Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that allow artists to see colors clearly 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 wood palette. Repeat every day, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are available using the wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them across the surface of your board or canvas. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes close at fingertips. I've noticed that a palette of this sort can reduce the amount of time I'm shifting my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids me in my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing pallets near me before painting will help it absorb less oil from your oil paints. Put a small amount of linseed onto your palette, and then rub in using a lint-free, lint-free rag. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings and it also lets me see how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone helps me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
A wooden palette that has been well-used will develop a gorgeous patina over time. It will become more opaque and smooth, thanks to the oil you used in your paints staining it little and the pigments mixing together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists employ an acrylic varnish that is clear to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood, and give it a beautiful shine. However, I have found that the old way of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil works well for me. It takes a bit more time than using polyurethane, but it's worth the wait 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 offers a wide, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. After each use, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel will make cleanup easy. Most arts and crafts stores offer 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 solvent damage and have a non-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics, as well as other materials. They are typically available in a variety of sizes and deep wells to mix colors.
Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a styrofoam or paper plate. These plates are disposable and affordable, so they can only be used once for the duration of a painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein air painting. However, they can absorb some paint which can make it difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded lumber, such as pine or spruce that has a thumbhole, is among the best options to create an acrylic paint palette that is permanent. The thumb can be inserted into the hole to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole can also help to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also good choices. They are available at yard sales or thrift shops and are usually attractive. You can also try a piece of tin foil, which will resist the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A popular alternative to a homemade palette is a plastic stay-wet palette. These are basically made of plastic with a secure lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you put a sheet special paper on the top to keep paint damp. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper wet for days. You can always add water to the palette if the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting with oil paints or watercolors, using the wooden palette is the best option. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, including glass and paper and are strong enough for easy handling. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold while working for long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that allows paint to sit on top without being absorbed. Furthermore, they are easy to clean for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are a vital component of many studios. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are perfect to mix alkyds, oils and acrylics. In addition, they are often sourced from sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette could be a green option for the contemporary 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 prolong the lifespan of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists prefer to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other decorative elements. This is a fantastic option to make your palette feel like part of your work and add a sense history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in the place. This is a fantastic feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload pictures of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding, artistic experience. If you continue to paint with your wooden palette, it will become a cherished piece of equipment that reminds you of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette to paint, the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood used by old masters. These palettes, though used by some artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours due to their porous surface. A new paint palette was created to address this issue. 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 fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints moist and usable for a long period of time after you've finished painting. To prepare a stay-wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back side of the palette. Rub it in until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then you can use either a paper towel or lint free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get into all of the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, helps the palette to retain oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass through easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is using a drying oil - such as linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it to the surface of the palette using a rag. This will seal the wood and make it impervious to water and solvents. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice since it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. However, I'd prefer to use a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable and it is more comfortable to hold. I also love the thought that I'm continuing a tradition of the old masters!