A Review of The Binning Monro Palette Made by 'The Little Brass Box' Company

[@jackson4625]

So great to see fellow Little Brass Box owners. I have 3 of them from John. His craftsmanship is top notch! Happy painting!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

They are great. Which is your favourite of your three?

[@jackson4625]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt They’re worth the money. I think my favorite is the Roberson style palette. I have that, the large Roberson, and the travel palette. Sad to see he doesn’t make the travel one anymore.

[@trishbrown3285]

Really good point about closing the lid and the benefit of having all of the pans on one side.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

My brass palette has certainly saved me a lot of mess and time cleaning it! Thanks for your comment James

[@thuntz29]

Absolutely lovely palette! Someday if I’m making money out of my paintings I’ll treat myself to it. ❤

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

It’s a great pallet. When you start making money from your painting, then it’s a wonderful thing to have. Even if you don’t make money from your painting it still worth it. I look at it as an essential part of even a hobby. If you compare it to how much golfers spend on their clubs and green fees or many other hobbies, it’s not that expensive, and it will last a lifetime. It’s fun, thinking about it anyway😊 Best wishes, James

[@guzinayan5373]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@vincefenton]

Hello James, I’ve just stumbled upon your channel and subscribed. Thank you for this video, I did enjoy your review. I too have a handmade brass palette and I completely agree, using one is such a treat. I shall look forward to more videos, and thanks again.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Vince, Glad you liked it. Which palette do you have? Thanks James

[@vincefenton]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt I’ve got ‘The Paint Box’ #2071 in green made by Craig Young. I’d have included a photograph but couldn’t work out how to - I am 70+ ! 😂

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@vincefentonVery nice. I hope it’s getting plenty use!!

[@paulfogarty7724]

Thats a nice palette. One thing I'd say with the metal palette that has the paint stored directly on the enamel is to keep them from drying out to a biscuit because the paint sometimes pulls the enamel off the walls of the paint wells as it shrinks ( happened with my Holbein ) . I still use a metal palette but its one of those traditional British heavyweight metal ones with the large plastic pans - still expensive at €70 but it's a professional piece of art kit. I find people who complain about the prices tend to be those who view painting as a mere weekend hobby.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Paul, That’s an interesting point about the dry watercolour paint, pulling the enamel off. It hasn’t happened to me yet. I did try plastic pets, but unfortunately it weren’t for me. I found that the paint sort of beaded and didn’t lie flat on the Palette. A nice Palette is an expensive thing, however, it lasts a long time And is a pleasure to use. For me, it’s a simple choice. I hope your painting is going well. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

[@suel4269]

Thankyou ! I’ve been admiring this palette here and other videos. Jackson’s Art has a plastic Liz Deakin version that is similar.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Sue, It is a wonderful Palette, and so great to use. I think the design is so good! I’m sure it’s worth giving the Jacksons Palette go, but hopefully one day you’ll be able to get your hands on one of these brass ones. Happy painting Best wishes, James

[@stephenfoster1818]

Hi Sue & James, I have been looking for my first palette, this Liz Deakin 15 pot is exactly what I have been looking for! So thank you for pointing it out to me. Cheers Steve

[@giespel68]

It's beautiful! But oh my, near £500? 😯

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

That’s what I thought when I first saw it 😮. Then I thought about for a long time before I committed to buy. After all of that and using it, I’m still very pleased with my decision. Thanks James

[@baileythompson7040]

Thank you. I just found this video and it answers all the questions I had about this palette. You've done A Very helpful and glowing review. You should get a discount from the company for all the customers you are sending their way. 😂 I plan to order one now too. I Just hope it will help me paint better. 😊

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Bailey, That’s really great that you’re ordering the pallet. Hopefully it won’t take too long for you to get it! You’ve done the right thing I feel the pallet did help me become a better painter. At least it stopped me worrying about a pallet and made me settled. It would be great if I were to get commissions from the company. I’ve done a good service to them. No money yet though! 😀 Best wishes, James

[@baileythompson7040]

@JamesPotterAboutArt Okay, I ordered it. In communication with John, I mentioned that I had seen a glowing review of the palette by "James Potter on his KZbin channel." I thought it important that he be aware that you are out there recommending his palettes. Your review was very helpful to me in making my decision.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@baileythompson7040 That’s great Bailey!!! Thanks for mentioning my name to him. How long do you have to wait until you get it? I’m sure you’re really enjoy using it. Best wishes, James

[@baileythompson7040]

