Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that help artists to see colors clearly when painting.
Make use of boiled linseed, an unlinty rag or paper towel to seal the wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the wood palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are at your fingertips when you use the wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move the paints across your board or canvas. It's also a great way to keep your brushes at the ready. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time I have to turn around my body to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it helps with my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that have been sealed and stained (to repel water as well as standard artist solvents) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with wood that is raw, you will want to seal it before you start 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 on the palette and then rub it in with an lint-free sponge until it is completely fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops to a brown medium, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). Recommended Browsing allows me to visualize the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone will also help me to distinguish the dark and light values in my paintings.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will mix to form a varnish-like finish. It's an amazing thing to behold.
Some painters apply a clear acrylic varnish to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood and will give it a stunning shine. However, I've found that the traditional method of applying several thin coats of linseed oil is perfectly for me. It takes a bit more time than polyurethane, but it is worth it since you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a wide, stable area that resists the absorption of color and facilitates mixing of colors. It also makes clean up easy and simple by a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel after every use. The majority of craft stores have wooden palettes that are affordable.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter option that is resistant to solvent damage and feature 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 generally available in a variety of sizes and deep wells for mixing colors.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective and can only be used once for an entire painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein-air painting. They could take in some paint, however, which can be difficult to clean.
One of the best options for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded hardwood like spruce or pine, with a thumb hole. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole also helps keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists prefer to build their own homemade wooden palette from household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an excellent place to begin. You can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. They are typically gorgeous. You can also make use of the foil piece that can resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. These are essentially containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You place a sponge at the bottom that you wet with water, then add a sheet of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint wet. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for days. If the paper dries out, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. They are light compared to other alternatives, including paper and glass, and are rigid enough to make it easy to handle. They also have internal cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They feature a satin-finished finish that allows paint to rest on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they are easy to clean to last for a long time.
The wooden palette was among the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still a vital part of many studios. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, alkyds and acrylics. They are also typically sourced by forestry practices that are sustainable. This makes using a wood pallet a green option for modern artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the most important factor in the longevity of a wooden pallet. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and prolong the lifespan of your palette. Depending on the kind of wood the palette is made of, re-oiling it can be as easy as pouring a small amount of oil in the center of the palette and wiping it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into them. High-Quality Factory-Made Pallets is a wonderful way to make your palette feel as if it's part of your artwork and give a sense of history to your tool. Some of these personalized palettes come with lids that be locked into place this is a great feature for travel.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a satisfying and artistically satisfying experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will become a beloved piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint palette, the first image that comes to mind is a wooden one that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, although still used by some artists are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surface. A new palette for painting was created to address this issue. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely durable and won't break in the event of a drop. They also come in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints moist and useable for a prolonged period of time after you have finished painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium to the back side of the palette. Rub it into the wood until it appears slightly tacky (like soft butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil and make sure to get in all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, allows the palette to retain oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to flow through with ease.
Another way to prepare a wooden palette is using a drying oil like linseed, safflower or walnut - and rubbing it on the surface of the palette using an abrasive. This will help to protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. This will also stop the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good choice because it won't absorb the paint too much and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more durable and feels better in my hands. I am awestruck by the idea of carrying on the tradition of the older masters.