
Empty half pans can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing paint or other art supplies, or even for cooking or storing spices. They can be purchased online from various retailers, such as Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and specialist art suppliers. Some people choose to refill their half pans with paint from tubes, which is more economical than buying pre-filled pans. Others choose to create their own unique palettes by purchasing empty half pans and filling them with their desired colours. Additionally, some artists opt to use magnets or rubber cement to secure the half pans in their metal boxes, customising their palettes to suit their needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy | Etsy, eBay, Aliexpress, Amazon, Jerry'sArtORama, WetCanvas, DB, Cheap Joe's, Schmincke, Royal Talens/Van Gogh, Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, and Cotman |
| Use | Filling with paint from tubes, storing paint, and transporting for plein air painting |
| Customisation | Can be customised by refilling with different paint colours, or by using tape, cardboard, or magnets to hold pans in place |
| Size | Half pans are a standard size, with a difference of around 1mm in height between brands |
| Cost | Buying empty half pans and refilling with paint from tubes is a cheaper option than buying pre-filled pans |
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What You'll Learn

Buy empty half pans from Jerry'sArtORama, Aliexpress, eBay, Etsy, or Amazon
If you're looking to buy empty half pans, there are a few online retailers you can turn to. Here are some options:
Jerry'sArtorama
Jerry'sArtorama offers the New York Central Watercolor Metal Palette, which includes 12 empty half pans. The sturdy and reusable box is coated in easy-to-clean enamel, and the half pans can be filled with watercolours of your choice. This product is exclusive to Jerry'sArtorama and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Aliexpress
On Aliexpress, you can find sets of empty half pans at affordable prices. For example, they offer a set of 12 empty half pans for a discounted price of $2.45 USD.
EBay
While not a direct purchase, one user suggests checking eBay to see if anyone is selling a used set of half pans that you could buy and scavenge for the individual pans.
Etsy
Etsy is a great place to find a variety of empty half pans from different sellers. Some of the shops that offer empty half pans include AddisonandSedgwick, BeLikeWaterArt, AllAboutArtInter, WanderersPalette, metalphorically, NordicCraftStudio, and pfeifferartsupply.
Amazon
Although I couldn't find specific results for empty half pans on Amazon, it's worth checking the website as they might carry them or have similar alternatives.
These are some of the options available for purchasing empty half pans. Each retailer offers different features and price points, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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$13.73

Refill the pans with paint from tubes
Refilling empty half pans with paint from tubes is a great way to save money and reduce waste. It also allows artists to create a colour palette tailored to their specific needs.
To refill half pans with tube paint, start by squeezing the paint into the corners of the pan and half-filling it. Stir the paint with a toothpick or a blunt needle, and allow it to dry. Once the paint is dry, fill the rest of the pan, not completely to the top, and stir again. Leave the paint to dry in a well-ventilated area, which will help it to dry more quickly. Depending on the humidity, the paint may take a couple of days or even a week to dry completely.
Some artists recommend using multiple thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next, as this can speed up the drying time. This method also helps to prevent cracking, as does adding a drop or two of distilled water and glycerine to the paint before stirring and allowing it to dry.
QoR tube paints are particularly well-suited to refilling half pans, as they easily re-wet and provide the same colour saturation as when used directly from the tube.
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$24.28 $25.86

Use a magnet to hold the pans in the metal box
If you have a collection of empty half pans, you can use magnets to hold them in place in a metal box. This is a great solution if you want to avoid the rattling sound of pans in a metal box.
Firstly, source some magnets that are small enough to fit inside your metal box. You can find these at most hardware stores or online. Then, place the magnets inside the box, ensuring they are secure and will not move around. You can use an adhesive or glue to stick them to the bottom of the box if needed.
Next, place your empty half pans on top of the magnets. The magnets will hold the pans securely in place, preventing them from moving or rattling. This method allows you to customize the layout of your pans and arrange them in a way that suits your needs.
Additionally, using magnets makes it easy to remove and replace the pans as needed. You can also easily add more pans to your collection and rearrange them within the box without having to worry about them shifting during transport or storage.
Overall, using magnets to hold your empty half pans in a metal box is a simple and effective way to organize and store your pans while also reducing unwanted noise.
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Use double-backed tape to hold the pans in place
If you have a collection of empty half pans of varying sizes, you can use double-backed tape to hold them in place and prevent them from falling out. This method is especially useful if you want to create a custom palette with different-sized pans.
Firstly, gather your empty half pans and a roll of double-sided tape. Cut small pieces of the tape and adhere them to the back of each pan. This will provide a strong adhesive surface that can be securely attached to your palette.
Next, carefully arrange your half pans in the desired configuration within your palette. Firmly press each pan onto the surface of your palette, ensuring that the tape makes full contact for a secure hold.
If needed, you can also use small pieces of cardboard stock to fill any gaps between the pans, creating a snug fit. This ensures that your half pans remain securely in place, even during transport.
Using double-backed tape is a simple and effective way to customize and organize your half pans. It allows you to mix and match different brands and sizes to create a unique palette that suits your specific needs.
With this method, you can easily swap out colors, add new pans, or rearrange your existing collection without worrying about them falling out or shifting during use.
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Sell the pans on eBay or Etsy
If you have a collection of empty half pans, you could consider selling them on eBay or Etsy. Both platforms are great options for selling unused items and can connect you with a wide range of buyers.
EBay
On eBay, you can list your empty half pans and reach a large audience of potential buyers. You can sell your pans as a set or individually, depending on your preference. It is a good idea to take clear and attractive photos of the pans and provide detailed information about their brand, size, and condition in the listing. You may also want to mention any unique features or benefits of the pans to make your listing more appealing to potential buyers.
Etsy
Etsy is a global marketplace that focuses on unique and creative goods. It is particularly popular for handmade items, vintage treasures, and craft supplies. When selling on Etsy, it is essential to create a detailed listing that highlights the features and benefits of your empty half pans. You can offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount to attract more buyers. Additionally, Etsy provides opportunities for personalized advertising to help promote your listing to the right audience.
By selling your empty half pans on eBay or Etsy, you can give them a new lease of life and make some extra money. Both platforms offer different advantages, so consider your options carefully before deciding which one is best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy empty half pans from various online retailers, including Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Jerry's Artarama, Cheap Joe's, and DS.
Half pans are pretty standard in size, with maybe a millimeter difference in height between brands. They typically fit into most empty boxes or palettes.
Yes, you can refill empty half pans with paint from tubes. It's a cheaper option and allows you to customize your color selection. Just make sure to stir the paint and let it dry completely before using.
To fill half pans with paint, squeeze a small amount of paint into the corners of the pan and half-fill. Stir the paint with a toothpick and allow it to dry. Once dry, fill the rest of the pan, stir again, and let it dry completely.
Besides refilling them with paint, you can use empty half pans for various creative projects, such as building a Lego palette or creating custom magnetic palettes. You can also sell or trade them with other artists.










































