10 Best Army Painter Wet Palette Refills (June 2026) Honest Reviews

If you have ever sat down to paint miniatures only to find your acrylics dried into crusty blobs on the palette, you know the frustration. A good wet palette changes everything for tabletop wargaming and miniature painting, but keeping it functional means stocking up on quality refills. I have spent months testing different wet palette paper and foam options to find the best Army Painter wet palette refills available right now.

The right refill pack keeps your paints workable for days or even weeks, saving you money on wasted paint and time on constant remixing. After comparing 10 different refill products across official and third-party options, I can tell you that not all wet palette refills are created equal. Some papers let too much water through, some foams lose their absorption after a few uses, and a few budget alternatives actually rival the official packs.

In this guide, I walk you through each refill option I tested, from the official Army Painter Hydro Pack to third-party alternatives that fit the same system. I cover sheet counts, foam quality, water absorption performance, and real-world value so you can pick the right refills for your painting setup.

Top 3 Picks for Army Painter Wet Palette Refills

10 Best Army Painter Wet Palette Refills (June 2026)

1. The Army Painter Hydro Pack Refills – Official 50 Sheet and 2 Foam Set

This is the refill pack I reach for most often. The Army Painter Hydro Pack gives you 50 Hydro Sheets and 2 Hydro Foams in one package, and they are designed specifically for the Army Painter Wet Palette system. I have been through three of these packs over the past year, and the consistency between packs has been solid every time.

The Hydro Sheets use a semi-permeable membrane that lets just the right amount of water seep through from the foam below. Your acrylic Warpaints stay hydrated without becoming over-diluted. I left a batch of paints sitting for five days, and they were still perfectly workable when I came back to them. That is the kind of performance that saves real money on paint over time.

The Hydro Foams are the real workhorse here. They hold water efficiently and distribute it evenly across the entire sheet surface. I use distilled water with a drop of dish soap in my palette, and the foam stays fresh for well over a month with this routine. With 1,643 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, the community clearly agrees that this is the gold standard for Army Painter palette refills.

My only complaint is a minor one. A few users mentioned the sheets can run slightly small compared to the palette tray, and I noticed this on one of my packs. It was not enough to affect performance, but if you like full coverage edge to edge, keep this in mind.

Who should buy this

If you own the standard Army Painter Wet Palette and want a guaranteed fit without any guesswork, this is your pick. It is the official refill designed for the system, so compatibility is never a question. Painters who go through sheets quickly will appreciate the 50-sheet count, which lasts me about three months of regular weekend painting sessions.

Who should skip this

If you are looking to save money and do not mind trimming sheets to fit, third-party options like the Garpernics refill give you double the paper for less. Also, if you own the Wargamers XL edition rather than the standard palette, you need the XL-specific refill instead of this one.

2. The Army Painter Hydro Pack XL Wargamers Edition Refill

The Wargamers Edition of the Army Painter Wet Palette is larger than the standard model, and this refill pack is sized specifically for it. You get the same 50 Hydro Sheets and 2 Hydro Foams, but everything is cut to match the bigger tray. I picked up the XL palette a few months ago, and having correctly sized refills makes a noticeable difference in how well the system performs.

The Hydro Foam layers in this pack are treated for optimal water absorption, and I could tell the difference compared to some budget foams I tried previously. Water distributes evenly across the surface, which means no dry spots where your paint suddenly dries out mid-session. The ultra-fine Hydro Sheets ensure the water dispersion stays consistent from edge to edge of the larger palette area.

With a 4.6-star rating from 64 reviews, this is a newer product with a smaller user base than the standard refill. The quality matches what you expect from Army Painter, though. The two included foam layers mean you always have a backup ready when the first one starts showing wear.

One thing I noticed is that the sponge can arrive with slight creases from packaging. I found that soaking it in warm water for about 10 minutes and pressing it flat resolves this quickly. Once it is hydrated and in the palette, the creases disappear completely.

Who should buy this

This is the only refill you should consider if you own the Army Painter Wargamers Edition XL Wet Palette. Standard refills will not cover the full surface, leaving you with dry edges. If you paint larger models or need more palette space for batch painting Warhammer units, this XL system paired with these refills is the way to go.

