There are many uses for a good paint container, from storing paint to transporting it to distributing paint to a group. Available in a variety of sizes and designs, these small holders will help you reduce waste and keep usable paints fresh, saving you money in the long run. They also double as paint pots you can use to mix colors; when you’re done using your blend, just snap a lid on and cleanup is complete. Our picks will help you choose which brand is best for your creative process.
1. Melissa & Doug Paint Cups
This multipack of plastic cups is designed for young children, but we think they are well suited for artists of all ages who need to hold and store paint safely. Each 12-ounce cup features a smart pairing of two lids: a funnel top that screws on, with an opening for dipping brushes, and one that snaps on top of it when you’re done painting. And as long as you maintain paint levels below the cup’s fill line, the design will prevent accidental spills and leaks. It also effectively keeps the container airtight, so you can easily travel with these cups or store them for months—they’ll keep paint fresh until your next session.
2. Colorations Double-Dip Paint Cups
Each of these clear plastic cups features two wells, making this option ideal for artists who want to double the number of colors at the ready while reducing clutter on their working surface. The cup divider (which cannot be removed) allows you to pair colors while keeping them separate, which can help you manage color combinations. This design is also useful for classrooms or other group settings in which paints are being shared. Colorations’ cups are smaller than Melissa & Doug’s—each well holds four ounces of liquid—but they too feature lids with holes for paintbrushes and a top that snaps on tightly to guard against spillage.
3. Sargent Art Paint Cups
Sargent’s cups are sold by the dozen, which makes this an economical pick for artists who work with many colors. Each cup includes an inner funnel top and a top lid, as well as a fill line to indicate how much paint you can pour in and still avoid spillage should the cup tip over. The tops and threading, however, are not as sturdy as those of our other picks, so these cups are not the most dependably spill- or leak-proof. But for artists who need short-term paint storage, this is a no-frills product you can easily fill, clean, and reuse.
4. DecorRack Mini Containers
Painters who rely on a lot of colors might want to consider these tiny plastic jars, which are available in a 30-pack of 1-ounce containers or a 40-pack of 0.5-ounce containers. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for saving small amounts of leftover paint or for experiments with mixing colors. Each features a soft plastic lid that pops on and off with ease. This is not a super-secure seal, but the jars do provide quick and frustration-free access to paints as well as a simple solution for short-term storage.
5. Satinior Storage Jars
These 12-packs of clear plastic jars come in a variety of sizes, with the largest kind able to hold up to 10-ounces. With airtight seals, these containers are leak-proof and designed for ultimate protection. They also have sturdy, thick walls that resist damage if dropped or otherwise impacted. Use these jars over and over again for all your storage needs.