Frequently Asked Questions

The Masterson Sta-Wet Palette System uses custom formulated Sta-Wet Acrylic Paper, that is pre-moisten with water, and place on a custom made Sta-Wet Sponge that has been saturated with water. The paint will slowly absorb moisture from the sponge, through the paper, to maintain proper consistency of the paint. Your water-based paints will not dry out.

Definitely! Watercolor paints are water-based and will maintain their moisture when used with a Masterson Sta-Wet Palette.

Yes... but only if you are using water miscible (can be thinned and cleaned up with water) oil paints.

How To Video: Opening and Closing the Masterson Lid

Lay the tray on a flat surface and place the lid on the tray, matching up the corners. Using the palm of your hand, press down one corner of the lid then press down the corner diagonally opposite the corner you just snapped on. Press down the other two corners. If the corners do not line up - lift the lid, rotate the tray, then repeat the above steps. Once all four corners are connected to the tray, apply hand pressure around the edges of the lid until all four sides snap tightly to the tray. The lid will gain flexibility after multiple uses.

The lid material will gain flexibility after multiple uses. To slow water evaporation and prevent air from seeping in, the lid must fit tightly.

How To Video: Opening and Closing the Masterson Lid

The flexible nature of the lid material is necessary for proper sealing to occur. The lid may have a slight wave. This will not interfere with the function of the tray or the lid.

Closing the Lid: Lay the tray on a flat surface and place the lid on the tray, matching up the corners. Using the palm of your hand, press down one corner of the lid then press down the corner diagonally opposite the corner you just snapped on. Press down the other two corners. If the corners do not line up - lift the lid, rotate the tray, then repeat the above steps. Once all four corners are connected to the tray, apply hand pressure around the edges of the lid until all four sides snap tightly to the tray. The lid will gain flexibility after multiple uses.

Many art material retail stores and online stores sell the Sta-Wet Paper and Sponge Refill Packs. They are also available for sale on our website.

Good question! Sta-Wet Acrylic Paper is custom made for Masterson. It was designed to provide a specific wicking effect to keep paints in a workable condition when the paper is laid on the Sta-Wet Sponge. Common types of palette paper have a thin plastic coating, which prevents moisture transfer from the sponge. Other palette papers without the plastic coating will tear apart when moistened with water. Please use the Masterson Sta-Wet Acrylic Paper to ensure your paints do not dry out.

Yesss! The Masterson Sta-Wet Acrylic Paper is designed to be strong, even when wet. You can mix and blend directly on the paper with your paint brush or palette knife.

Heck Yeah! When finished using your Sta-Wet Palette, before the paint dries on the paper, rinse it off under running water, gently hand scrubbing any heavily soiled areas. Let the paper dry out. When ready to paint again, simply re-wet the paper as you would a new sheet. The paper may be stained, but that will not affect its functionality or strength. Both sides of the paper can be used.

Before using the sponge the first time, rinse it thoroughly under running water for at least 60 seconds. The sponge material contains residue sodium chloride (rock salt) used to make the small holes in the material. It is not harmful, but will cause the sponge to deteriorate faster if it is not properly washed out.

If you experience mildew/mold, unpleasant odors, or holes forming on your sponge, the probable cause is impurities in the water. In this case, use distilled water to extend the life of the sponge. Additionally, adding 1 Tablespoon of household ammonia per 1 Liter of distilled water will adjust the PH of the water and will further reduce the above experiences. If household ammonia is not readily available, you may also use undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide added to a spray bottle. Spray the top and bottom of the sponge every few days. Ammonia and 3% hydrogen peroxide will not harm the sponge, paper, or paint. PLEASE FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S DIRECTIONS WHEN USING AMMONIA. PLEASE FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S DIRECTIONS WHEN USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE.

Before using the sponge the first time, rinse it thoroughly under running water for at least 60 seconds. The sponge material contains residue sodium chloride (rock salt) used to make the small holes in the material. It is not harmful, but will cause the sponge to deteriorate faster if it is not properly washed out. Allow the sponge to air dry when it is not in use. The sponge may curl, but when rewetted, it will go back to its proper size and shape.

When the lid is on the palette, the moisture from the sponge circulates inside the container. If there is too much moisture, the paints will become diluted and spread out. To avoid this problem, wring out some of the water from the sponge before closing the palette. To do this, lift the paper off the sponge, wring out the sponge so it is not "dripping" wet, lay the sponge back into the tray, and replace the paper. When ready to paint again, rewet the sponge.

The exact amount of water kept in your sponge depends upon the viscosity of your paint. Wring out more water for paints that are more fluid.

Absolutely! All Masterson Airtight Palettes can be used in combination with New Wave Artist Palettes for oil paint. New Wave Artist Palettes are designed to fit inside Masterson Palettes. Tempered Glass Palettes, Grey Acrylic Palettes, White Peelable Palettes, and Handcrafted Wood Palettes are available.

If you would like to purchase a Masterson Palette that is not sold with the Masterson Sta-Wet Palette System, the 12"x16" Masterson Palette Seal (Blue Lid) is your go-to airtight option.

Masterson Palettes combined with New Wave Artist Palettes are available under Palette Storage & Travel Sets.

**Please remove the Masterson Sta-Wet Sponge and Paper prior to use with New Wave Artist Palettes. Using the Sta-Wet Palette System in combination with POSH Glass Palettes may damage the coated underside.**

When using oil paints, placing your Masterson Artist Palette in the freezer will help preserve your paints. Please take caution when placing your Masterson Artist Palette in the freezer. The plastic material can become brittle when frozen. Attempting to bend or open the lid when it is very cold could cause the lid to crack. If your Masterson Artist Palette is cold, allow it to warm to room temperature before opening.

The palettes are airtight enough to heavily decelerate the evaporation of moisture when closed properly. The container will allow small amounts of water to drip out if turned on its side. The palette should be flat when transporting. To contain water spillage during transport a Ziplock bag may be used.

The rubber stopper in the bottom of the basin in not closing properly. Check to make sure nothing is interfering (dried paint) with the seal of the rubber stopper. If the problem persists, please contact us.

The largest size paint tube the Paint Saver Keys will fit is a 150ml tube.