Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight and strong, with an even surface. It has a warm color which helps artists perceive colors in a precise manner.
Make use of boiled linseed, a lint-free rag or paper towel to protect the wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it a lot easier to mix your colors and move them around the surface of your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes close to hand. I've discovered that using such a palette can reduce the amount of time I'm shifting my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids with my precision and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been sealed and stained (to resist water as well as regular solvents for artists) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it prior to painting - this makes it less able to absorb of the oils in your oil paints. Pour a small amount of linseed onto your palette, then rub it in using a lint-free, clean cotton rag. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette prior to use by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone will help me to distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like look. It's beautiful to see.
Some artists apply a clear acrylic varnish to seal their wooden palettes. This protects the wood, and give it a beautiful shine. However, I've found that the traditional method of applying several thin coats of linseed oil work well for me. It takes a little longer than using polyurethane, but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only improve over time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal option for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. After pallet prices , a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth makes cleanup simple. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts carry wooden palettes, which are affordable.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter option that is resistant to damage from solvents and also have an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and can be used with acrylics, as well as other materials. They are generally available in various sizes and deep wells for color mixing.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is another popular option for acrylic painting. These plates are disposable and affordable which means they are only used once during the duration of a painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein air painting. They may absorb some of the paint, and is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded timber such as pine or spruce that has a thumbhole, is among the best options to make a permanent acrylic paint pallet. This allows the artist to hold the palette by inserting the thumb in the hole, leaving the other fingers free to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps prevent the fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. They are available at yard sales or in thrift shops and are often quite beautiful. You can even try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is a substitute for the traditional palette that is very well-known. These are basically an empty plastic container with a tight lid. You place a sponge at the bottom that you wet with water, then add a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for a few days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and are strong enough to be handled easily. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easier to hold during long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that allows paint to rest on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they can be cleaned easily for years of use.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces utilized by artists, and they remain a vital part of many artist's studios today. They have a classic and professional look, and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. They are often made with sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette could be a sustainable choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the essential to the durability of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping it off with a lint free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or other decorative elements. This is an excellent method to make the palette feel like an extension of your artwork and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in the correct position. This is a great feature to use when traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes, with artists sharing pictures of their stunningly arranged sets to inspire others. These visual cues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden palette is a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will become a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette to paint, the first thing that comes to mind is a wooden one used by old masters. Although they are still used by some painters however, these palettes aren't ideal for acrylics or watercolors because the surface is too porous and absorbs paint too much. A new palette for painting was invented to solve this issue. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and will not break if you drop it. They're also available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is comfortable to hold and fit in your hand while working.
The new palettes are referred to as "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints wet and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium to the back side of the palette. Rub it in until it looks slightly tacky (like soft butter). Then, use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, making sure to get into all of the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette retain oil and pigment while allowing hairs of the brush to move through the wood easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil - such as linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it to the surface of the palette with an abrasive. This will help to protect the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. pallet buying will also stop the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it won't absorb the paint too much, and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more sturdy and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also like the idea that I'm preserving a tradition of the old masters!