Learn how to use the Army Painter Wet Palette with easy instructions and advanced tips for blending, glazing, and keeping your paints fresh for your next session!
Mastering the Army Painter Wet Palette: Step-by-Step Guide & Pro Tips for Miniature Painting
If you’ve ever picked up a brush to paint a miniature and found your paint drying out faster than you can get that perfect stroke, you know the struggle. Enter the wet palette—a painter’s secret weapon. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’ve been painting for years, the wet palette makes life a whole lot easier.
This handy tool keeps your acrylic paints hydrated, ensuring they stay workable for longer, which means less wasted paint, smoother blends, and better overall results. So, if you’re serious about your miniature painting game, the wet palette is the trusty sidekick you didn’t know you needed.
Grab the Army Painter Wet Palette Here
How to Use a Wet Palette: Step-by-Step Instructions for the Army Painter Wet Palette
If you’re staring at your minis, ready to transform them from monochrome plastic into vibrant battlefield warriors, your trusty wet palette is about to become your best friend.
Whether you’ve been painting for years or just picked up your first brush, learning how to use a wet palette like the Army Painter version can seriously level up your skills (and with some easy instructions).
Let’s break it down into some easy yet game-changing steps.
Step 1: Instructions For Setting Up the Army Painter Wet Palette
Before you start slapping paint on your minis, it’s crucial to get your wet palette set up correctly. You wouldn’t start a quest without your armor, and you certainly shouldn’t start painting without setting up your palette, right?
Soak the Hydro Foam Sheet
First things first, the Hydro Foam Sheet is the engine of your wet palette—it’s what keeps everything running smoothly. To kick things off, run that foam under some cool tap water.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: the foam absorbs water like a sponge, but don’t go dunking it like you’re trying to drown a troll! You want it soaked through but not dripping.
A soggy palette means your paint will become too watery, so find that sweet spot where the foam is moist but not flooding your tray. A little water over the surface of the foam is fine—just keep an eye on it.
Place the Hydro Sheet on Top
Next up, it’s time to lay down the Hydro Sheet, your painting canvas, in this setup. Smooth and even is the goal here.
Gently place it over the foam, and if you see any wrinkles or air bubbles, you’ll want to press those out. Think of it like setting up a battlefield—any uneven terrain can mess with your tactics.
The sheet should be perfectly flat and fully touching the foam so it can soak up moisture properly. If it’s too dry, just lightly sprinkle some water on top until it looks and feels ready for battle.
Step 2: Adding Paint to the Wet Palette
With your wet palette primed and ready, it’s time to load up your paints and get those brushes moving.
How Much Paint to Use on a Wet Palette
Here’s the trick with a wet palette: a little goes a long way. Unlike a dry palette, where you might pile on the paint, the moisture in the wet palette keeps things workable for much longer.
Just dab a small amount of paint onto the Hydro Sheet—you can always add more later. This helps avoid waste and keeps the colors fresh throughout your session.
Plus, the paint stays at that perfect creamy consistency, so you’re not scrambling to remix when things dry out halfway through a coat.
Blending and Mixing Paint on a Wet Palette
One of the true joys of a wet palette is how beautifully it handles blending. Because your paint stays wet and workable, you have plenty of time to mix your colors on the sheet itself. Want a smooth transition from dark to light? Wet palette to the rescue.
Need to thin your paint for a wash? Just pull in a little water from the edges of the palette with your brush, and you’re good to go. It’s all about flexibility here, letting you adjust as you paint.
Step 3: Maintaining Moisture While Painting
You’ve got your paints laid out, you’re blending like a pro, and everything’s going smoothly. But as time goes on, you’ll need to keep an eye on the moisture levels in your wet palette to avoid a mid-session dry spell.
How to Rewet Your Army Painter Wet Palette
The key to keeping things going strong is knowing when to add more water. A handy squeeze bottle will do the trick here.
