The absorbent paper is actually a sponge - it's soaked in water then squeezed out, and that goes into the palette first. If it leaves water in the tray, that's too much water - squeeze it out more. The translucent paper is a thick durable paper that can be washed and re-used. Soak this in VERY HOT water for about 10 minutes before using - it will change from white to translucent. Place it on top of the sponge, and that's what you mix your paint on. Wash the paper off with hot water before the paint dries if you want to re-use it. Mine last about 3 to 4 goes on each side before they wear out, by that time they are mighty colourful and the slippery finish is gone. I love the stay-wet palette, especially for painting outdoors. It keeps your paints from drying out by keeping them wet from beneath, and keeps them fresh if you want to paint next day without throwing away dried paint. This also eliminates the need to spray the paint with water to keep them from drying - which is a bad idea anyway. The biggest complaint is if you leave it closed more than 2 weeks, it will go moldy... yuck. If that happens, just wash everything in hot water chlorine bleach, but throw away the paper. Otherwise, hot water soap is all you need to clean it. Leave the lid off when storing it. I have run out of paper and use thick tracing paper in its place, which must be thrown away after one use. Still cheaper and works great. Have fun, hope you love yours like I do!
I don't bother buying one i just use a piece of plastic lay a damp piece if kitchen towel on top and then a piece of greaseproof paper on top of that and away you go
