Pochade is a French word that means “small painting” box. At OPEN BOX M a pochade box is the entire package: the palette/panel holder, wet-panel storage unit and the outer case.

Why do you call it an 8x10 pochade box when the box dimensions are larger?

The 8x10 denotes the maximum size panel you can store in the wet-panel storage unit which is found in the lid of your pochade box. This concept to all pochade boxes, lightweight kits and palm boxes.

Where is this equipment made?

We handcraft all of our boxes here in our shop in Cody, Wyoming. The other products that we carry are carefully selected for their quality and reliability such as HK Holbein, Bogen and Pelican. We are committed to providing as many products as possible that are made in the USA. We employ several local artisans and manufacturers to provide you with the quality equipment you expect.

Do I have my palette/panel holder set up correctly?

*Click on “Tutorial” for a step-by-step walk through.

Why does my palette/panel holder feel unstable?

Many times people forget to slide the aluminum arm(s) out to form the rear triangle(s) that give you stability. Loosen the thumbscrews and wing nuts on each slide-arm assembly and slide the aluminum piece to the back of your palette/panel holder. Position the unit how you like it and then re-tighten the screws and wing nuts. To see proper set-up go to “Tutorial” for step-by-step instruction.

How do I put my panel in the panel holder?

Loosen the wing nuts on the back of your panel holder and slide the brass arms out to the width of your panel. Next, bring them in a little smaller (1/8") than your panel width and tighten. Then you put the panel into the spring-loaded side first...push it out a little and drop the other side into the other arm.

How do I care for my box?

The outer case is made out of black walnut and has a hand-rubbed oil finish. We use Deft Danish Oil (natural color). After the final rub down and drying, we sand with 600-grit sand paper and apply Watco wax. It’s best if you are going to re-oil to use mineral spirits to remove foreign contaminates, sand with 600-grit sand paper, re-oil and then let dry completely. Re-wax with Watco wax. Make sure after re-oiling that you rub off the excess.

Your palette/panel holder is made from black walnut and Baltic birch. This is also hand rubbed with Deft Danish Oil (natural color), for a lighter palette area. Most folks use the palette as is allowing the continued cleaning and wiping of oils to build up a smooth beautiful patina.

Everything is solid brass except the aluminum support arm and the stainless steel spring. The latch is brass-plated zinc so it is also rust proof. The parts we make here (such as the adjustable sliding arm assembly, brass carrier assembly arms and clips) are all polished but not lacquered. You may do this yourself; we feel it is nice to get an aged look along with the box.

Do I need to do anything to my palette before I put paint on it?

No, just lay out your palette and paint! Some people like to have a piece of glass specially cut to put in the palette area rather than using the Baltic birch. If you choose to do that you can use a bead of silicone in each corner to hold the glass in place.

How do I care for my palette?

After a painting outing and before closing your palette, scrape off excess paint in mixing area with a palette knife and then wipe it down with turpentine or other solvent. Eventually a nice patina will build up on your palette area.

What kind of tripod can I use?

Any sturdy standard camera tripod will work. We sell Bogen tripods and they work quite well with our set-up.

Can I use stretched canvas?

Yes, the spring-loaded arms in your palette/panel holder will hold stretched canvas. And, if you want, we can customize the wet-panel storage units to accommodate stretched canvas at no extra charge.

What is your return policy?

Insure the items and include a note detailing the reasons for the return. A $20.00 restocking fee will be charged for all returned items manufactured by Open Box M.

Do you sell in stores?

No. We have deliberately chosen to sell directly to our customer so as to provide quality products and customer service and to help ensure that you get exactly what you need from us.

How do you ship?

We ship UPS ground. We will contact you prior to shipping to confirm your order and the method of shipment. If you prefer Fed Ex of USPS we can do that.

How long does it take to get my order?

You will receive a courtesy call to confirm your order and ship dates. The equipment you have ordered is handcrafted especially for you. Please plan on about 1-3 weeks for delivery.

Do you make nameplates for your boxes?

We do not make nameplates for our black walnut pochade boxes but you could have one made at a trophy shop or jewelry store. Nameplates are offered for the Pelican pochade boxes through Pelican. Information will be included in your Pelican case.

How many 37ml tubes of paint will fit in my box?

Palm boxes:
6x8 or 8x10 slim=no paint tubes

6x8 deep and extra deep=approximately 8 tubes

8x10 deep and extra deep= approximately 14 tubes

Black walnut pochade boxes:

8x10= approximately 13 tubes

10x12=approximately 20 tubes

11x14=approximately 26 tubes

Standard Pelican pochade box:

8x10=approximately 30 tubes

10x12=approximately 36 tubes

11x14=approximately 40 tubes

Special Pelican pochade box:

8x10=approximately 8 tubes

10x12=approximately 12 tubes

11x14=approximately 8 tubes

Do brushes fit in the palm box?

No, unless you are using collapsible brushes or you don’t mind cutting them down to size.

Do brushes fit in the pochade boxes?

Yes, you can fit full-length brushes in all of the different sized pochade boxes. See pochade box specs for brush area dimensions.

What sizes can I paint with each box?

The smallest width panel any of our panel holders will hold is 5".
6x8 Palm Boxes - maximum size is 6x8 (only stores 6x8 as well)
8x10 Palm Boxes - maximum size is 8x10 (only stores 8x10 as well)
Palette/Panel Holders accomodate:
8x10 - maximum width panel 16"
10x12 - maximum width panel 18"
11x14 - maximum width panel 20"
12x16 - maximum width panel 24"

Can I paint larger than my palm box on my palm box?

No. Unlike the palette/panel holders, the spring-loaded arms on the palm boxes do not extend beyond the outer edge of the box. You can paint as small as a 5” wide panel; however, the panel storage is not adjustable. So, if you have a 6x8 box that is the only size you can store below the palette area even though your panel holder will hold a 5x7.

Does the palm box have the same features as the palette/panel holder?

The size of your palm box dictates the maximum size panel you can paint and the only size you can store. If you have an 8x10 palm box that is the wet-panel storage size available to you under your palette and the largest size you can insert into the panel holder to paint. If you have an 8x10 palette/panel holder you can paint panels up to 16” wide. The palette/panel holder does not provide you wet-panel storage. A separate wet-panel storage unit is needed. Then, these two parts can be loaded into any of the various carrying devices you would like i.e.: the black walnut pochade box, the Pelican pochade box, the backpack or Cordura Nylon bags.

Do you give discounts?

On orders of six or more pochade boxes people can receive a 10% discount. Please call us directly to order.

Do you sell paints and panels?

No, but we highly recommend you contact the professionals at SourceTek www.canvaspanels.com or 1-800-587-5462.

*Video Tutorial coming soon!