Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface and is rigid. It is a warm-colored palette which helps artists perceive colors accurately.
Make use of boiled linseed, an unlinty rag or paper towel to seal a wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available using the wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix your colors and move them across the surface of your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time that I am able to spend turning my body to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've noticed that it improves my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to withstand the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or purchase them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you will want to seal it before you start painting - this will make it less absorbent of the oils used in your oil paints. To do this, simply put a small amount of Linseed oil onto the palette, and then rub it in using a lint free cloth until it's saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops of it to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to visualize the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone will help me differentiate between the light and dark values of my painting.
A well-used wooden palette will develop a beautiful patina with time. It will become more transparent and smooth due to the oil in your paints staining it a bit and the pigments blending together to form a varnish-like coating. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists employ an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood, and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the old method of applying multiple thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a bit longer than using polyurethane, but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette, and it will only improve with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. After every use, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts carry wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are coated with a nonstick substance and are light. They also withstand damage caused by solvents. where to get pallets are easy to clean using warm soapy water, and can be used with a variety of materials including acrylics. They are typically available in a variety of sizes and deep wells to mix colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are reusable and inexpensive which means 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 may absorb paint, which can make it difficult to clean.
One of the best options for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood, like pine or spruce that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps prevent fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be a good place to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite gorgeous. You can also try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet palette. They're basically a plastic box with a secure lid. You place a sponge in the bottom and wet with water, then place a piece of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint wet. The box can be sealed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for a few days. If the paper dries out you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting watercolors or oil paints, an wooden palette is an excellent option. They are light compared to other options, especially paper and glass and are sturdy enough for easy handling. 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 allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easy to clean and last for many years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are an essential component of many studios. They provide an elegant, professional look and are ideal for mixing acrylics, oils and alkyds. They are often made with sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette may be a sustainable option for the contemporary artist.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and oiling. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can stop excessive absorption, and increase the life of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is a great method to make your palette feel like a part of your art, and to add a sense history to your tool. Some of these personalised palettes come with lids that be locked into the position this is a great feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists post pictures of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting using a wooden palette could be a rewarding and artistically satisfying experience. If 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 thing that comes to mind is one made of wood used by old masters. These palettes, though utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surface. However, a new type of paint palette has been invented that solves this issue. These new palettes have been constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely sturdy and won't break if dropped. They also come in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is easy to hold and fits into your hand when you work.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints moist and usable for a prolonged period of time after you have completed painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint appears tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil, and make sure to get into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette to hold pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil such as linseed, safflower or walnut - and applying it to the surface of the palette using the help of a rag. This will help seal the wood and make it impervious 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 plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it doesn't soak up paint too much, and it's also easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also like the idea that I'm preserving a tradition of the old masters!