If you’re a fan of Bob Ross and love creating “happy little trees” with his signature wet-on-wet oil painting technique, having the right palette makes all the difference. A Bob Ross painting palette needs to be large enough for mixing generous amounts of titanium white and other essential colors, durable enough to handle repeated use, and ideally designed for comfort during long painting sessions. Whether you’re a beginner following along with “The Joy of Painting” or a seasoned landscape artist, choosing the best palette can elevate your experience and help you achieve those soft clouds and serene forests just like Bob.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Bob Ross Painting Palette Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Martin U-BR6000 Large Clear French Style Acrylic Painting Palette
This massive 24-inch by 16.25-inch clear acrylic palette is built for serious painters who need space to mix large amounts of paint—just like Bob Ross did on his show. Its French-style design offers a smooth, non-porous surface that’s perfect for oil and acrylic paints, and the crystal-clear material lets you see true color values against any background.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extra-large 24″ x 16.25″ mixing surface—ideal for Bob Ross-style techniques
- ✓ High-quality transparent acrylic with excellent clarity
- ✓ Lightweight yet durable construction resists cracking and warping
- ✓ Easy to clean with soap and water; no staining or residue
Why We Recommend It
If you’re serious about painting landscapes in the Bob Ross tradition, this palette gives you the expansive workspace needed to blend skies, mix forest greens, and load up your brush with thick oils. It’s well-balanced, comfortable to hold, and built to last through countless “joy of painting” sessions.
Best For
Oil and acrylic painters who want a professional-grade, large-format palette that mimics the ones used in professional studios—perfect for fans of Bob Ross who paint regularly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge surface area for mixing multiple colors at once
- Clear design allows accurate color matching
- Sturdy and long-lasting with daily use
- Easy to wipe clean after each session
Cons:
- Can be too large for small workspaces or travel
- No thumb hole, which some users prefer for handheld comfort
Customer Reviews
“I love all the Bob Ross products and own most of them. They are a great value for the money and are holding up well with frequent use. This palette is huge with plenty of room to mix colors and yet is well balanced and easy to hold!!!”
“I love all the Bob Ross products and own most of them. They are a great value for the money and are holding up well with frequent use. This palette is huge with plenty of room to mix colors and yet is well balanced and easy to hold!!!Read more”
2. Mr. Pen Wooden Artist Palette, 2-Pack Oil Palette
These two 14″ x 10″ wooden palettes offer a classic, traditional feel that many oil painters—especially Bob Ross enthusiasts—prefer. Made from smooth, unfinished hardwood with a comfortable thumb hole, they’re lightweight, portable, and perfect for mixing oils without the static or glare of acrylic surfaces.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Set of two 14″ x 10″ oval wooden palettes—great for sharing or backup
- ✓ Ergonomic thumb hole for secure, fatigue-free holding
- ✓ Natural wood grain adds warmth and authenticity to your setup
- ✓ Compatible with oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints
Why We Recommend It
Wooden palettes have been used by artists for centuries—and for good reason. They absorb excess oil slightly, which can help with paint consistency, and they feel natural in hand. This set is ideal if you want an affordable, no-frills option that still delivers professional results.
Best For
Traditional oil painters and Bob Ross fans who prefer the tactile feel of wood over plastic or acrylic. Great for beginners and educators too.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Natural wood is gentle on brushes and reduces glare
- Thumb hole improves grip and reduces hand strain
- Two palettes offer flexibility—use one for oils, one for acrylics
- Lightweight and easy to store or travel with
Cons:
- Requires occasional sanding and sealing to prevent staining
- Not as easy to clean as non-porous acrylic
Customer Reviews
“Very nice paint palette. A personal note from the business owner was very refreshing and there was even a black mustache sticker(artist trope) included. Very nice! Thank you for having a great business and being kind.”
