Nicpro Stay Wet Palette for Acrylic Miniature Painting Kit
Product description
What it is and what it solves
The Nicpro Stay Wet Palette is a two-in-one painting solution designed to keep acrylics workable for longer. With a lid to seal in moisture, the setup helps prevent paints from drying out between sessions and also makes it easy to save leftover colours for the next painting. Sized at 9.6 x 6.2 inches, it aims to suit hobbyists who work with miniatures, model paints, and DIY crafts without constantly re-wetting their palette.
How it’s laid out and what you get
This kit features a multi-compartment system: a cover tray, a middle tray with 16 deep wells for mixing and a couple of water wells at the corners, and a bottom tray that can double as a dry palette. The kit includes four grey sponges, 100 palette paper sheets, a brush rest holder, and an elastic band to keep everything together. The grey sponges are designed for strong water absorption and to help you view colours more accurately, while the thicker palette paper resists tearing and soaks up moisture to keep paints ready for use.
Why the design matters on the bench
On the page, it might look like a simple tray, but the two-tray, two-function approach is meant to reduce switching between tools. The middle wells allow you to separate colours or wash brushes, while the covered tray protects wet paint during longer sessions. If you’re painting miniatures or doing a craft class, this can streamline the workflow by reducing setup changes and keeping a broader colour range accessible without drying out.
What stands out and where it might fall short
On the plus side, the kit delivers a straightforward, practical solution for keeping acrylics wet and ready. The added components—the brush rest and elastic band—help keep the workspace tidy and organised. The main caveat is that performance depends on how you use the sponge and paper together, if you expect ultra-long drying resistance in very warm environments, you may notice limits with larger batches of paint. It’s not a dedicated studio palette, but for hobbyists and classrooms, the value-proposition rests in convenience and reusability rather than premium materials.
Who it’s for
This palette kit is well-suited to model painters, miniature hobbyists, and DIY crafters who want a modestly sized, economical wet palette. It can also suit small teaching groups or entry-to-mid level classes where keeping paints ready between sessions matters. If you prioritise a compact footprint and an all-in-one supply pack, this kit hits that sweet spot.
Who might want to rethink it
If you frequently work with large volumes of paint or need extreme temperature resilience, a purpose-built professional wet palette with higher-capacity sponges and heavier-duty paper might feel more robust. Likewise, if you already own a similar two-tray system or prefer a completely sealed storage solution with extra lids and seals, this model could feel limited.
When it makes sense to buy
Consider this kit if you’re starting out with miniature painting or running a small class where an affordable, ready-to-use wet palette helps reduce setup time. It’s also a practical upgrade from a basic dry palette when you want to keep colours wet between sessions without frequent rehydration.
What to review before purchasing
- Check the compatibility with acrylics you use most, thicker sponges and paper can alter how quickly paints re-wet.
- Consider your workspace climate, in very dry or hot rooms, you may need to replenish moisture more often.
- Look at the interchangeability of the middle well layout for your preferred mixing approach and whether the two dark wells meet your needs for brush cleaning or separating colours.
Practical use note (micro-experience)
A typical setup: soak the sponges, lay out a few palette papers, mix a base shade in the middle wells, and keep a couple of reserve colours in the corner wells. The lid helps if you pause mid-session and return later, reducing the risk of dried edges on your acrylics. It works reasonably well for casual projects and small-scale model work where ultra-precision is not the primary aim.
FAQ (based on available data)
- Can it be used with paints other than acrylics? It’s described as a wet palette suited for acrylics, oils, watercolour and gouache as a mixed-use claim, but practical results may vary by medium.
- How many colours can you mix at once? The middle tray features 16 deep wells, which should accommodate several mixes at a time.
- Is the kit expandable with additional pap ers or sponges? The provided components include 100 palette sheets and 4 sponges, additional supplies are not described but could be sourced separately if needed.
Is it worth it?
A solid pick if you prioritise keeping paints usable between sessions, value for money, and a compact, classroom-friendly setup. It may not be the best option if you require maximum capacity, extraordinary durability, or travel-friendly ruggedness. If you value a practical, budget-conscious wet palette for hobby use and teaching contexts, this Nicpro kit aligns with that need.