How to Make Your Own DIY Sta-Wet Palette (and Save Your Sanity)

At CMC Fine Art, I believe in a little bit of magic — both in the paintings we create and in the humble tools that help us get there. And sometimes, that magic comes in the form of an old Tupperware lid, a scrap of parchment paper, and the quiet refusal to spend $40 on something you could totally make yourself.

If you’re like me — a stubbornly independent artist with a champagne taste and a "budget-friendly" lifestyle — then you’ll appreciate today’s cozy little DIY: how to make your own Sta-Wet Palette at home.

Trust me, your acrylics (and your patience) will thank you.

Why Bother With a Sta-Wet Palette Anyway?

If you’re new to the concept: a Sta-Wet Palette is basically a self-hydrating surface that keeps your acrylic paints workable for days (sometimes even a week or two!). It’s like giving your paint a little spa day while you take care of life, laundry, and your growing pile of half-finished fantasy paintings.

Without one, acrylics dry out faster than a snarky comment at a family gathering.

Here's What You'll Need:

• An airtight shallow container (Tupperware, glass casserole dish with lid, or honestly that one container you keep forgetting to return to your neighbor)

• Sponge or paper towels (natural sponges are fancy, but kitchen paper towels folded a few times will work)

• Baking parchment paper (NOT wax paper — unless you enjoy chaos)

• Water

Optional but encouraged:

• A cup of tea (because hydration is important — for you AND your paints).

The Steps (A.K.A. The Quest for Eternal Moisture)

1. Prepare Your Moist Base
   Lay down your sponge or a few layers of folded paper towels inside your container. Soak it thoroughly with water, then gently wring it out until it’s damp but not puddling. You want a light dampness — not a tiny swamp.

2. Cut Your Parchment Paper
   Trim a piece of baking parchment so it fits nicely over your sponge without folding up the edges. Think “snug and tidy," not "balled up goblin cape."

3. Hydrate the Parchment
   Soak the parchment in water for about 30 seconds, then place it on top of your damp sponge. Smooth it down lovingly — like you’re tucking in a very flat, very important fairy friend.

4. Load It Up
   Now you’re ready to add your paints! Squeeze them onto the surface and watch how gloriously they stay open and creamy while you dawdle with layering, blending, and getting distracted by how good your playlist is.

5. Seal It Up
   When you’re done painting for the day, just pop the lid on the container. Your paints will stay fresh and ready for your next chaotic burst of creativity.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Check moisture every couple of days.
  Depending on your climate (or if you're cursed with desert-level indoor heating), you might need to mist your sponge lightly every day.

• Change out sponge layers weekly.
  Eventually, things can get... moldy. If the water starts looking questionable, just replace your sponge and parchment setup. Your paints deserve a nice clean home.

  Ask me how I know. Le sigh.

• Make more than one!
  Different projects = different palettes. Label them if you’re feeling exceptionally put-together.

A Final Note:

Art doesn’t always need the fanciest tools — just the right ones. And sometimes, the right tool is the one you made yourself, with a little stubbornness and a lot of heart.

Here’s to spending less on supplies and more on the good stuff: paints, brushes, and those dreamy creative marathons where you lose track of time (and, occasionally, where you put your tea).

Now go forth and paint something beautiful — your future self (and your still-wet paint) will be cheering you on.