Who should skip this

If you have the standard-size Army Painter Wet Palette, these sheets will be too large and will need trimming. You are better off with the standard Hydro Pack refills. Also, with only 64 reviews so far, early adopters who want extensive community validation might prefer sticking with more established options.

3. Garpernics Wet Palette Paper and Sponge Refill for Army Painter

The Garpernics refill pack caught my attention because it gives you 100 sheets of wet palette paper plus 2 sponges at a lower cost than the official 50-sheet pack. That is double the paper for less money, which makes it the best Army Painter wet palette refill for painters on a budget. I tested these sheets over a two-week period in my standard Army Painter palette.

Fitting was mostly correct. The 7.48 by 5.5 inch sheets sit in the Army Painter tray with a tiny gap around the edges, but nothing that affected performance. The sponges are comparable in thickness and absorption to the official foams. My paints stayed moist through several days of use, which is the baseline I expect from any refill worth buying.

Where I noticed a difference was in the paper behavior. Some users report the paper being slightly hydrophobic, meaning it takes a moment longer to absorb water compared to the official Hydro Sheets. I experienced this on the first day of use, but after the initial wetting, the sheets settled in and performed adequately for the rest of the week.

The 4.3-star rating reflects this mixed experience. For painters who go through sheets fast and want maximum quantity, the value proposition is hard to beat. You are essentially paying half the per-sheet cost of the official refills.

Who should buy this

Budget-conscious painters who burn through palette sheets quickly will get the best value here. If you paint multiple times a week and replace sheets often, the 100-sheet count means fewer reorder cycles. It is also a solid choice if you want to try a wet palette system without committing to the premium price of official refills.

Who should skip this

If you need the absolute best moisture control for fine detail work like glazing or layering, the occasional hydrophobic behavior might frustrate you. Professional painters who rely on consistent paint consistency should stick with the official Army Painter Hydro Sheets for guaranteed performance.

4. Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette Paper Refill – 30 Sheets

Masterson has been making wet palette products for decades, and their Sta-Wet system is a trusted name among acrylic painters. These 8.5 by 7 inch refill sheets are designed for the Sta-Wet Handy Palette, but I found they work well as an alternative to Army Painter refills if you are willing to trim them slightly. With 2,491 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this is one of the most reviewed and highest-rated palette papers on the market.

What impressed me most is how these sheets handle water. The permeable membrane lets moisture through at a controlled rate, keeping your acrylic paints workable without turning them into soup. I had paints sit on this paper for two full weeks, and they were still usable when I opened the palette. That kind of longevity is impressive.

The sheets are washable and reusable, which is a nice cost-saving feature. I got about three uses per sheet before the paper started showing wear. At 30 sheets per pack, that effectively gives you around 90 painting sessions if you wash and reuse each one. The paper is also made in the USA, which matters to some painters I know.

My testing showed consistent performance across the sheet surface with no dry spots or over-saturated areas. The texture has a slight grip that holds paint in place without spreading, which is helpful when you are working with small amounts of paint for detail work on miniatures.

Who should buy this

Painters who value reusability and do not mind washing sheets between sessions will get the most from this product. If you already own a Masterson Sta-Wet palette, these are the correct refills. They are also worth considering for Army Painter users who want a premium paper option and are comfortable trimming to fit.

Who should skip this

If you want a drop-in fit for your Army Painter palette without any trimming, the official Hydro Pack sheets are a better choice. These Masterson sheets are slightly larger at 8.5 by 7 inches, so you will need scissors. Painters who prefer disposable single-use sheets might find the reusable aspect unnecessary.

5. Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Sponge Refill – 3 Pack

The foam sponge is the heart of any wet palette system. It sits below the paper and provides a steady reservoir of water that keeps your paints hydrated. Masterson sells these sponges in a convenient 3-pack, and each one measures 8.5 by 7 inches. I keep a spare in my painting kit at all times because a fresh sponge makes a huge difference in palette performance.

These sponges hold an impressive amount of water. I soaked one fully, placed it in my palette, and it kept the paper consistently moist for over a week before needing a top-up. The density is firm enough to provide an even surface for the paper to lay flat on, which prevents bubbling and uneven water distribution.

With 1,539 reviews and an 4.8-star rating, these sponges have proven themselves to thousands of painters. They are reusable too. I rinse mine with clean water after each month of use and let them dry completely. A single sponge has lasted me over three months with proper care, which makes the 3-pack a long-term investment.