“Buen tamaño , me encantó la calidad , ideal para mis pinturas , la amé”
3. Tamaki 2 Pack 11.8 x 7.9 Inch Acrylic Paint Palette with Thumb Hole
Don’t let the low price fool you—this 2-pack of clear acrylic palettes delivers surprising quality and functionality. Each palette (one rectangular, one oval) features a thumb hole for easy handling and a crystal-clear surface that makes color mixing intuitive and accurate.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes both rectangular and oval palettes for versatility
- ✓ Thumb hole design enhances comfort during long painting sessions
- ✓ High transparency lets you see true paint colors clearly
- ✓ Non-toxic, scratch-resistant acrylic with smooth edges
Why We Recommend It
For beginners or casual painters inspired by Bob Ross, this affordable set offers everything you need without breaking the bank. The dual shapes let you experiment with different mixing styles, and the clarity helps you avoid muddy colors—a common rookie mistake.
Best For
New painters, students, or anyone on a tight budget who still wants a reliable, functional palette for oil or acrylic work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money—two palettes under $15
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Easy to clean with just water and a cloth
- Protective film included to prevent scratches during shipping
Cons:
- Smaller size may not suit artists who mix large batches
- Thinner material feels less premium than thicker acrylic options
Customer Reviews
“These acrylic paint palettes are exactly what I needed for painting projects. The clear design makes it easy to see true colors against different backgrounds, and the size is just right — large enough for mixing but still comfortable to hold with the thumb hole. They’re sturdy and don’t feel flimsy o”
“This 2-pack of acrylic palettes is EXACTLY what I needed. I bought them thinking, “Okay, I just need something functional,” but now I’m out here mixing colors like I’m preparing for my solo art exhibit in Paris. First Impressions: They’re sturdy. They’re clear. They’re the perfect size — not tiny like a k”
4. Large Acrylic Paint Palette 2pcs 15.7 x 11.8 Inches, Clear Oval-Shaped Non-Stick
These oversized oval palettes (15.7″ x 11.8″) give you plenty of room to mix big batches of paint—perfect for covering large canvases or working on multiple projects at once. The non-stick surface ensures easy cleanup, even with dried oil paints.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Generous 15.7″ x 11.8″ oval shape—ideal for landscape painting
- ✓ Non-stick coating allows easy removal of dried paint with hot water
- ✓ Highly transparent acrylic for accurate color assessment
- ✓ Comes with protective film to prevent scratches
Why We Recommend It
If you’re painting large Bob Ross-style landscapes with expansive skies and detailed forests, you’ll appreciate the generous workspace. The non-stick feature is a game-changer—no more scraping or harsh chemicals.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced painters working on larger canvases who need a reliable, easy-to-clean palette with ample mixing space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large surface accommodates multiple colors and thick paint layers
- Non-stick surface simplifies cleanup significantly
- Lightweight despite size—easy to move around
- Protective film keeps palettes pristine upon arrival
Cons:
- No thumb hole, which may reduce handheld comfort
- Bulky to store if you have limited space
Customer Reviews
“This is a great pallet. I use one for acrylic paint and the other for oil. It came rapped in protective film which was nice so it had no scratches,dirt, or dust. Perfectly clean and ready to use. Ergonomics are especially nice very comfortable to hold for anyone.”
“These pallets were great. They are stain resistant and they’re sturdy. They’re big enough to mix your paint right on them. But no that there’s a film on both sides and you can use that first before you pull it off. They’re very easy to clean my problem is I just forget and I just buy more. Or you ca”
5. U.S. Art Supply Wood Painting Palette Set with 6-Piece Acrylic Paint Tubes and 3 Brushes
This all-in-one starter kit includes a 9″ x 12″ wooden palette, six vibrant acrylic paint tubes, and three versatile brushes—making it perfect for beginners who want to jump into painting without buying supplies separately.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Complete beginner set: palette + paints + brushes in one package
- ✓ Classic wooden palette with smooth finish and thumb hole
- ✓ Includes primary and secondary colors for immediate creativity
- ✓ Affordable entry point for new artists inspired by Bob Ross
Why We Recommend It
While not specifically designed for oil painting, this set is ideal for someone just discovering their love for art—perhaps after watching a few episodes of “The Joy of Painting.” It removes the guesswork and gets you started fast.
