How much water is too much for my wooden palette?

Your wooden watercolor palette only needs a few drops of water at a time to reactivate the paints.

Too much water can cause moisture to collect in the wells or soak into the natural wood, potentially leading to swelling, warping, or cracking.

The goal is to use just enough water to soften the paint without leaving puddles behind.

How much water should I use while painting?

  • Add a few drops of water from your water brush to the dried paint.

  • Allow the paint to soften briefly, then gently swirl your brush to pick up the color.

  • Gently squeeze your water brush to release a small amount of water when needed.

  • Use the white mixing area to blend your colors.

You don't need to fill the palette wells with water.

How should I clean my palette after painting?

  1. Gently wipe away excess water and paint using a soft, slightly damp cloth or tissue.

  2. Remove any standing water from the wells.

  3. Leave the palette open on a flat surface in a dry, well-ventilated area.

  4. Allow the palette to air-dry completely before closing or storing it.

Some dried watercolor pigment may remain in the wells, and that's generally fine.

What should I avoid?

To protect your wooden palette:

  • Do not wash, soak, or rinse it under running water.

  • Avoid leaving puddles of water in the wells or on the wood.

  • Do not leave the palette closed while excess moisture remains.

  • Avoid using direct heat, such as a hair dryer, to speed up drying.

  • Do not force the palette closed if the wood appears swollen or warped.

What if I accidentally soaked my palette?

If your palette becomes excessively wet:

  1. Gently wipe away as much excess moisture as possible.

  2. Leave it open on a flat surface in a dry, well-ventilated area.

  3. Allow it to air-dry naturally and completely.

  4. Check whether the palette closes properly once it has dried.

Natural wood may respond to moisture with slight changes in shape.

However, if your palette remains warped, develops cracks, splits, or no longer closes properly, please report the issue through our Return Center:

https://tobioskits.com/apps/parcelpanel-returns/

Our support team will review the information and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

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