Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Sta-Wet Palette work?
A: The patented "Sta-Wet" process uses a specially formulated palette paper, which you pre-moisten with water, and then place upon a thin sponge material fully saturated with water. The paint will slowly absorb moisture from the sponge, through the paper, to maintain proper consistency of the paint.

Q: Can I use any sort of palette paper?
A: No. The most common type of palette paper has a thin, plastic coating, which prevents the moisture transfer from the sponge. Other palette papers without the plastic coating will tear apart when moistened with water. Be sure to use Masterson Acrylic Palette Paper.

Q: Will the Sta-Wet process work with watercolor paint?
A: Yes. Because watercolor paints are water-based, they will maintain their moisture when used with a Sta-Wet Palette.

Q: Will the Sta-Wet process work with oil paints?
A: Yes, if you are using water miscible (can be thinned and cleaned up with water) oil paints.

Q: Why is lid so hard to get off and on?
A: To slow water evaporation and prevent air from seeping in, the lid must fit tightly. To aid in getting the lid off and on, put some petroleum jelly on a Q-Tip, place it in the groove of the lid and run it around the circumference. The jelly will act as both a lubricant and a sealant. When putting on the lid, lay the tray on a flat surface, align the lid on top of the tray and snap down each corner. Then run your hand around the edges pressing firmly. Holding the palette flat and at eye level, check for any area where the lid is not fully down over the lip of the tray and snap it down. To remove the lid, lift each corner of first and then peel the lid off. As you use your palette, this off-on process will get easier.

Q: Why does all of the water from the Rinse Well bottle drain into the holding reservoir at one time?
A: The rubber stopper in the bottom of the basin in not closing properly. The blue arm on the underside of the basin top is probably warped. Please contact Masterson's Customer Service for a replacement.

Q: What is the largest size paint tube the Paint Saver Keys will fit?
A: The largest size paint tube the Paint Saver Keys will fit is a 150ml tube.

Q: Where can I purchase paper and sponge refills?
A: Many art material retail stores, mail order catalogs, and Internet sites sell Masterson's Palettes and Refills. Use the Store Locator on our Home Page.

Q: How can I keep mold from forming in my palette?
A: Add a little ammonia to the water used to wet your sponge. Ammonia will not hurt the sponge or the paper, but will help retard the growth of mold. To keep your palette smelling fresh, sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom of the palette before placing your sponge down.

Q: My palette lid is warped. Is that a problem?
A: The palette lid must have some amount of flex or warp to it in order to fit it onto the tray. The war1p will not affect the functionality of the palette. However, if the lid is warped so badly that you cannot get it onto the tray, the palette will not function properly. Contact Masterson Customer Service for more information.

Q: What is the best way to maintain the sponge?
A: 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. If the sponge becomes stained with paint sponge, re-wet it and lay it back in the tray and replace the paper on the sponge.

Q: Why are my paints “melting”?
A: 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 up the palette. To do this, lift the paper off the sponge, wring it out so that it is not dripping wet, lay it back into the tray and replace the paper. When ready to paint again, rewet the sponge.

Q: Can I mix paints directly on the palette paper?
A: Yes. Masterson's Acrylic Palette Paper is designed to be strong, even when wet. You can mix and blend directly on the paper.

Q: Can I reuse the Sta-Wet paper?
A: Yes. When you have 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. Both sides of the paper can be used.

Q: Is the palette container airtight? Watertight?
A: The container is airtight enough to retard the evaporation of moisture when closed properly. The container will allow small amounts of water to drip out if it is turned on its side. The palette should be flat when transporting it.