Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is a light, smooth surface and is rigid. It has a warm color that helps painters perceive colors accurately.
Make where to get pallets of boiled linseed, an lint-free rag or towel to seal the wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them across the surface of your canvas or board. This is a great way to have your brushes in your fingertips. This palette has helped me to reduce the amount of time that I am able to spend turning my body in order to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've also noticed that it helps with my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been sealed and stained (to repel water and regular solvents for artists) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will help it absorb less oil from your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed on the palette, and then rub into it with a lint-free cotton rag. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette prior 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 the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It also lets me observe how the colors appear against the wood. The tone will also help me to distinguish the shades of light and dark in my paintings.
A well-used wooden palette will develop a gorgeous patina over time. The oils you use to paint will stain it and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like finish. It's an amazing thing to look at.
Some painters prefer to use an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes - it will protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying multiple thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a bit more time than polyurethane but it's worth it since you can apply a coat each time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic option for oil and acrylic painting. It has a wide, stable area that resists pigment absorbtion and promotes color mixing. It also makes clean up easy and simple by a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel after each use. Palettes made of wood are also affordable and can be found in most arts and crafts stores.
There are many options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a light option that resist damage from solvents and also have an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and are utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are available in different sizes and come with deep wells to mix colors.
Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a paper or styrofoam plate. These plates are reusable and inexpensive, so they can only be used once during the duration of a painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb some paint which can make it difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded wood like spruce or pine with a thumbhole, is among the best options for creating an acrylic paint palette that is permanent. The thumb can be placed into the opening to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole can also help to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists prefer to build their own homemade wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered in aluminum foil or plastic can be a great spot to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. They are available at auctions and thrift shops. They are typically attractive. You can also use an aluminum foil that will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet palette. They are basically containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. The sponge is placed at the bottom that you wet with water, then place a piece of specialty paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be sealed and will keep the sponge and paper moist 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 a great option for those who paint with watercolors or oil. These palettes are lighter than other alternatives such as glass or paper and rigid enough to be able to be handled easily. They also have interior cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time while you work. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They are also easy to clean and last for years of use.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are still an integral element in many studios. They have an elegant, professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, acrylics, and alkyds. In addition they are typically made from sustainable forest practices. In this way, using a wooden palette can be a sustainable choice for the modern artist.
The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or decorative elements. This is a great method to make the palette appear as an extension of your artwork and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock into place. This is a fantastic feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues are a great reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a satisfying and artistically satisfying experience. As you continue to paint with your wooden palette it will become a beloved piece of equipment that reminds you of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette for painting, the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surfaces. However, a different type of palette for paint has been developed to solve this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and won't break should you drop it. The palettes come in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that is comfortable in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints moist and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette and rub it in until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then you can use an old 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, also known as seasoning, helps the palette retain oil and pigment while allowing brush hairs to flow through 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 using the help of a rag. This will help protect the wood and make it resistant to solvents and water. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it doesn't soak up paint too much, and it's also easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on a tradition of the old masters!