Best For
Absolute beginners, kids, or gift-givers looking for an affordable, all-in-one art starter kit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value bundle with essential supplies included
- Wooden palette feels authentic and traditional
- Ready to use right out of the box—no extra purchases needed
- Compact size fits on small tables or desks
Cons:
- Paints are acrylic, not oil—so not ideal for true Bob Ross technique
- Brushes are basic quality; may need upgrading soon
Customer Reviews
“Quality and functionality as expected. Used as prop for Halloween.”
“Quality and functionality as expected. Used as prop for Halloween.Read more”
Complete Buying Guide for Bob Ross Painting Palette
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best Bob Ross painting palette, we focus on size, material, ease of cleaning, and ergonomics. Bob Ross used large palettes to mix generous amounts of titanium white and other base colors—so ample surface area is crucial. Acrylic palettes offer clarity and easy cleanup, while wooden ones provide a traditional feel and slight absorbency that some oil painters prefer. A thumb hole can reduce hand fatigue during long sessions, and non-stick surfaces save time on cleanup.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great palette. Budget options like the Tamaki 2-pack start under $15, while premium choices like the Martin U-BR6000 run around $40–$50. Consider how often you paint: casual hobbyists may prefer affordability, while frequent painters should invest in durability and size.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re recreating Bob’s iconic mountain scenes or exploring your own “happy accidents,” the right palette sets the foundation for a joyful painting experience. Think about your space, paint type, and comfort needs—then pick the one that feels right in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an acrylic palette for oil paints like Bob Ross did?
A: Absolutely! While Bob often used wooden palettes, clear acrylic works perfectly for oil painting. It’s non-porous, easy to clean, and lets you see true color values—just avoid prolonged exposure to solvents that could cloud the surface.
Q: Do I really need a large palette for Bob Ross-style painting?
A: Yes—especially if you’re using the wet-on-wet technique. You’ll need space to mix large amounts of base colors (like titanium white, van dyke brown, and sap green) without them blending prematurely.
Q: How do I clean a wooden painting palette?
A: Wipe off excess paint immediately with a paper towel. For dried oil paint, use a palette knife to scrape it off, then sand lightly and reseal with linseed oil or mineral oil to maintain smoothness.
Q: Are thumb holes necessary?
A: Not mandatory, but they improve comfort during long sessions. If you paint for hours like Bob did, a thumb hole can reduce hand strain and give you better control.
Q: Can beginners use these palettes?
A: Definitely! Many of these options—especially the budget-friendly sets—are perfect for newcomers. Start simple, then upgrade as your skills and needs grow.
Ready to create your own masterpiece? Whether you’re chasing “happy little clouds” or building dramatic mountain ranges, the right Bob Ross painting palette makes all the difference. Pick your favorite from our top picks above, grab your brushes, and let the joy of painting begin!
Related posts:
Top 5 Benjamin Moore Oil-Based Paints for a Flawless Finish
Top 5 Best Bob Ross Oil Paint for Stunning Artwork
5 Best Books on Painting with Acrylics for Artists
Top 5 Best Brushes for Oil Painting to Elevate Your Art
5 Best Canson Watercolor Papers for Artists
5 Best Canvas Bed Rolls for Comfort and Durability
5 Best Canvas for Acrylic Painting in 2024
5 Best Canvas Rolls for Acrylic Painting in 2024
5 Best Chalk Paint Markers for Flawless Results
Top 5 Best Children’s Painting Easels for Creative Fun
5 Best Clear Acrylic Paint Sealers for Lasting Protection
Top 5 Clear Coats for Acrylic Paint That Last