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Best Mini Watercolor Palette

Pocket-sized watercolor kits for urban sketching, journaling, and everyday carry. I've tested everything from mint tins to premium German pocket sets.

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

Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Set 12

starstarstarstarstar4.7/5· 12 half-pans · 130g
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The best combination of size, function, and price for everyday carry. The water brush means you need zero other equipment — open, wet the brush, paint. I used this for a year of urban sketching before upgrading.

Pros

  • check_circleGenuinely pocket-sized — fits a jacket pocket
  • check_circleBuilt-in mixing area on the lid
  • check_circleWater brush included
  • check_circleMagnetic closure, solid build quality

Cons

  • cancelStudent-grade pigments — colors fade faster than artist grade
  • cancelSmall mixing area limits large wash work
#2 Best Pigment Quality

Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Pocket Set

starstarstarstarstar4.8/5· 12 half-pans · 180g
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If you paint seriously and want professional pigments in a shirt pocket, this is the set. The Schmincke colors look different from student-grade — richer granulation, deeper value range — you notice it on the first wash.

Pros

  • check_circleProfessional single-pigment colors
  • check_circleHighest lightfastness ratings in the range
  • check_circleSmall German tin with strong magnetic closure
  • check_circleColors rewet instantly after weeks dry

Cons

  • cancel3× the price of the Koi
  • cancelNo water brush included
  • cancelSlightly larger than the Koi
#3 Best DIY Option

Altoids Tin Watercolor Kit (DIY Build)

starstarstarstarstar4.5/5· Variable · ~60g
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If you want the smallest possible kit with colors you've chosen yourself, the DIY tin route is the answer. Magnetic half-pan inserts fit any Altoids-style tin. I carry 8 custom colors this way for quick sketches. See the full guide for how to set it up.

Pros

  • check_circleLightest possible carry — under 100g
  • check_circleFully customizable color selection
  • check_circleAny mint tin works as the base
  • check_circleMagnetic pan inserts available online

Cons

  • cancelRequires setup time — not a ready-to-use kit
  • cancelNo mixing area without a separate tile

Want to build your own mini palette?

Almost any small metal tin can become a functional travel palette. See the full step-by-step guide.

DIY Watercolor Palette Guide arrow_forward

Common Questions

How many colors do you actually need in a mini palette?+
8 is enough to mix nearly everything with skill. 12 is comfortable. I use 8 colors in my everyday carry tin: Hansa Yellow, Pyrrol Scarlet, Quinacridone Rose, Phthalo Blue GS, Phthalo Green BS, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, and Neutral Tint. That covers 95% of what I paint outdoors.
What's the difference between a mini palette and a travel palette?+
Mini palettes are shirt-pocket sized — typically under 150g. Travel palettes are bag-sized, usually 200–350g with more wells and a larger mixing area. If you want something for a bag, look at the travel palette guide. Mini is for true everyday carry.
Can I use a mini palette for detailed work?+
Yes, with a fine brush — a size 4 round handles most detail work. The limiting factor is mixing area, not pigment quality. For complex paintings with large washes, you'll want a larger mixing surface. For sketches, studies, and journaling, a mini is completely viable.
How do I build my own mini palette?+
Start with an Altoids tin or similar metal tin. Buy empty half-pan shells and magnetic inserts. Fill pans with tube paint, let dry 48 hours. Glue magnet strips to the tin interior. Add a small folding ceramic tile as a mixing surface. Total cost: under $20 if you already have tube paints.

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