Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is a light, smooth surface and is rigid. It also has warm tones that allow painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oils and an lint-free rag, or a high-quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat daily, back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette brings all your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it easy to mix colors and move them across your board or canvas. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close to your fingertips. This palette has helped me to reduce the amount of time that I spend turning around my body in order to reach my brushes and reload them. I've also noticed that it aids in my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wooden palettes that have been sealed and stained (to resist water and conventional solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. Put a small amount of Linseed onto the 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 prefer to tone my palette prior use by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This allows me to visualize how my shadows will appear on the wood. The tone helps 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 thanks to the oil you used in your paints staining it a little and the pigments mixing together to form a varnish-like coating. It's stunning to behold.
Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes, this can protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. However, I've found that the old method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil is well for me. It takes a little 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 get better with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the most popular option for acrylic and oil painting. It offers a wide solid surface that is resistant to pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. After each use, a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores offer wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that is resistant to solvent damage and feature a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and are used with a variety of materials, including acrylics. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells for color mixing.
A styrofoam or paper dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. They are inexpensive and disposable so they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them a great option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which could make them difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded wood, such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is one of the best options to create an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. The thumb can be placed into the opening to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil covered dish can be an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. You can find them at auctions and thrift shops. They are typically gorgeous. You could also try an tin foil piece, which will resist the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. They're basically a plastic box with a secure lid. You moisten a sponge with water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place an extra sheet of paper on the top to keep the paint damp. The box can be sealed and the sponge and paper will remain moist for several days. If the paper starts to dry out, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
If you're painting with oil paints or watercolors, using an wooden palette is an excellent option. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They also have internal cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, which makes them comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They have a satin finish that allows paint to be able to sit on top of the surface without being absorbed, and they are easily cleaned over time.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are still a vital part of many studios. They offer an elegant, professional appearance and are ideal for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. In addition they are typically produced using sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette may be a green choice for the modern artist.
large pallets Agrony and re-oiling is most important factor in the durability of a wooden pallet. A reapplication of linseed oil or a wood conditioner that is specially designed can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan of the palette. Re-oiling is as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists prefer to personalize wooden palettes with initials or decorative elements. This is an excellent method to make the palette appear as an extension of your art and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock in the correct position. This is an excellent feature to take with you when traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wood palettes, as artists post photos of their beautiful sets to inspire others. These visual cues 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 will remind you of your journey to creativity.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette to paint, the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood, used by the masters of the past. Although they are still used by some artists however, these palettes aren't ideal to use with watercolors or acrylics due to the surface is too porous and absorbs the paint too much. A new palette for painting was invented to solve this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is sturdy and won't break if you drop it. These palettes are available in various sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes, referred to as "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints moist and usable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint is tacky (like butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil and ensure that it gets into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette to keep the oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
Another way 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. This will help to seal the wooden surface and make it impervious to solvents and water. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint too much, and it's easy-to-clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more sturdy and feels better in my hands. I love the idea of continuing the tradition of the old masters.