Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that help artists see colors with greater clarity when painting.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oil as well as a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all of your oil paints right to your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and then move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes at your fingertips. This palette has helped me to reduce the amount of time I have to turn around my body in order to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've also noticed that it helps me with my precision and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water as well as conventional solvents for artists) or you can purchase 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. To do this, simply pour a small pool of Linseed oil onto the palette, and then rub it in using an lint-free cloth until it's saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be 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 ochre) to the linseed oil. This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings. It also lets me observe how the colors look against the wood. Tone also helps me distinguish between light and dark values in my paintings.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. It will become more opaque and smooth, with the oil from your paints staining it little and the pigments mixing together to form a varnish-like coating. It's stunning to look at.
Some painters prefer to use an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes, it will protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. However, I find that the traditional method of applying thin coats of linseed oil works well for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane, but it is worth it since you can apply one coat every time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic option for acrylic and oil painting. It offers a wide, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. After every use, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores carry wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lighter option that is resistant to damage from solvents and also have an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are available in various sizes and come with deep wells that allow mixing colors.
Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. They are inexpensive and disposable so they can be used for just one painting session, which makes them a perfect solution for plein air painting. They may take in some paint though, which could be difficult to wash.
One of the best options for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood like spruce or pine that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted into the opening to allow the artist to hold the palette with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters prefer to make their own homemade wooden palette from household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be an excellent place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. They are generally attractive. You can also make use of the foil piece that will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A stay-wet palette is a substitute for the homemade palette that is very popular. These are basically an empty plastic container with a lid that is tight. where to get pallets dampen a sponge with water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper top to keep paint wet. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will stay damp for several days. You can always add water to the palette in case the paper becomes dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is an excellent option for anyone who paints with watercolors or oil. They are lighter than other options such as glass or paper, and are also strong enough to be handled easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold for long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that allows paint to sit on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they are easy to clean over time.
Wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces used by artists and are still an important element in many studios of artists in the present. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. Additionally they are typically sourced from sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette can be a sustainable option for the contemporary artist.
The key to the long-term durability of the wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a wood conditioner that is specially designed can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan of the palette. Depending on the kind of wood, re-oiling a palette can be as simple as pouring a puddle of oil into the middle of the palette, then wiping it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the surface. This is an excellent option to make your palette appear as an extension of your art and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in place. This is a fantastic feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists post pictures of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as a reminder that painting on a pallet made of wood can be a rewarding artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about an art pallet the first thing we imagine is a wooden one used by masters of the past. These palettes, though used by some artists are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surfaces. However, a new type of paint palette is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and won't break should you drop it. The palettes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints hydrated and usable for a prolonged period of time after you've finished painting. To prepare a stay-wet palette, simply add your preferred oil painting medium to the back side of the palette. Rub it in until it looks somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil, and ensure that it gets into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, assists the palette to keep the pigment and oil, while allowing hairs of the brush to flow through the wood easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is applying a drying oil - like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and rubbing it on the surface of the palette using a rag. This will make the wood more durable and make it impervious to solvents and water. This will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's easy-to-clean. However, I'd rather to choose an old-fashioned wooden palette since it's more durable and is more comfortable to hold. I also love the thought that I'm continuing the tradition of the previous masters!