The only downside is staining. After a few weeks of use, the sponge picks up pigment colors from paint that seeps through the paper. This does not affect performance at all, but if you like your tools looking clean, it might bother you. I found that soaking in a mild bleach solution every few weeks keeps them looking fresh.

Who should buy this

Any wet palette user who wants reliable foam replacements should stock up on these. The 3-pack gives you enough sponges for six months or more of regular painting. If you are building a DIY wet palette or need replacement foam for your Masterson system, these are the correct size and quality.

Who should skip this

If your wet palette uses a different size format, these 8.5 by 7 inch sponges may not fit without trimming. Also, if you exclusively use the Army Painter system, the official Hydro Foams are sized perfectly for that tray. These Masterson sponges are slightly larger and will need cutting down for the Army Painter palette.

6. Masterson Sta-Wet Premier Palette Paper Refill – 12 x 16 Inches

The Masterson Premier Palette is their large-format wet palette, and these 12 by 16 inch refill sheets are designed for it. What makes these interesting for Army Painter users is that each sheet can be cut in half or even quarters to fit smaller palettes. One pack of 30 sheets effectively becomes 60 or even 120 smaller sheets with a pair of scissors. That makes these a cost-effective option for miniature painters.

The paper quality is noticeably thicker than standard palette papers I have used. This thickness translates to better durability when washing and reusing. I got up to four uses per sheet before the paper started to degrade, which is better than most competitors. The permeable membrane maintains consistent water flow throughout the sheet.

At #1 in the Palette Paper category on Amazon with 887 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this is a proven product. Users consistently praise how well it keeps expensive acrylic paints fresh. If you are painting with premium miniature paints that cost a premium per bottle, preserving every drop matters.

The large format is particularly useful if you do any batch painting. I cut these to fit both my Army Painter palette and a larger homemade palette I use for terrain painting. One sheet covers both needs, which stretches the value even further.

Who should buy this

Painters who want maximum value from cutting sheets to size will benefit most from this product. If you use multiple wet palettes in different sizes, one pack of these large sheets can refill them all. Artists who paint both miniatures and larger models will appreciate the flexibility of the 12 by 16 inch format.

Who should skip this

If you do not want to spend time cutting sheets to size and prefer a ready-to-use product, the official Army Painter Hydro Pack saves you that effort. These sheets also require the discipline to cut them properly, as uneven cuts can lead to paper that does not sit flat in your palette.

7. Masterson Sta-Wet Painter’s Pal Palette Paper Refill – 30 Sheets

The Painter’s Pal is Masterson’s mid-size wet palette, and these 12 by 9 inch refill sheets bridge the gap between the small Handy Palette and the large Premier. For Army Painter users, the 9-inch width is actually closer to what you need than the 8.5 or 7 inch options. I found that trimming just the length gave me a near-perfect fit.

What sets this paper apart is its strength. I have used papers that tear the moment you try to peel them off the foam, but these hold up to removal and repositioning without ripping. That matters when you need to lift the sheet to add more water to the sponge underneath. The paper is also washable, and I successfully reused each sheet about three times before it started showing signs of wear.

The 4.7-star rating from 569 reviews reflects consistent quality. Painters report using these sheets for everything from miniature detail work to larger canvas acrylic painting. The versatility makes them a good all-around choice if you paint in multiple formats.

I used these sheets during a two-week stretch of painting Warhammer 40K Space Marines. My base coat paints stayed workable for three days between sessions, and my highlight colors lasted an entire week. That consistency is what you want from a wet palette refill.

Who should buy this

Painters who work across multiple formats and need a mid-size paper that adapts well to different palettes will find these versatile. The strength and reusability make them a practical choice for frequent painters who wash sheets between sessions. If you own a Masterson Painter’s Pal, these are the correct replacement sheets.

Who should skip this

The 12 by 9 inch dimensions require trimming for most non-Masterson palettes, including the Army Painter. If you want a zero-prep refill experience, look at the official Hydro Pack or the Garpernics option that comes pre-sized. The extra step of trimming might not be worth it for casual painters.

