Storing Pan Pastel Trays: Easy And Efficient Ways

how to store pan pastel trays

There are many ways to store pastel trays, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the size of your collection. Heavy-duty pastel palette trays are ideal for storing and transporting pastel trays securely, and they are available in different sizes, such as those that hold 10 or 20 pans. You can also purchase stackable studio palette trays that come with covers. Alternatively, you can get creative and use items from around your home, such as empty food boxes, tool chests, cutlery tray inserts, plastic containers, large filing cabinets, or old drawers. Shallow wooden drawers are a popular choice among pastel artists as they are space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Characteristics Values
Tray material Wood, plywood, plastic, metal
Tray type Stackable, with compartments, with/without covers
Tray capacity 10, 20
Tray accessories Foam, bubble wrap, memory foam, cardboard box inserts

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Using foam to secure pastels in trays

There are a few different types of foam that can be used for this purpose. One option is to use memory foam, which can be cut to fit the specific size and shape of the tray. Memory foam has the advantage of indenting to the thickness of each pastel, providing a secure hold. However, some people may find that memory foam is too soft and does not provide enough protection.

Another option is to use a denser type of foam, such as the type used in bike helmets and car interiors, often called "headliner foam." This type of foam is more substantial and can provide better protection for the pastels during transport. It can also be cut to fit the tray, ensuring a snug fit.

When using foam to secure pastels in trays, it is important to consider the weight of the pastels and the potential for damage if the box is dropped. Some people choose to add a layer of foam to the bottom of the tray for extra protection. This can be especially important when using softer foams, such as memory foam.

It is also possible to purchase foam trays specifically designed to hold and protect pastels. These trays typically hold a certain number of pastels, such as 30, and are designed to fit into a larger storage box. This can be a convenient option for those who do not want to cut their own foam or create their own storage system.

Overall, using foam to secure pastels in trays is a versatile and effective method for storing and transporting pastels. With the right type of foam and a well-designed tray, artists can keep their pastels safe, organised, and accessible.

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Buying a pre-made pastel storage box

If you're looking to buy a pre-made pastel storage box, there are several options available. Many art supply stores sell wooden storage boxes with shallow drawers that can accommodate pastel trays. These drawers often have dividers and foam inserts to keep your pastels secure and organised. While they might not be the most affordable option, they are elegant and efficient.

Another option is to purchase a pastel storage box specifically designed for transport. These boxes are typically made of aluminium or plastic and have stackable trays lined with impact-absorbing foam. They are perfect for travelling with your pastels and keeping them safe and organised. Some popular options include the Roz Pastel Bag, which has four trays and an adjustable shoulder strap, and the Degas pastel box, a thin suitcase-style box with memory foam inserts.

If you're looking for a more compact option, a pastel palette tray might be a better choice. These trays are designed to hold multiple pans of PanPastel colours securely and often come with a clear cover for easy colour identification and storage. You can also find heavy-duty palette trays that are perfect for transporting your pastels safely.

Lastly, some companies offer elegant pastel storage cabinets made from solid hardwood with a natural oil finish. These cabinets have drawers with slotted compartments to hold various art supplies, including pastels. They are a beautiful and practical option for storing your pastels at home or in your studio.

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Converting old art kits into storage cases

If you have old art kits lying around that you no longer use, there are several ways to convert them into storage cases for your PanPastel trays.

One option is to repurpose the art kit box as a drawer. If the lid of the box is broken, you can remove it and use the box as a drawer insert for a shelf or desk. This way, you can utilise the existing structure of the box and simply change its function.

Another idea is to transform the art kit box into a decorative item with a new purpose. You can use paint or decoupage techniques to give the box a vintage or personalised look. This way, it can become a memory box, a story case for writers, or even a smoke stash box. Get creative with colourful napkins, pictures, paint, and small decorative items to make it your own.

If you're looking to store your PanPastel trays specifically, there are a few options to consider. The Palette Trays are designed to securely hold the pastel pans during transport or storage, and they come with covers for easy colour identification. You can also explore art storage options from brands like Utrecht, ArtBin, Alvin, and Martin Universal, which offer a range of sizes and shapes to fit your needs.

Additionally, you can find shallow wooden drawers at most art supply stores, which are a popular choice for pastel artists. These drawers take up little space and can be lined with memory foam sheets to securely hold your pastels in place.

By repurposing your old art kits and exploring various storage options, you can effectively organise and store your PanPastel trays while giving new life to your unused art supplies.

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Using stackable plastic containers

Stackable plastic containers are a great option for storing your PanPastel trays. They are durable, lightweight, and can be easily transported. Here are some tips on how to use stackable plastic containers for storing your PanPastel trays:

  • Choose the right container: Opt for a heavy-duty stackable plastic container with a secure lid. Ensure it is deep enough to accommodate the height of your PanPastel trays when they are stacked.
  • Organise your trays: Group your PanPastel trays by colour families or any other system that works for you. You can also label the containers or trays for easy identification.
  • Stacking technique: Place the trays flat and stack them neatly inside the plastic container. Stack them in a way that maximises space and ensures easy access to the colours you need.
  • Cushioning: Consider adding a thin layer of foam or fabric at the bottom of each tray to cushion and protect your pastels. This is especially useful if you plan to transport your PanPastels frequently.
  • Portability: Stackable plastic containers are ideal for transporting your PanPastel trays. They keep your pastels secure and organised during travel. You can also use smaller containers for specific projects or when you need a more portable option.
  • Expandability: One of the benefits of using stackable containers is the ability to expand your storage as your collection grows. You can easily add more containers to accommodate additional PanPastel trays.

By utilising stackable plastic containers, you can efficiently organise, protect, and transport your PanPastel trays, creating a customisable and expandable storage solution for your artistic endeavours.

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Storing in shallow wooden drawers

Shallow wooden drawers are a popular choice for pastel artists. These drawers are a great option if you're looking for something that takes up little space and looks nice. You can find these at almost any art supply store. Typically, these drawers are brandless and fairly expensive (around £40 for a 3-drawer set measuring 40x26cm).

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you could consider purchasing a second-hand tray on eBay. For example, one artist on WetCanvas mentioned finding a large, sturdy tray made of varnished plywood. You can then line the tray with sheet foam and glue in dividers to create compartments for your pastels. This is a cost-effective solution, especially if you already have access to suitable foam and glue.

Another option is to use stackable trays with compartments and foam inserts to keep your pastels safe and secure. These trays are easy to store and don't take up much space. You can find similar products at Amazon and Jackson's.

Additionally, you can get creative and explore unconventional storage solutions. Some pastel lovers use empty food boxes, tool chests, cutlery tray inserts, plastic containers, large filing cabinets, or antique drawers. For example, one artist mentioned using a relish tray to store her pastels. You can also modify storage solutions intended for other purposes, such as a tackle box or a rifle case, both of which often come with foam lining.

When storing your pastels, consider using bubble wrap to protect them during travel. Bubble wrap is lightweight and helps catch any dust that may accumulate. Simply choose the small or large bubbles depending on the depth of your storage container.

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Frequently asked questions

PanPastel Palette Trays are stackable and come with a cover, making them ideal for storing your PanPastel colours.

You can use a relish tray, a large old tray, or a shallow wooden drawer set to store your PanPastel trays. You can also purchase an art box with various trays, compartments, and foam inserts to keep your pastels secure.

You can use bubble wrap or memory foam sheets in your trays to protect your PanPastels during travel.

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