.
The design is simple and effective. The lid creates a tight seal to keep moisture in, and the brush holder is a convenient touch. It’s a very user-friendly system for beginners and veterans alike.
Pros:
👍 Excellent value with tons of included paper
👍 Deep tray prevents spills and holds moisture well
👍 The secure lid is crucial for long-term paint storage
👍 Built-in brush holder is a handy feature
👍 Comes with multiple sponges for replacements
Cons:
👎 The plastic can feel a bit lightweight
👎 Sponges may need trimming for a perfect fit
👎 Lid seal could be more heavy-duty
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic starter kit that removes all the guesswork. For the price, the amount of paper you get makes it a very smart buy for any miniature painter looking to try a wet palette.
Nicpro Miniature Painting Kit with Wet Palette & 11PCS Detail Paint Brushes
This all-in-one kit is perfect for beginners who want to try a wet palette without buying everything separately.
You get a complete setup with the palette, plenty of paper, sponges, and a brush holder. It even includes a set of detail brushes for drybrushing and other techniques. This makes it a fantastic value for your money.
The palette itself is sturdy and has a good seal to keep your paints moist. I found the included sponges work well, and having 100 sheets of paper means you won’t run out anytime soon.
Pros:
👍 Excellent all-in-one starter kit
👍 Great value with brushes and supplies
👍 Comes with 100 sheets of palette paper
👍 Palette has a reliable, airtight seal
👍 Brush holder keeps your tools organized
Cons:
👎 Brushes are decent but not professional-grade
👎 The palette is a bit bulky for some workspaces
👎 Paper quality is functional but not the best
My Honest Opinion:
If you’re new to using a wet palette, this kit removes all the guesswork. It gives you everything you need in one box to start improving your paint consistency right away.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Surface Texture & Material
The primary job of a dry palette is to have a rough surface that removes excess paint from your brush. Look for palettes made of stone, textured plastic, or with a gritty, sandpaper-like finish. A smooth surface won’t work for proper drybrushing.
Size & Portability
Consider your workspace. A standard 8×6 inch palette is versatile for most projects. If you paint at a dedicated station, a larger palette or a 2-in-1 wet/dry combo is great. For portability, a simple, single-texture palette is easiest to store.
Durability & Cleanup
A good dry palette should be sturdy and easy to clean. Non-porous materials like hard plastic or sealed stone allow you to scrape off dried acrylic paint easily. Avoid materials that stain or absorb paint, as this can muddy your colors over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a wet palette and a dry palette?
A wet palette keeps paints moist for hours or days, perfect for blending and base coating. A dry palette has a textured surface specifically for wiping paint off a brush to create highlights through the drybrushing technique.
Can I just use a piece of cardboard as a dry palette?
You can, but a dedicated textured palette works much better. Cardboard is too absorbent and can leave fibers in your brush. A proper dry palette provides consistent, controlled texture for perfect results every time.
How do I clean a dry palette?
Let the acrylic paint dry completely, then flex the palette or use a scraper tool (often included) to peel the paint off. For stubborn spots, a quick scrub with water and an old brush usually works.
Do I need a dry palette if I already have a wet palette?
Yes, they serve completely different purposes. A wet palette is for paint application, while a dry palette is a technique tool for drybrushing. Most serious miniature painters use both.
Are the included brushes in kits any good?
Kits like the Golden Maple or Nicpro bundles include decent starter brushes for detail work and drybrushing. They’re great for beginners, but you’ll likely want to invest in higher-quality sable brushes as your skills advance.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For a dedicated, high-quality dry palette, the Fuyoooo Miniature Painting Dry Brush Palette is our top pick. Its perfect skeleton-textured surface and durable black plastic construction make it an ideal, no-fuss tool. If you’re just starting out and want an all-in-one solution, the Golden Maple 2 in 1 Dry and Wet Palette kit offers incredible value with everything you need.
Your choice comes down to simplicity versus versatility. A standalone dry palette is a specialist’s tool, while a combo kit is a fantastic foundation for a new hobbyist.