Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is a light, smooth surface and is rigid. It has a warm hue 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 daily, on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available using an wooden palette. This makes it a lot easier to mix your colors and move them around your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes close to the ready. This palette has helped me to reduce the amount of time I am able to spend turning my body to reach my brushes and reload them. I've also noticed that it improves my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that have been sealed and stained (to repel water and standard artist solvents) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you will want to seal it prior to painting. This makes it less able to absorb of the oils you use in your oil paints. To do this simply put a small amount of Linseed oil onto the palette, and then rub it into the palette with a lint free rag until it is fully saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed before using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to imagine the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone helps me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. It will get more transparent and smooth thanks to the oil you used in your paints staining it little and the pigments mixing together to form a varnish-like coating. It's an amazing thing to look at.
Some artists apply a clear acrylic varnish to seal their palettes made of wood. This protects the wood, and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the old method of applying thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a little longer than polyurethane, but it's worth it as you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic option for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. It also makes clean up easy and quick with a quick wipe of a cloth or paper towel after each use. Most arts and crafts stores carry wooden palettes, which are affordable.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are light. They also withstand solvent damage. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and are used for a wide range of materials including acrylics. They are available in various sizes and have deep wells to mix colors.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. They are cheap and disposable so they can be used for just one painting session, making them a great option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb some paint which can make them difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded wood like pine or spruce with a thumbhole is one of the best options to create a permanent acrylic paint pallet. This lets the artist hold the palette with 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 painters prefer to make their own homemade wooden palette from everyday items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish is an ideal place to begin. You can also pick up old ceramic or glass dishes. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite attractive. You could also try an tin foil piece that will block the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
An extremely popular alternative to a homemade palette is a plastic stay-wet palette. They're basically a plastic box with a secure lid. You place a sponge at the bottom, which you then wet with water, then add a sheet of specialty paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will stay wet for a few days. You can always add water to the palette in case the paper becomes dry.
Wooden Palettes for watercolor artists
If you're painting watercolors or oil paints, using the wooden palette is the best option. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, including paper and glass, and are rigid enough to allow for easy handling. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easier to hold for long periods. They have a satin finish that lets paint be able to sit on top of the surface without being absorbed, and they can be cleaned easily to last for a long time.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are an integral component of many studios. purchase used pallets provide a classic, professional look and are ideal for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. In addition, they are often produced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes a wooden pallet a sustainable option for contemporary artists.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and re-oiling. A reapplication of linseed oil or a specialized wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and prolong the life of the palette. Depending on the type of wood, re-oiling a palette can be as easy as pouring a pool of oil into the center of the palette and then wiping it off with a lint-free, clean cloth.
Some artists prefer to personalize wooden palettes with initials or other decorative elements. This is a great method to make the palette appear as an extension of your art and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock into 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, with artists posting photos of their beautifully arranged sets to inspire others. These visual cues serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden palette can be 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 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 old masters. Although still used by some artists but these palettes aren't suitable to use with watercolors or acrylics due to the surface is too porous and absorbs the paint too much. However, a new kind of palette for painting has been developed to solve this issue. The new palettes are made from tempered glass which is extremely strong and won't break in the event of a drop. The palettes are available in various sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to use.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long period of time after you've completed 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 looks tacky (like butter). Then, use an old towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get into all of the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
A drying oil such as linseed, or walnut can be used to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using an abrasive on the surface. This will make the wood more durable, making it resistant to water and solvents. This will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's also easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it is more durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm preserving the tradition of the previous masters!