Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light and rigid, and has an even surface. It has a warm hue which helps artists perceive the colors with precision.
Use boiled linseed and an unlinty rag or paper towel to seal a wooden palette. Rub the oil onto the the wood palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette allows all of your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them around your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. I've discovered that using a palette of this sort really cuts down on the amount of time I'm shifting my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps with my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed to withstand the effects of water and standard solvents for artists, or you can buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. Put a small amount of linseed onto your palette, and then rub it into it with a clean cotton rag. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings. It also lets me visualize how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone will help me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
A wooden palette that has been well-used will develop an exquisite patina over time. It will get more opaque and smooth due to the oil in your paints staining it bit and the pigments blending together to form a varnish-like coating. It's a gorgeous thing to see.
Some painters employ an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. However, I've found that the traditional method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil is just fine for me. It takes a bit more time than polyurethane, but it is worth it as you can apply one coat each time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the most popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It provides a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and encourages optimal color mixing. It also makes clean up easy and simple by a quick wipe with paper towels or a cloth after each use. Palettes made of wood are also affordable and can be found at the majority of stores for arts and crafts.
For a modern acrylic painter, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter alternative that can withstand solvent damage and feature an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water, and can be used with a variety of materials including acrylics. They are available in different sizes and have deep wells that allow mixing colors.
A styrofoam or paper dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective, so they can be used only once during the duration of a painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein-air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which can make it difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded wood like pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is among the best options for creating an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This allows the artist to hold the palette by inserting the thumb in the hole, leaving the other fingers to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole also helps prevent the fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some painters prefer to make their own wooden palette using common items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be a good place to start. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also good choices. These can be found at yard sales or thrift shops and are usually attractive. You can also try a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the traditional palette that is very popular. 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 special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will remain moist for several days. You can always add water to the palette in case the paper becomes dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting oil paints or watercolors, using the wooden palette is an excellent option. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold during long periods. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They are also easily cleaned and last for many years of use.
The wooden palette was among the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are an essential element in many studios. They offer a classic, professional look and are ideal for mixing acrylics, oils, and alkyds. pallets near me are often made by forestry practices that are sustainable. This makes a wooden pallet a green option for contemporary artists.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or decorative elements. This is a great method to make the palette feel like an extension of your art and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock into place. This is a great feature for traveling.
Platforms like Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wood palettes, with artists posting photos of their beautiful setups to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an example of how painting on a pallet made of wood can be a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to paint with your wooden palette it will become a cherished piece of equipment that reminds you of your journey to creativity.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint palette the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood used by old masters. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surface. However, a new kind of palette for painting is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are made from tempered glass which is extremely strong and won't crack if dropped. These palettes are available in different sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes are known as "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints wet and able to work for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium to the back of the palette and rub it in until it appears slightly tacky (like soft butter). Then apply a paper towel or lint free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to reach all the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, referred to as seasoning, permits the palette to keep pigment and oil while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another method to prepare for a wooden palette is using a drying oil like linseed, safflower or walnut - and applying it on the surface of the palette with an abrasive. This will make the wood more durable and make it more resistant to solvents and water. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some painters like to use disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint as often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm preserving the tradition of the previous masters!