Looking for an easy and affordable way to start plein air painting? I made this DIY pochade box for $5 using a simple cigar box—and it’s been one of my favorite setups for oil, gouache, and watercolor painting.

I like to paint small 6” x 6” panels, so I customized this pochade box to fit that size perfectly. It’s lightweight, compact, and holds everything I need for painting on the beach or outdoors.

Why Make Your Own Pochade Box for $5?

A pochade box is a portable painting setup designed for plein air painting, but many store-bought options can be expensive.

Making your own:

• Saves money (this one cost $5)
• Lets you customize the size and layout
• Keeps your setup simple and lightweight

Save this DIY pochade box idea for your next plein air painting session.

Works for Oil, Gouache, and Watercolor

While I primarily use this pochade box for oil painting, the same setup can easily be adapted for gouache painting and watercolor.

• The palette area works well for gouache with minimal setup
• For watercolor, you can place a small mixing tray inside or use a travel palette
• The compact design keeps everything organized for any plein air painting session

This makes it a versatile and affordable option no matter what medium you prefer.

The Cigar Box Setup

I found this cigar box at a local shop for $5. It’s the Carlos Torano brand, which came with a removable tray and a small wood piece that I repurposed.

When choosing a cigar box, look for:

• A sturdy lid and hinges
• Enough depth for paint and supplies
• A removable tray (bonus for creating a palette)

How I Fit My Painting Panels

I paint on 6” x 6” gesso boards and canvas panels, so I designed the lid to hold them securely.

• The panel sits inside the recessed lid
• Two offset framing clips hold it in place
• I can twist the clips to easily remove the painting

I also glued in two small wooden dividers (from the original box) to keep everything snug.

Palette Area (Simple and Effective)

The interior tray became my palette:

• I removed most of the cigar dividers
• Turned the tray upside down
• Applied linseed oil to seal the wood

This creates a smooth surface for mixing paint. The recessed design helps keep paint contained, and cleanup is easy—just wipe it down after painting.

I also drilled a small hole in the corner so I can lift the tray out easily.

Storage for Painting Supplies

Under the tray, I store my essential oil painting supplies:

• Oil paints
• Brushes
• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap (for keeping brushes wet)

There’s also extra space on top of the palette area for:

• Rubber gloves
• Wet wipes
• Plastic bags for rags

Everything fits neatly, making this perfect for plein air painting on the go.

Supporting the Lid While Painting

The box included a small piece of wood, which I attached with nails to support the lid while open.

• Acts as a simple lid support
• Keeps the painting upright while working

The hinges on this box are fairly sturdy, but I may upgrade them in the future if needed.

Lightweight and Ready for the Beach

Even fully loaded, the box is surprisingly lightweight.

I place it in a canvas bag with handles along with a few extra supplies, and I’m ready to head out for a plein air painting session—especially at the beach.

Final Thoughts on This Pochade Box for $5

This simple DIY pochade box has worked incredibly well for my painting style. It’s affordable, portable, and perfectly sized for small works.

If you’re thinking about trying plein air painting, this is a great way to get started without investing in expensive gear. Save this DIY pochade box idea for your next plein air painting session.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about how I made this or how I use it for plein air painting, feel free to leave a comment below.

Thanks,
PJ Cook

Pochade Box FAQ

Can you use a pochade box for watercolor?

Yes, a pochade box can be used for watercolor painting. Simply place a small watercolor palette inside the box and bring a compact water container. The lid can still hold your paper or panel while painting outdoors.

Can you use a pochade box for gouache painting?

Absolutely. Gouache painting works very well with this setup. The palette area can be used for mixing, and the compact storage keeps your paints and brushes organized for plein air sessions.

What size panels fit in this pochade box?

This setup is designed for 6” x 6” panels, including gesso boards and canvas panels. The recessed lid and clips hold them securely in place while painting.

What is a pochade box used for?

A pochade box is a portable painting box used for plein air painting. It holds your painting surface, palette, and supplies in one compact setup, making it easy to paint outdoors.

How do you make a cheap pochade box for $5?

You can make a DIY pochade box using an inexpensive cigar box, a few clips, and simple modifications like adding a palette surface and storage for supplies. This version costs about $5 and works great for small paintings.

Looking for inspiration? Browse my latest seascape paintings and see how I use this pochade box in my coastal work.