Wet palette for acrylics - homemade, cheap solutions

The greatest quality of acrylics is also the biggest problem: they dry too fast!
Let's see how we can keep acrylic paint moist and workable!

Moisture-retaining palette.

All you need is:
- a plastic box with a fitted lid or plate of any kind or size (ice-cream box),
- paper towel and
- greaseproof paper (baking paper).

Step 1. Cut two sheets of paper towel and one sheet of greaseproof paper at the size of the box.
Step 2. Place the paper towel at the bottom of the box and soak it. Drain off the excess water.
Step 3. On top of this, layer a slightly larger piece of greaseproof paper and gently press all over, so that it makes contact with the paper-towel layers beneath it.
You are done, voilà your wet palette!

How much the drying time can be extended depends on the temperature and the humidity. The paint stays wet for days, as long as the paper tower is wet. If you want to take a break, just place the lid on it or wrap it in plastic.
Be aware that in extended period of time the paint does gradually become watery.
Don't put it in the fridge because the colder it gets, the more brittle acrylics become.
If you need just a few colors you can use a smaller box for a palette. In the picture you can see an empty ice cream box. I use it very often especially if I am painting on the go.

Such empty candy boxes can be used for mixing color. In this case, if you need much color, you have to use a retarder. Wrap the box in a plastic if you take a break.

Happy painting!