Once you notice the edges of your palette looking a little dry, it’s time to squirt some water along the sides of the foam—think of it like refilling your potion supply mid-battle. This will seep into the foam and keep the moisture flowing up through the Hydro Sheet without over-soaking your paint.
How to Store Paint for Later Use
What makes the Army Painter Wet Palette a powerhouse is its airtight design. If you’re done for the day but want to save those beautifully mixed colors for another session, just pop the lid on. The airtight seal will keep your paints fresh for days, sometimes even longer.
When you’re ready to get back into it, your paint will still be in fighting form, saving you the hassle of remixing colors or wasting paint. Just remember to store it flat—no one wants a palette avalanche!
Grab the Army Painter Wet Palette Here
What Is a Wet Palette?
A wet palette might sound like something exotic, but it’s surprisingly simple—and brilliant. At its core, it’s a specially designed palette that helps your paint stay moist (and yes, that’s a good thing in this context).
How? By creating a gentle, water-based environment that keeps your acrylic paint from drying out.
The paint sits on a dampened sheet of paper placed over a layer of foam soaked with water, and voilà—your paint stays usable for hours, sometimes even days.
This makes it a game-changer for miniature painters who like to take their time perfecting every detail without rushing against drying paint.
Key Components of the Army Painter Wet Palette & Instructions
So, what’s inside this magical little box? Let’s break it down.
Hydro Foam Sheet
First up, we have the Hydro Foam Sheet. This foam is your moisture source, acting as a sponge that holds water for long periods. It’s super absorbent and releases just enough water to keep the paper on top damp but not too wet. Think of it as the foundation—without this, your wet palette is just a regular old tray.
Hydro Paper Sheets
Next, you’ve got the Hydro Paper Sheets, which are essentially your painting surface. These sheets are placed on top of the foam, and they transfer moisture up to the paint while also providing a smooth surface for mixing.
The beauty of these sheets is that they keep your paint from soaking up too much water, giving you just the right balance.
Airtight Palette Tray
Finally, there’s the Airtight Palette Tray. This little miracle ensures your paints stay fresh even when you’re not painting.
Simply pop the lid on when you’re done, and your paints will stay moist and ready to go when you return. No more scraping dried-up paint blobs off your palette or wasting precious product!
Benefits of Using a Wet Palette for Miniature Painting
Now that you know what a wet palette is, let’s talk about why it’s a must-have in your painting kit.
- Keeps Paint Moist for Extended Periods: Say goodbye to your paint drying out mid-session. The wet palette keeps your colors fresh and ready to use, even if you take a break.
- Ideal for Blending and Mixing Colors: Love experimenting with shades? The wet palette helps you achieve smooth transitions and gradients because your paint stays workable, giving you plenty of time to blend.
- Saves Paint and Reduces Waste: With the wet palette, you can squeeze out a little bit of paint and know it’ll last you the whole session—no more tossing dried-up blobs at the end of the day.
To see Rob break down how to use a wet palette and how it’s held up after a year, check it out here!
Why Choose the Army Painter Wet Palette?
With so many wet palettes out there, why go for the Army Painter version? Glad you asked!
- Affordable and High-Quality Materials: Army Painter is known for providing top-notch products without breaking the bank, and their wet palette is no exception. You get great value without skimping on quality.
- Customizable for Beginners and Experienced Painters: Whether you’re trying out your first mini or you’re working on your 100th, this palette adapts to your needs. You can tweak the moisture levels and set it up exactly how you like it.
- Designed for Long Painting Sessions: For those marathon painting sessions, the Army Painter wet palette holds up. The airtight seal keeps your paints fresh, even if you decide to take a break and come back later.
In short, the Army Painter wet palette makes your painting life easier. It’s affordable, versatile, and designed to keep you painting at your best—no matter where you are in your miniature painting journey.
So, get ready to up your game with this simple but effective tool! Get yours here!
