GW Paint Station +???

[RuneBrush]

I've got one of the grey paint stations and it's a lot more versatile than anything else I've tried. I've used the old GW MDF paint station, lap trays and cutlery trays (amongst others) and all have pro's and cons. The various molded 'holes' for paints and pots are quite useful for keeping bits and bobs together, the 'fitted' cutting mat means that it doesn't shimmy around as soon as you put any pressure on it and the water pots (providing you fill them half full) are designed so that if you knock them over they won't spill water everywhere. If you are a messy sod then the whole thing can be washed up as it's plastic. The plastic palette's are quite basic - but for £4 I'm not complaining and they do fit very snugly. The other benefit is that the base (as well as having rubber feet) has two 'leg curves' so that it's actually comfortable to put on your lap.

That said, it is quite expensive for starting out. I got the basic paint station with cutting mat and added the water pots and palettes afterwards.

 

[Dragonsreach]

I suppose the arguement (as such) is down to where and how you want to paint, Since I'm lucky enough to have a mancave to disappear into I'm happy with that, but I couldn't paint downstairs in front of the TV. (Plus I have a wife that lets/makes me disappear on a Sunday into said mancave.)
But for those people with limited space and or a spouse that wants their company all the time getting a safe painting station which can be easily stored is a must.

I've looked at Porchade boxes and while fine for En Plein Air painting but they may not fit other peoples needs in the model painter world.