Paints and Palette

Travelling with Paint

With all the changes in travel these days, it is essential to know how to transport your paints. You must put your paints in your checked baggage! Do not put them in your carry-on.

With your paints in your suitcase you will want to be sure that your clothes are protected from squishy paint tubes. I pack my paints in plastic sealtight containers, such as Tupperware or Lock and Lock. The locked box of paints is then further encased in a ziplock bag.
Mark on the outside of the container and bag as shown above: Non-combustible, Non-toxic, Non-flammable and any other "Non" you might like to add. You may be able to get a safety information sheet from your supplier it include. I have had my bags inspected regularly when flying as evident by the note that is left to indicate that it has been searched. With the paints labeled and stored in this manner, I have not had a problem. Of course there is always a first time. So let's hope everyone will pass through without any trouble.
I will post a list of my colours but do bring your own favorite colours and brands. Artist's quality tube paints are superior! 

Palette, Water Container and Spray Bottle

This is my favourite travel palette! 

http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supply/HWP18_4568_heritage-folding-palette-well.asp


Here's what Joe has to say about it:
The Heritage Folding Palette is a great travel palette that won’t put a crimp in your travel plans! The Heritage Folding palette is one of the nicest travel palettes that we have seen in a while. It’s unusual because the lid doubles as a hearty-sized mixing area that has a clear removable plastic tray. This tray can also be used as a second mixing area! In addition the lid has a soft plastic seal which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colors from drying out so quickly. Each well in this palette holds approximately 5ml. of paint. Here’s a tip! If you hold the tube over the deep end of the well, then come back towards the shallow end while squeezing the tube, then hold the palette in both hands & gently tap the palette on a flat surface- the paint settles nicely in the wells. 18 Wells

I couldn't have said it better myself! there is also a larger version if you wish something bigger or use large brushes.

You may wish to fill the wells now and give the paint a chance to set up before you hit the sky.
Bring a palette that you like and that fits into a ziplock bag. You may wish to hunt around for an additional mixing surface, such as a white plastic plate. 


I've included a collapsible water container and mist bottle in this 

picture - complete with their own plastic zip-bag.

Palette Preparation

Most art supply store carry the Heritage Palette or contact Cheap Joe's Art Stuff. They are small enough to tuck into a zip-lock plastic bag and they have a rubber gasket in the lid so there is less worry about paint leaking out and ruining the stuff in your suitcase! 

Although they are light-weight they are very sturdy. 

The smallest model has 18 wells and a white inner lid for mixing colour.
This model also has a clear plastic tray for  mixing.

How To Modify A Large Heritage Palette

New models of the larger palette are white inside but if you have an older one it will have a solid blue case that can be easily refashioned to make a palette that is more serviceable and lighter. It only takes a few minutes!

- Remove the white trays and scour the inside of the palette with sandpaper.
- Carefully apply masking tape to edges to protect the rubber gasket and clasp.

In a well vented area or work outdoors, lightly coat the sanded surface with white spray paint. You will need to use paint that is recommended for plastic such as patio furniture i.e. Krylon Outdoor Spaces Paint.
- Set aside to dry thoroughly, then re-coat with two or three layers.
- Remove the tape and you are all set! Now you can use the new white surface for mixing colour. It is incredibly durable!

You can snap the trays back into the palette and fill the wells with fresh paint.  My choice is to simply squeeze the paint into the palette "as is" and leave the extra pieces at home. Nice and light with plenty of mixing room!