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Army Painter Wet Palette
Your Army Painter Wet Palette is like the legendary sword of your painting arsenal. It’s the trusty tool that keeps your paints ready for battle, but like any finely crafted weapon, it needs some care and maintenance.
After all, you don’t want your paint station turning into the lair of a swamp monster (mold, anyone?). Fear not! Whether you’re a newcomer or have been painting for years, here’s how to keep your wet palette in prime condition.
Instructions on How to Clean the Army Painter Wet Palette After Use
You’ve had a great painting session—your minis look fantastic, and the colors flowed like the finest elven wines. But now comes the part every painter dreads: cleanup.
Luckily, keeping your Army Painter Wet Palette clean is pretty simple, and it’ll keep your paints fresh and your workspace tidy.
Removing the Hydro Paper and Cleaning the Foam
First, let’s deal with that Hydro Paper. It’s probably seen better days, covered in swirls of paint that look like the aftermath of a battle.
Carefully peel the paper off the foam. If you’re feeling cautious (or your paint pile is starting to resemble Mount Doom), you might want to do this over a sink to avoid spills.
Next up is the Hydro Foam Sheet. This is the heart of your wet palette, so give it the care it deserves.
Rinse the foam under warm water to wash away the leftover paint. Avoid using hot water, as that can warp the foam faster than a mage casting Fireball.
Gentle circular motions work best here. You don’t need to scrub it within an inch of its life—just enough to clear off the paint and get it ready for the next session.
Preventing Mold and Maintaining Freshness
Now, let’s talk about mold. Mold loves damp, dark places—like your wet palette if you leave it closed for too long without cleaning.
A regular rinse with warm water after each session is a good start, but if you want to go the extra mile, give your foam and palette a vinegar rinse every few uses.
Just mix a little vinegar with water, and it’ll help keep those pesky spores at bay. And don’t forget the palette tray itself! Every once in a while, wash the whole thing with warm soapy water.
This helps maintain freshness and prevents any funky odors from building up. It’s like giving your palette a spa day—it’ll thank you for it by keeping your paints in top shape.
Grab the Army Painter Wet Palette Here
When to Replace the Hydro Sheets and Foam
Even the best tools wear down over time. Your wet palette’s Hydro Sheets and Foam will need to be replaced eventually, but knowing when can save you from unnecessary frustration.
Signs That You Need a New Hydro Sheet
So, how do you know when your Hydro Sheet has had enough? Simple: if it starts to wrinkle, tear, or refuses to stay smooth, no matter how much you try to flatten it, it’s time for a new one.
Think of it like a knight’s armor—once it’s full of dents and dings, it’s not going to protect you as it should.
If your paint starts to dry out faster or the sheet gets rough and bumpy, it’s giving you a clear sign that it’s time to move on.
How Often to Replace the Hydro Foam
Now, the Hydro Foam is a bit more resilient, but even it has its limits. Over time, it might start to harden or lose its ability to hold water properly.
You’ll know it’s time to replace the foam if it’s no longer soaking up water as efficiently or if you notice that your paint is drying out faster than usual.
For long-term maintenance, it’s a good idea to replace the foam every few months, depending on how often you paint. And if the foam starts feeling stiff or brittle, that’s your cue to swap it out.
It’s like a wizard’s spellbook—once the pages are too worn to read, you’re not going to cast spells very effectively. Keep your foam fresh, and your wet palette will keep working its magic!
Advanced Painting Techniques with the Army Painter Wet Palette
So, you’ve got your Army Painter Wet Palette all set up and ready to go, but now you want to take things to the next level.
Whether you’re in the middle of painting a hulking orc or delicately adding details to an elven archer, the wet palette is your secret weapon for achieving pro-level results. Let’s talk about two key techniques that the wet palette can enhance: blending and glazing.
Blending and Glazing Techniques
The wet palette is more than just a handy tool—it’s a game-changer for smooth color transitions and those delicate finishing touches. Let’s break it down.