8. Nicpro 4 Pack Wet Palette Sponges and 100 Sheet Paper Refill

The Nicpro combo pack is one of the most complete refill kits I tested. You get 4 sponges and 100 sheets of palette paper in one package. The 4-sponge count is generous compared to most competitors that include only 2. Having extras means you can rotate sponges while one dries, which helps prevent the mold issue many painters worry about.

The grey sponge is noticeably thicker than the foams in the Army Painter official pack. This extra thickness means it holds more water and needs refilling less often. In my testing, the sponge kept my palette paper consistently moist for 8 days before I needed to add water. That is about 3 days longer than thinner sponges I have used.

The paper has a 120g weight, which is thicker than many competitors. This translates to better durability and less tearing when you handle the sheets. I did notice the paper tends to curl when first placed in the palette, but a quick spritz of water flattens it out within a minute. After that initial setup, it stays flat and performs well.

At 7.3 by 5 inches, these sheets fit the Army Painter palette with a tiny margin around the edges. It was not enough to cause problems in my testing, but it is worth noting if you prefer full tray coverage. The 357 reviews and 4.6-star rating show this is a popular and trusted budget option among miniature painters.

Who should buy this

Painters who want an all-in-one refill solution without buying sponges and paper separately should look at this combo. The 4 sponges give you rotation flexibility, and the 100-sheet count means you will not need to reorder for months. Budget-conscious hobbyists who paint miniatures regularly will get strong value from this pack.

Who should skip this

If you need sheets that fit the Army Painter tray with zero gap, the extra few millimeters of exposed edge might bother you. The initial curling behavior also requires a quick prep step that some painters might find annoying if they want to start painting immediately.

9. Redgrassgames 50 Hydration Paper Sheets for Everlasting Wet Palette XL

Redgrassgames makes the Everlasting Wet Palette, which is a popular alternative to the Army Painter system. Their hydration paper sheets are designed for the Studio XL model, and I wanted to test how well they work in an Army Painter palette. The short answer is that they fit well and perform admirably, though they are not a perfect size match for the standard Army Painter tray.

These sheets are selected specifically for best performance with hobby paints. The level of water dispersion is calibrated for the dilution ratios miniature painters typically use. I found that my paints maintained a consistent viscosity throughout my painting sessions, which is critical when you are doing fine edge highlights or glazing layers on miniatures.

The standout feature for me was the lack of curling. Some papers I tested curl at the edges when they get wet, creating raised areas where paint pools unevenly. The Redgrass sheets stayed completely flat after the initial setup, which is exactly what you want. They also stick to the foam without bubbles, creating an even surface for your paints.

With 139 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is a well-regarded product in the miniature painting community. Users on Reddit specifically recommend Redgrass sheet refills as a compatible alternative for Army Painter palettes, and my testing confirmed that recommendation.

Who should buy this

If you value flat, bubble-free paper performance above all else, these Redgrass sheets deliver. They are an excellent choice for painters who split time between an Army Painter palette and a Redgrass Everlasting palette, since they work well in both. Painters doing fine detail work will appreciate the consistent paint viscosity these sheets maintain.

Who should skip this

For the standard Army Painter palette, these sheets may be slightly too small or too large depending on which size you order. Check the dimensions carefully before purchasing. If you want guaranteed compatibility with zero measuring, the official Army Painter Hydro Pack is the safer choice. Also, at 50 sheets, this pack does not offer the same per-sheet value as 100-sheet alternatives.

10. WetNDri Disposable Palette Paper Refill – 100 Sheets by D’Artisan Shoppe

The WetNDri refill from D’Artisan Shoppe focuses on solving the most common complaints about wet palette paper: curling and bubbling. In my testing, these sheets lived up to that promise. The paper laid flat from the first moment I placed it on the foam, with zero curling at the edges and no bubbles forming underneath. That alone sets it apart from several competitors I tested.

Water management is where this paper really shines. Many wet palette papers either let too much water through or not enough. The WetNDri sheets strike a balance that keeps paints hydrated overnight without over-diluting them. I left several paint dollops on the palette for 48 hours, and when I came back, they had the same consistency as when I put them down. That is rare in my experience.

At 8.6 by 6.2 inches, these sheets are sized for the WetNDri palette system but can work in the Army Painter palette with minor trimming. The 100-sheet count provides excellent per-sheet value for painters who change their palette paper frequently. With a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews, early adopters are reporting positive experiences.

