Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is extremely 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 oils and a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil into the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix your colors and move them across the surface of your canvas or board. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes in your fingertips. I've noticed that a palette like this reduces the amount of time I'm shifting my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps me with my precision and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been sealed and stained (to repel water and standard artist solvents) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior to painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this simply pour a small pool of linseed oil on the palette, and then rub it in using an lint-free sponge until it is completely saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette before using it by adding some 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 and it helps me see how the colors will look against the wood. The tone will also help me distinguish between dark and light values in my paintings.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. It will become more opaque and smooth with the oil from your paints staining it a bit and the pigments merging together to create their own varnish-like coating. It's a gorgeous thing to look at.
Some artists prefer to apply an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes, it will protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. However, I have found that the traditional method of applying several thin coats of linseed oil works perfectly for me. It takes a bit longer than polyurethane, but it's worth it since you can apply a coat every time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a popular choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large, stable area that resists pigment absorbtion and promotes color mixing. It also makes cleaning simple and convenient by simply wiping a cloth or paper towel after each use. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found at 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 a non-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and can be used with acrylics, and other materials. They are available in various sizes and come with deep wells that allow mixing colors.
Another option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam or paper plate. They are cheap and disposable, which means they can be used for a single painting session, which makes them a perfect 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 one of the best options to make a permanent acrylic paint pallet. The thumb can be inserted into the opening to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole helps prevent fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an ideal place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also an excellent option. They are available at auctions and thrift shops. They are typically gorgeous. You can also make use of the foil piece that will resist the absorption of paint and is easy to clean.
An extremely popular alternative to a DIY palette is a plastic stay-wet palette. These are basically a plastic box with a lid that is tight. The sponge is placed at the bottom that you dampen with water, then add a sheet of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint wet. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper wet for days. If the paper starts to dry out you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting oil paints or watercolors, using an wooden palette is an excellent option. They are lighter than other options such as glass or paper and are strong enough to be able to be handled easily. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold for long periods. They have a satin finish that lets paint rest on top without being absorbed, and they can be cleaned easily over time.
The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still a vital component of many studios. They provide an elegant, professional look 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 could be a green option for the contemporary artist.
The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a specialized wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and prolong the life of the palette. Depending on the type of wood that is used, re-oiling a palette could be as simple as pouring a pool of oil in the center of the palette, then wiping it with a lint-free cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the wood. This is a great way to make the palette feel like an extension of your work and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock in the place. This is a great feature to take with you when traveling.
Platforms like Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wood palettes, with artists sharing photos of their beautifully arranged arrangements to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. As you continue to paint using your wooden palette, it will become a beloved piece of equipment that reminds you of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette for painting the first thing that comes to mind is one made of wood used by the masters of the past. They are still used by some artists are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surfaces. A new palette for painting was designed to solve this issue. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and will not break if you drop it. They also come in various sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is comfortable to hold and fit into your hand when you work.
The new palettes are referred to as "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints moist and functional for a lengthy time after you've finished painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint looks tacky (like butter). Then you can use either a paper towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get it into all the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, enables the palette to keep pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
Another method to prepare for a wooden palette is using a drying oil such as linseed, safflower or walnut - and applying it to the surface of the palette with an abrasive. where to get pallets will help seal the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. This will also prevent the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good choice because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's easy-to-clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on the legacy of the old masters!