Do you need a palette for mixing?

Do you need a palette for watercolor painting? Definitely. But a good porcelain palette is expensive, even though it's the most convenient. Some people just use a sheet of paper, but in my opinion, that's a last resort when there's nothing else available.

## Why you shouldn't use paper instead of a palette:

• Paper absorbs paint;
• It's not always easy to see the exact color of your mixes;
• You have to change it often;
• Paper gets soggy quickly and forms pills that can ruin your painting.

You can buy an inexpensive plastic palette. They are sold in any store. But I don't consider this a good option. I would also include various pieces of plastic here. ## Disadvantages of a plastic palette:

• Paint forms small beads and it's not always convenient to pick it up with a brush;
• Plastic absorbs pigment, and after a couple of uses, it's impossible to clean the palette, which makes mixing colors difficult.

For example, I tried using a piece of PVC, and here is what happened:

And now for a life hack – use an ordinary white plate from the store. In terms of its characteristics, it is no worse than a porcelain palette; it cleans perfectly, watercolor doesn't bead up on it, and it's inexpensive.

My plate has survived acrylic, gouache, and a huge amount of watercolor. It's the cheapest plate from a regular hardware store.