Instructions for Using the Army Painter Wet Palette for Smooth Transitions
Blending colors without harsh lines can sometimes feel like you’re trying to forge the One Ring—tricky, but not impossible!
The wet palette gives you an edge by keeping your paints moist and workable longer. You can easily mix two or more colors on the palette itself, letting you find that perfect transition from shadow to highlight.
Here’s a trick: put your darker and lighter shades next to each other on the palette, then slowly pull from each to mix in the middle. This gives you a seamless gradient, allowing your miniatures to look like they’ve just stepped out of a high-fantasy saga.
As you work, the moisture from the wet palette keeps everything flexible. No more stressing about your paint drying before you’re done! It’s all about patience and finesse—your wet palette ensures the battlefield of color blending is a smooth one.
Glazing for Miniature Details
Glazing is where your wet palette truly shines. Imagine your miniature bathed in the soft glow of moonlight or with subtle reflections of armor in the midst of battle. Glazing helps you achieve these effects with thin, translucent layers of paint.
With the wet palette, it’s easy to thin your paint to just the right consistency. Simply add a small amount of water to your chosen color directly on the palette, mix it with your brush, and you’re ready to glaze. Apply the paint in thin, even coats.
The goal here is subtlety—each layer builds up gradually, creating rich color depth and realistic highlights. No rushing required, because your wet palette has your back, keeping everything moist and manageable.
Wet Palette Techniques for Veterans
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to tap into some advanced tricks. The wet palette is perfect for storing custom color mixes and working with different types of paint. Let’s dive into these power moves.
Storing Complex Color Blends
Got a perfect shade of goblin green that you’re not quite finished with but don’t want to waste? No problem!
The Army Painter Wet Palette’s airtight seal keeps your colors fresh, so you can return to them later—whether that’s in an hour or a few days.
Just leave the paint on the palette, slap the lid on, and when you’re ready to paint again, your mix will still be good to go. This is especially handy for those complex blends that take time to perfect.
No need to remember how much ultramarine you added to that highlight—just store it in the palette and pick up where you left off.
Managing Dry and Heavy Body Acrylic Paints on the Wet Palette
While the wet palette works like a charm for most acrylic paints, it can be a little trickier with heavier body paints. The key here is water control.
If your paint feels too thick, you can add a little extra water to your palette’s foam—just a few drops will do the trick. Heavier paints sometimes need more moisture to stay flexible, so adjust the water level as needed.
On the flip side, if your paint feels too wet, just blot a little off with your brush. Mastering water control with your wet palette will help you handle any type of paint you throw at it, keeping you in command of your craft.
Get Your Army Painter Wet Palette and Start Painting Like a Pro!
If all this talk of blending, glazing, and pro techniques has you itching to get painting, then it’s time to get your hands on an Army Painter Wet Palette. Trust me, this is one tool you won’t want to paint without once you’ve experienced its benefits.
Where to Buy the Army Painter Wet Palette
You can grab your Army Painter Wet Palette from several online retailers and local hobby shops. Here are some handy links to get you started:
Final Thoughts on the Army Painter Wet Palette
In the grand saga of miniature painting, the Army Painter Wet Palette is like wielding an enchanted artifact—a simple tool, but one that can change the course of your hobbying destiny.
Whether you’re a newbie just picking up your brush for the first time or a painter who’s seen a thousand battles on the tabletop, this little tray of wonder is going to make your life easier, your colors smoother, and your blends seamless.
With a wet palette at your side, you’ll spend less time-fighting dried-up paints and more time breathing life into your miniatures. From perfect color transitions to keeping that goblin green ready for action, it’s the ultimate companion in your quest for painting mastery.
Get Your Army Painter Paints & Wet Palette Here!
Have you used a wet palette before? What about the Army Painter Wet Palette version and these easy-to-use instructions?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
