Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight and rigid, Custom Size Pallets and has an even surface. It has a warm color which helps artists perceive the colors with precision.
Make use of boiled linseed, an lint-free rag or towel to seal a wooden palette. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are available when you work with the wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix your colors and move them around the surface of your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close to your fingertips. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time that I spend turning around my body to reach my brushes to reload them. I've noticed that it also improves my precision and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water as well as conventional solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this simply pour a small amount linseed oil on the palette, and then rub it into the palette with a lint free rag until it is saturated. Then, wipe off the excess and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone my palette prior using it by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This allows me to imagine the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone helps me differentiate 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 a bit and the pigments merging together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's stunning to look at.
Some artists prefer to apply a clear acrylic sealer on their wooden palettes - this will protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying multiple thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a little longer than using polyurethane but it's worth the wait because you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette and it will only improve with time.
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 the absorption of color and facilitates mixing of colors. After each use, a quick wipe with paper towels or a cloth makes cleanup simple. Most arts and crafts stores carry wooden palettes, which are affordable.
For the modern acrylic painter, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist solvent damage and have an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water, and can be utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are generally available in several sizes with deep wells for mixing colors.
Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a styrofoam or paper plate. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective, so they can only be used once for an entire painting session. This makes them a great choice for plein-air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which could make it difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded timber such as spruce or pine with a thumbhole is one of the best options to create an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This lets the artist hold the palette using the thumb placed inside the hole, leaving the other fingers free for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole can also help keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own homemade wooden palette using common items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an ideal place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also good choices. You can find them at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are typically beautiful. 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 DIY palette is a stay-wet palette. They are basically boxes made of plastic that have an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place a sheet special paper on top to keep paint wet. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will remain damp for several days. You can always add water to the palette if the paper starts to dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for those who paint using watercolors or oil. These palettes are lighter than other alternatives like glass or paper and are strong enough to be handled easily. They also have internal cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time while you work. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and last for years of use.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces utilized by painters, and they are still an important component of many artists' studios in the present. They have an elegant and professional design, and are ideal to mix alkyds, oils and acrylics. Additionally, they are often sourced from sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette can be a green choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is key to the durability of a wooden pallet. A reapplication of linseed oil or a specialized wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes with initials or decorative elements. This is an excellent method to make the palette appear as an extension of your artwork and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these personalised palettes come with lids that be locked in the 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 stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding artistic experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
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, that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surfaces. However, a different type of paint palette has been developed to solve this issue. The new palettes are constructed from tempered glass that is extremely sturdy and won't break if dropped. The palettes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that is comfortable in your palm and is easy to use.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long period of time after you have finished painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette and rub it into the wood until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then you can use an old towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to reach all the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, helps the palette to keep pigment and oil while allowing brush hairs to flow through easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil - such as linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it to the surface of the palette with a rag. This will help seal the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some painters like to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint too often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I am awestruck by the idea of preserving the legacy of the previous masters.