@JamesPotterAboutArt This is definitely not an instant gratification type purchase. The website states it will be sometime around 8 months before I can expect it. Also, it will be shipped to the US, so who knows how long it might sit in the customs office. Anyway I'm sure it will be wonderful to paint with when it finally does arrive.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@baileythompson7040 Let me know when you get it! I’m sure you’ll be pleased

[@peckerdecker]

Excellent video. Would it be possible... To *show and view your sketchbooks* ? & To see _the process_ of ideas? (Seeing sketchbooks can help water colour viewers like myself ) Many thanks.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Yes, I can start doing that. It might make a good video sometime 😊 Thanks James

[@SuperExadidas]

Hi James….l am new to your channel, l enjoy your loose watercolor painting. Where can we buy your palette and l would like to follow your color selection. Thanks.

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Arwin Welcome to my channel I’m very pleased you’re here. Glad you’re enjoying the Watercolour painting. There are two places that you can buy this style of pallet, mine is from the little brass box company in England, and the other is from Craig Young, also in England. They are wonderful, well worth it, and I wouldn’t hesitate buying another one They are expensive about £500 however, a lot cheaper than playing golf or many other hobbies. I hope you manage to find one. Best wishes, James

[@SuperExadidas]

Many thanks @@JamesPotterAboutArt

[@k.b.1996]

I love this palette! It's such a good feeling to find something you enjoy using and is also equally well made. May I ask you something about it? I came into possession of this exact model from a different brass palette maker (Craig Young from Watercolor Paintbox Company, previously also called Binning Monro/Munro, now it's called "The Palette Box"). I was incredibly excited to get it because you're one of the very few people showing in your videos how beautifully the colors mix on it without beading. Now, when I first used it, I did notice beading on every single surface which was a bit of a bummer. My question is: Did it take time for you to "break into" the brass palette? Thank you so much!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, It’s great that you’ve managed to get hold of this Palette it is awesome! Mine does bead up from time to time and it’s usually because the brush that I use to clean it gathers a bit of grease on it. From time to time I wash that brush in white spirits and then wash it In clean water to get rid of the grease. I think you need to somehow clean the Palette and get rid of the grease that has collected on it. Perhaps, maybe use some rubbing alcohol or something that isn’t abrasive, to break down the grease. Have a chat to Craig Young as well he might have some ideas Let me know how it goes. Best wishes, James

[@k.b.1996]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Huge thanks for your answer! I'll definitely try the tip with alcohol and I also thought about contacting Craig and asking him for some ideas. I really love your channel and all your tips, it's really unique and I can't wait to see more of your videos. Thanks for posting them!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@k.b.1996 My pleasure. I’m glad you’re enjoying my videos so much.

[@k.b.1996]

@@JamesPotterAboutArt Thank you so much for the tip, you were spot on! I wasn't able to get hold of rubbing alcohol just yet and was advised by someone from Craig's company to use the magic eraser + a mild dishwasher. Weirdly enough this didn't do anything, but as I've watched some random youtube videos I heard someone using a combo of magic eraser and brush cleaner soap, which also works as a fat solvent. And amazingly enough, this did the trick!

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

@@k.b.1996 That’s really great. I’m glad it worked out! You have your Palette back now, which is great. The trick now is to make sure what you clean it with is free from grease. I’m sure you’re going to find a huge difference when using it again. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes, James

[@PamTeschner]

James, do you find that the paint beads up on the enamel surface of the mixing wells?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi, I don’t find it beads up at all. Sometimes if there’s some grease on a palette, this can cause beading. Then it needs to be cleaned properly with detergent. I find that plastic palettes bead all the time which is why I don’t use them!

[@dh9033]

To stop paint 'beading' on plastic just clean the surface with a little 'Cif' (previously known as Jif) and wash off with warm water. Just make sure that you get it all off! Dudley 😊

[@jojojo8835]

Thanks! Which brands of paint do you prefer? I’ve noticed they all use slightly different binders

[@VEHarris100]

Wonder if they make a left handed version

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Not sure 🤔. They are individually handmade so I’m sure he will. They are great 🎉

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

The other company is Craig Young paint box pallete. is it too heavy compared to little brass company?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi. Thanks for your comment. Mine is quite an old one which was made with thicker brass, so heavier than the current little brass box company pallets. I find that the weight is no problem for me. I’ve never picked up a Craig Young pallet so difficult to compare. I’m very happy with mine 😊 Thanks James

[@victoriagoddard4617]

Are you by any chance related to Sara and Helen Potter?

[@JamesPotterAboutArt]

Hi Victoria, I’m not related to Sara or Helen, that I know of! I doubt there are too many Potters out here. Best wishes, James