Are you like me and looking for simple way to carry all the things you’ll need for your miniature painting hobby. Hey, everyone! Welcome back. Today, I am going to discuss the All-In-One Modular Art Box from Krydrufi. For total disclosure, Krydrufi sent me an art box directly for my review.
There is a Lot Here
Krydrufi designed the All-In-One Modular Art Box for miniature painters and artists on the go. You can see that Krydrufi put a lot of effort into the design of this box to meet the needs of a large swath of painters.
I received The Ultra Set box. It included two wet palettes, divided paint palettes, as well as two of the wash bins, silicone inserts for the bottom of the wash bins, and two brush holders that clip onto the sides of the wash bins. It also included two packets of their four-in-one mixing paper and two foam inserts for the wet palettes.
First Trial
Like many of you, I paint at a desk in my home. I have all of my things close at hand when I paint. I dont normally travel to paint sticking to work at my desk. However, I am open to try something that might work better than my current setup was a welcomed opportunity.
Right from the start, I knew that I was not the target audience when it came to divided paint storage. Krydrufi designed this module for artist who uses oil paints. Since I use acrylic paints I knew this module wasn’t for me.
Setting up the wet palette, I was surprised by the quality of foam that was used. It almost felt like something that should be in the bottom of your slippers—so soft and squishy.
The original four-in-one mixing paper sent with the box immediately caught my attention. It was much thicker when compared to other wet palette papers. It also had a satin finish on the paper which is very different than other brands of paper.
After placing the 4 in 1 paper in the wet palette and letting it sit for a minute, I noticed that there was no moisture coming through.
The Struggle
When I put some paint on the palette and I started working on the model. The paint had begun to dry out in the short period of time that it had been there. Thinking that I was the problem, I got a different paint and tried to continue working. The same thing happened with my second color of paint and then again with the third.
I struggled to figure out what was wrong, checking the humidity in the room that I was working. It was right around 45%. Resetting the wet palette up from start to finish again, thinking maybe I didn’t put enough water in the reservoir or the paper was bad or some other unknown factor.
However, I got the same results. It was frustrating because I use a wet palette to avoid this exact situation. So, I put the all-in-one modular art box back in its packaging and set it aside. Planning to pick it up on another day.
After a week or so, Krydrufi reached out and asked if I would be interested in their wet palette papers as part of this review. I told him that I absolutely would be, and that the four-in-one paper was difficult to work with from a miniature painting standpoint.
I would welcome using these other papers. After about a week, the new wet palette papers arrived, and I got the Modular Art Box back off the shelf.
Second Trial
After getting the new papers from Krydrufi, I immediately noticed the difference between these papers and the four-in-one mixing papers that they had sent me previously. The new papers looked and felt more like traditional wet palette paper.
Setting up the palette, I confirmed that when putting the paper down on the sponge for about a minute, the paper seemingly disappeared. It was time to see if these new papers were worth their salt
When putting paint on the paper, it was immediately apparent the difference between these papers and the others. It almost seemed like they let too much fluid into the paint, but with some minor adjustments to the amount of water in the reservoir, the issue was quickly remedied. I chalk this up to getting familiar with a new product and learning all of its little quirks.
A cool thing about the wet palette is that the lid is able to hold the papers on top and they are easily removed when changing the paper on your wet palette. Another interesting feature is the assembly feature, allowing the artist to connect their paint storage and wet palette together in a way that makes it conveniently close. These modules can be connected to the wash module as well.
Other Features
Moving on to the less dynamic aspects of the all-in-one modular art box, this system comes with two rather large wash bins, each holding 450mL. These can be used for water and/or storage for tools or brushes. There are two silicone inserts for the bottom of these wash bins to agitate your brushes while you are rinsing them. These wash bins and silicone inserts are well-made and of good quality.
The system also comes with brush holders for ease of storage while you are working. The holders allow the brushes to be stored to dry, or if you prefer to leave your brushes in the water while you are working, that is also option.
Lastly, the entire system is designed to be stacked and locked together, so it can be moved easily and conveniently. While I usually work in the same space and don’t personally need this feature, I can appreciate it for those who need/want to pick up their work station each time or travel to paint with friends or at their local game store.
Final Thoughts
I am new enough to the idea of writing product reviews that when Krydrufi reached out and asked for my opinion, I was flabbergasted! Krydrufi honored me by sending their product to review.
Prior to receiving contact from Krydrufi, I saw this all-in-one modular art box on Kickstarter and contemplated backing it. Ultimately decided not to because I don’t travel around much with painting supplies. The idea of needing an on-the-go painting setup wasn’t a selling point for me.
The All-in-One Modular Art Box has multiple tiers for which you can purchase. This adds to its usefulness. Where you can purchase the exact items that you will find most useful in your painting, hobby.
Before Krydrufi sent me the new wet pallet papers I was a “no” on this product. The rationale, if I have to prepare my own pallet papers, for a product that I’m on the fence about, I’ll stick with what I’m using now.
After getting the new pallet papers I truly am neutral on this product. I’ve figured out a system to move with the products that I have already love. If you’re someone who goes to paint and takes, or paints at your local game store the “All in one modular art box” could be right up your alley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexander Foust is a loving husband, father of twins, and committed Emergency Room Nurse. Balancing his personal and professional life, he finds strength in his faith and enjoys fitness, miniature painting, and tabletop gaming. You can reach Alex who is open to miniature painting commissions via email ([email protected]) and his MARLevel Painting Facebook page.
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