Notes from the bench
How to make a DIY wet palette
Try a small homemade palette with a shallow tray, absorbent layer and suitable palette paper before choosing a dedicated system.
A homemade wet palette is a way to try the working layout before choosing a dedicated system. The essential arrangement is a shallow tray, an absorbent water reservoir and a paint surface above it. Treat a homemade version as an experiment: it has no manufacturer-tested seal or guaranteed paint-storage time.
| You need | Choose | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tray | Clean, shallow, stable container | A deep rim blocking your brush |
| Reservoir | Replacement wet-palette foam that fits flat in the tray | Dirty, shedding or fragranced material |
| Surface | Purpose-made wet-palette paper compatible with the paint | Assuming all kitchen papers behave alike |
| Cover | Lid that does not touch the paint | Assuming it is leakproof |
Build a small version first
Use a container dedicated to hobby use rather than returning it to food storage. Start with replacement wet-palette foam and the paper intended for that foam. Choose a tray with enough room for both to lie flat, without folding their edges up the sides. This keeps the homemade part to the container rather than asking an unknown kitchen material to regulate moisture.
Prepare the foam and paper according to their manufacturer's instructions, then place them in the tray. The two makers linked below give different foam-preparation advice, so use the instructions for the materials you bought.
The surface should be supported across its working area. If it folds or rides up the walls, trim a new piece. Remove obvious air pockets gently. Start with a single small spot of familiar water-based acrylic, away from the edges, and test it on a spare surface.
Do not add a large pool of water above the paper. You are looking for a usable mixing surface rather than a tray of diluted paint. Because homemade materials vary, adjust cautiously and change one thing at a time.
Be careful with kitchen substitutes
Baking paper, greaseproof paper and parchment are not dependable descriptions of one universal material. Coatings and absorbency vary. If a sheet rejects water, sheds fibres or changes the paint unpredictably, it is not useful for this job. Purpose-made replacement paper removes one variable while you test the container and reservoir.
Kitchen sponge or towel introduces another variable: it may hold and release water differently from purpose-made foam. The manufacturer's directions in the sources describe its own products, not every homemade substitute. If your aim is simply to try the layout, start with the known foam and paper rather than changing every layer at once.
Decide what the experiment tells you
Try the layout for a few sessions. Is the rim in the way? Do you need more mixing room? Is the lid easy to put aside? These observations help you choose a commercial palette without guessing from photographs.
Empty and clean the homemade tray after use, and discard contaminated materials. Do not promise yourself a saved mixture will remain usable for a certain number of days. Keep it level, away from children and pets, and inspect before reuse.
Read the wet palette guide for setup, thinning and storage, or return to the starter checklist.
Sources & further reading
- The Army Painter: wet palette principle and setup — checked 2026-10-25
- Redgrass: hydration paper and membrane setup — checked 2026-10-25