Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight, rigid and has a smooth surface. It also has warm tones that help artists to see colors clearly when painting.
To seal a palette made of wood use boiled linseed oil and an lint-free rag, or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat daily, on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are at your fingertips using a wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them around your canvas or board. This is a great way to have your brushes close at fingertips. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time I have to turn 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 wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with wood that is raw, you'll need to seal it before you start painting. This will make it less absorbent of the oils used in your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed onto your palette, and then rub in using a lint-free, non-lint cloth. Then, wipe off the excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops of it to an oil medium that is brown, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me see the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It also lets me visualize how the colors will look against the wood. The tone will help me distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. The oil from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like look. It's stunning to look at.
Some painters apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. However, I find that the old method of applying thin coats of linseed oil work well for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane, but it's worth it because you can apply one coat every time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It offers a wide and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. It also makes clean up easy and quick with a quick wipe of a paper towel or cloth after each use. Most arts and crafts stores offer wooden palettes, which aren't expensive.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist damage from solvents and also have a non-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are available in various sizes and have deep wells that allow mixing colors.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a different option for acrylic painting. These are affordable and disposable, which means they can be used for just one painting session, making them a perfect option for plein air painting. They can absorb some paint though, which could be difficult to wash.
One of the most effective alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded hardwood, like pine or spruce that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted 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 homemade wooden palette from everyday items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be a good place to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also good choices. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are generally attractive. You can also use the foil piece that will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is an alternative to the DIY palette that is very well-known. pallet buying are basically a plastic box with an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you add the special paper top to keep the paint moist. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for a few days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper becomes dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints with watercolors or oil. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and are strong enough to be able to be handled easily. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, making them more comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They have a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easy to clean and are durable for years of use.
Wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces used by artists and remain a vital component of many artists' studios in the present. They offer an elegant, professional look and are perfect to mix acrylics, oils, and alkyds. Additionally they are typically sourced from sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wooden pallet a sustainable option for contemporary artists.
The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan 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 even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into the surface. This is a great method to make your palette feel like part of your artwork, and to add a sense history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock into the place. This is a great feature to take with you when traveling.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. pallets of wood for sale post photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as an encouragement to paint on a pallet made of wood is a rewarding, artistic experience. When you continue painting using your wooden palette, it will become a beloved piece of equipment that reminds you of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint pallet, the first image we have is an old wooden one that was used by masters of the past. While still used by a few artists, these palettes are not ideal for use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is too porous and absorbs the paint too much. However, a new type of palette for paint has been developed to solve this issue. These new palettes have been constructed from tempered glass that is extremely durable and won't break in the event of a drop. They're also available in various shapes and sizes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand when you work.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints wet and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a stay wet palette, simply add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it in until it appears slightly tacky (like soft butter). Then, use an old towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to get it into all the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, enables the palette to hold pigment and oil while allowing the brush hairs to move easily.
Drying oil, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using an abrasive on the surface. This will help seal the wood, making it resistant to solvents and water. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, like paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it won't absorb the paint too much and is easy to clean. However, I would prefer to make use of an old-fashioned wooden palette since it's more durable, and it feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of carrying on the tradition of the older masters.