The only concern is stock availability. When I checked, only 4 units were left, which suggests this product can be hard to find during peak hobby season. If you find it in stock, I recommend grabbing a pack while you can.

Who should buy this

Painters who have been frustrated by curling or bubbling paper should try these sheets. The flat-lay performance is genuinely better than most options I have tested. If you leave paints on your palette overnight and want them to maintain consistent consistency without over-dilution, this paper solves that problem effectively.

Who should skip this

The inconsistent stock availability means you cannot always count on finding these when you need them. If reliability of supply matters to you, the Army Painter Hydro Pack or Masterson refills are easier to find year-round. The 8.6 by 6.2 inch size also requires trimming for most wet palette systems, including the Army Painter.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Wet Palette Refills?

Choosing wet palette refills comes down to four main factors: sheet count, paper quality, foam performance, and compatibility with your palette system. I have tested all of these products firsthand, and here is what matters most when making your decision.

Sheet count and per-sheet value

The price per sheet varies dramatically between products. The Garpernics and Nicpro packs give you 100 sheets each, while the official Army Painter Hydro Pack provides 50. Masterson options typically include 30 sheets but are reusable. I calculate value by dividing the total cost by the number of usable sessions, factoring in reusability. A 30-sheet Masterson pack where each sheet gets reused 3 times effectively gives you 90 sessions.

For painters who use their palette daily, higher sheet counts make more sense. Weekend painters may find that a 50-sheet pack lasts well over three months, making the per-sheet cost difference negligible in practice.

Paper quality and water management

The semi-permeable membrane is what separates good palette paper from bad. Good paper lets water through at a controlled rate. Bad paper either blocks water completely, letting your paints dry out, or lets too much through, turning your paints into thin wash. The official Army Painter Hydro Sheets and the Masterson papers both use quality membranes that maintain consistent moisture levels.

I recommend looking for paper that does not curl when wet. Curling creates uneven surfaces where paint pools in the wrong places. The Redgrassgames and WetNDri papers both excel at staying flat throughout extended use.

Foam and sponge considerations

The foam sits beneath the paper and acts as your water reservoir. Thicker foams like the Nicpro grey sponge hold more water and need fewer refills. Denser foams distribute water more evenly across the paper surface. The Army Painter Hydro Foams are specifically treated for optimal water absorption in their system, which is why the official pack remains my top recommendation.

A common issue discussed on miniature painting forums is foam going rancid or developing mold. I prevent this by using distilled water instead of tap water, adding a single drop of dish soap, and storing my palette in the refrigerator between long breaks. With this routine, my foams last three months or more without any odor or mold issues.

Compatibility with your palette

Not all refills fit all palettes. The standard Army Painter Wet Palette uses specific dimensions, and the XL Wargamers Edition uses a larger format. Before buying any third-party refills, measure your palette tray interior and compare it to the sheet dimensions listed on the product. Most papers can be trimmed with scissors, but a precise fit always performs better than a trimmed one.

Redgrass refills are often recommended on Reddit as compatible with Army Painter palettes. Masterson papers require more trimming due to their larger sizes but offer premium quality. The Garpernics and Nicpro options come closer to the exact Army Painter dimensions out of the box.

Extending the life of your refills

From my own experience and community discussions on r/minipainting, here are the best practices for getting maximum life from your refills. Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and mold growth. Add a drop of dish soap to break surface tension and improve water flow. Store your palette in the fridge during extended breaks. Rinse your foam monthly with clean water and let it dry completely. Rotate between two sponges so each has time to dry out fully. These simple habits can double the lifespan of your refills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Army Painter Wet Palette Refills

After testing 10 refill products across several months of miniature painting, the official Army Painter Hydro Pack remains my top pick for most painters. It provides guaranteed compatibility, consistent moisture control, and a solid 50-sheet count that lasts for months. For budget-conscious painters, the Garpernics 100-sheet pack offers excellent value, while the Masterson Sta-Wet papers deliver premium quality for those willing to trim to size.

The best Army Painter wet palette refills for you ultimately depend on your painting frequency, budget, and whether you value convenience over value. Whatever you choose, keeping fresh refills on hand ensures your paints stay workable and your painting sessions stay productive. Grab the refill that matches your needs and get back to painting.