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Best Large Watercolor Palette

For studio painters who mix large washes and work with a broad color range. These palettes give you the space to work without constantly fighting a cramped mixing area.

By Sarah Mitchell·Updated April 2026·3 palettes tested
#1 Best Overall

Holbein Watercolor Set 36 Ceramic Pan

starstarstarstarstar4.8/5· 36 ceramic pans
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The palette I paint with every day. 36 wells is exactly right — warm and cool versions of every primary, a full earth range, and no colors I never touch. The ceramic surface makes mixing fast and clean.

Pros

  • check_circleCeramic surface throughout — no bead-up
  • check_circleLarge mixing area on the lid
  • check_circleAll single-pigment colors
  • check_circleDeep wells hold a generous amount of paint

Cons

  • cancelExpensive — around $180 for the set
  • cancelHeavy — not meant to move around
#2 Best Budget Large

Winsor & Newton Professional 45-Well Palette

starstarstarstarstar4.5/5· 45 wells
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If you need a lot of wells at a low price, this does the job. The plastic surface is a real tradeoff — scrub a drop of dish soap into each well before first use, rinse, and bead-up drops enough to be workable on most colors.

Pros

  • check_circleLarge mixing surface — more room than most plastic palettes this price
  • check_circleLightweight with thumb-hole
  • check_circleFolds flat for storage
  • check_circleVery affordable for the size

Cons

  • cancelPlastic surface — paint beads on some colors
  • cancelTabs wear over years of use
#3 Best for Wet Techniques

Mijello Mission Gold 40-Well Airtight

starstarstarstarstar4.7/5· 40 deep wells
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Best for painters who work large and wet. The airtight lid means I can squeeze out large amounts of paint and come back days later to find it still workable. The 40 wells give room to work without feeling cramped.

Pros

  • check_circleAirtight seal keeps paint moist for weeks
  • check_circleGlazed ceramic surface
  • check_circleDeep wells fit large tube squeezes
  • check_circleHorizontal layout keeps mixing and pans separate

Cons

  • cancelBulky — takes up real desk space
  • cancelSeal sticks if paint dries on it — clean regularly

Common Questions

How many wells is enough for a studio watercolor palette?+
Most professional watercolorists work with 24–36 wells consistently filled. More than 36 typically means colors that live in the palette for months between uses. I tested with 48 wells for a year and ended up using the same 28 slots every session — the extra wells became clutter.
Should a studio palette have a lid?+
Yes, always — even if you paint daily. Dust settling on dried paint creates gritty washes. A lid also keeps curious hands (and cats) out. If you paint every day, any lid works. If you paint a few times a week, the Mijello's airtight seal is worth the price to keep paint moist.
What's the best layout for a large watercolor palette?+
I arrange warm colors on one side, cool on the other, with neutral earths in the middle. See the full layout guide with diagrams on the setup page. The layout matters more than most people think — good arrangement means fewer accidental muddy mixes.
Can I mix brands of paint in the same palette?+
Yes. I run Holbein, Daniel Smith, and M. Graham in the same palette. Different binder strengths mean some colors rewet slightly faster than neighbors, but it's not a practical problem. The ceramic surface handles all brands the same way.

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