Comparing The Best Palettes For Oil Painting

Here's a list of all the palettes compared:

The 10 Best Palettes For Oil Painting Reviewed

1. New Wave Glass Palette

Glass is undoubtedly one of the best surfaces to use when it comes to mixing your oil paints.

It's environmentally friendly, it can be scraped completely clean with a razor, and it's the smoothest surface to use when mixing your paints with a brush or palette knife.

These properties and more are why we loved this palette by New Wave.

With 3 sizes available:

9" x 12"
12" x 16"
16" x 20"

You have a generous mixing area and never feel overly cramped.

While not suitable for plein air use due to its size, it's definitely one of the best studio palettes money can buy.

The rubber reinforced corners also help prevent any incidental cracks or chips while using.

Another great feature is the frosted backing. Available in clear, grey, or white, it makes easier to mix colors and get accurate color representation.

2. Caran d'Ache Palette Aquarelle

This hybrid palette by Caran d'Ache is perfect for artists who never want to stick to just a single medium.

Formed from a single piece of Plexiglas, it features two distinct surfaces on either side (rough and smooth).

The rough side is perfect for wet mediums like watercolor blends to prevent them from rolling off the edge.

The smooth side of this palette is great for oils, acrylics, and gouache as it makes mixing extremely easy.

While it's not a glass surface (so flat razors won't work here), you will need to use a solvent to get it completely clean.

At only $12, it's a well-rounded palette for artists still deciding if oil is their medium of choice.

3. Mijello Multi-Purpose Palette

There's a lot to love with this full-sized yet travel-friendly palette by Mijello.

One of the biggest problems when taking a standard palette to school or en plein air is that you need to wipe it clean while traveling.

With this 13.5" x 9" palette, it has a lid that is airtight when snapped together.

This means two things:

Your oil paints won't leak out while traveling (saving you money)
The oil paints won't dry out either

Even after a few days in storage, they will be just as fluid as when initially squeezed from the tube.

Another benefit is that once you return to your studio, all your mixed colors stay put, so you don't have to remix the same colors.

While we wish it was slightly smaller for painting outdoors, it's still an extremely versatile palette worth checking out.

4. Pro Art Oil Palette Pad

Perfect for classroom and plein air use, this palette pad by Pro Art is a great disposable pick if you're painting on the go.

With easily tear-away sheets, you can mix your oil paint and throw them away when done.

While not the most sustainable, nor the easiest to mix on given the lack of weight (compared to glass palettes), it's a very use-case specific palette.

Sheets come in two sizes:

9" x 12" (50 sheets)
12" x 16" (50 sheets)

Providing ample mixing space.

The biggest complaint is that it can tear from the binding while using, but this can be fixed by taping it to an extra canvas panel or board.

5. Art Advantage Non-Stick Palette

This white acrylic palette is a budget-friendly pick for artists looking to save money.

Priced under $15, it gets the job done.

The biggest advantage is the thumbhole, allowing comfortable standing use at an easel or en plein air.

Since it's not glass, cleanup options are slightly limited. You'll need solvents rather than a razor blade.

Using a razor repeatedly can cause deep scratches and chips that trap paint.

At 11" x 15", it's a sizeable yet versatile palette for outdoor or studio use.

6. Xpassion Palettes

There's much to love about this little palette from Xpassion.

Perfect for beginners looking for organization, it features:

10 separate wells (6 circular, 4 irregular)
Keeps colors separate to prevent muddying
Great for mixing
Protects from excess linseed oil or solvents

At 9" x 7", it's perfect for academic, plein air, and studio use.

It comes in a set of three, so if one breaks, you have replacements.

While not the most environmentally friendly, it's great for hobbyists or casual painters at about $7 for the set.

7. Mijello Ellipse Peel Off Palettes

This unique plastic palette is a non-porous surface where dried oil peels away.

With acrylics or oils, you don't need razors or solvents - just peel with your hands.

Reviews confirm its effectiveness, with artists amazed at how easily paint peels away even after weeks.

If you want a no-fuss solution that's portable (7.75" x 10.5") and versatile (includes thumb hole), this palette is worth considering.

8. New Wave Posh Tabletop Palette

Made by the Amish in Pennsylvania, this hardwood maple palette not only looks incredible but provides an excellent surface for oils.

This super smooth surface makes mixing with palette knives and brushes easy.

While not very portable, it's a unique and beautiful palette, especially as a gift.

Available in grey toned and maple - we recommend the maple for its beautiful appearance.

9. Stephen Quiller Color Wheel Palette

Perfect for absolute beginners, this circular palette (representing the color wheel) makes mixing fun and easy.

Great for beginners or young artists, it's a fantastic introduction to color mixing.

Includes a color wheel for guidance with generous mixing wells to explore color relationships.

10. Richeson Wooden Palettes

For artists wanting that old-school master's feel, these wooden palettes are ideal.

Coming in 4 distinct ergonomic styles, they make painting comfortable.

While not travel-friendly, they're perfect studio additions for easel work.

Starting under $5, they're an affordable choice for hobbyists and decorators.