Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight and strong, with smooth surfaces. It is a warm-colored palette that helps painters perceive the colors with precision.
Use boiled linseed and an lint-free rag or towel to protect the wooden palette. Rub the oil into the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are at your fingertips when you use the wooden palette. This makes it easy to mix colors and move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. I've found that using such a palette really cuts down on the amount of time I spend turning my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps me with my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water as well as standard artist solvents) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed onto your palette, and then rub it in with a lint-free cloth. Then, wipe off the excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette prior using it by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow ochre) to the Linseed oil. This helps me see the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It also lets me visualize how the colors will appear against the wood. Tone can also help me to differentiate between dark and light values in my paintings.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. The oil from your paints will stain it and the pigments will mix to create a varnish-like finish. It's beautiful to see.
Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their palettes made of wood - it will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. However, I've found that the old method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil work just fine for me. It takes a bit 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.
large pallets for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the most popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large, stable area that resists absorption of pigment and encourages color mixing. After every use, a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores have wooden palettes that aren't expensive.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist solvent damage and feature 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 available in different sizes and come with deep wells for mixing colors.
A styrofoam or paper dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These plates are disposable and affordable, so they can only be used once for an entire painting session. This is why they are 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 a permanent acrylic paint pallet. The thumb can be inserted into the hole to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be an excellent place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. You can find them at auctions and thrift shops. They are usually quite beautiful. You can even try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the homemade palette that is very well-known. These are essentially a plastic box with an airtight lid. You dampen a sponge with water and place it at the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper the top to keep paint damp. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for days. If the paper begins to dry, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for those who paint with watercolors or oil. These palettes are lighter than other alternatives like glass or paper, and are also 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 feature a satin-finished finish that lets paint rest on top without being absorbed, and they are easy to clean for years of use.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are a vital part of many studios. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, alkyds, and acrylics. Additionally they are typically sourced from sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wood pallet a sustainable choice for contemporary artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is most important factor in the durability of a wooden pallet. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption, and prolong the longevity of your palette. Re-oiling is as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with an unlinty cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other elements. This is an excellent option to make your palette appear as 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.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload pictures of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as an example of how painting on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will grow into a beloved piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of painting pallets the first thing we imagine is an old wooden one, which was used by old masters. While still used by a few artists, these palettes are not suitable for use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is too porous and absorbs paint too much. However, a new type of palette for paint is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are constructed from tempered glass that is extremely sturdy and won't break in the event of a drop. They are also available in a variety of shapes and sizes which means you can pick one that is easy to hold and fits into your hand while working.
These new palettes are known as "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints hydrated and functional for a lengthy time after you've completed painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium on the back side of the palette. Rub it in until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft 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, also known as seasoning, enables the palette to hold the oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
A drying oil such as linseed, or walnut is a great option to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using an abrasive to the surface. This will help to seal the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. This will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it doesn't absorb 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 love the thought that I'm carrying on the legacy of the old masters!