Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light and strong, with a smooth surface. It also has warm tones that allow painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
To seal a palette made of wood use boiled linseed oil and a lint free rag or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available when you work with the wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix colors and then move them across your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes in hand. I've discovered that using such a palette really cuts down on the amount of time I'm shifting my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've noticed that it also aids me in my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to withstand the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it prior to painting - this will make it less absorbent of the oils you use in your oil paints. Pour a small amount of linseed on the palette, then rub it into it with a clean cloth. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette prior to use by adding some drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This helps me see the shadows I'll create in my paintings and it also allows me to observe how the colors look against the wood. The tone will help me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
A well-used wooden palette will develop a beautiful patina with time. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will mix to create a varnish-like look. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists use an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their wooden palettes. This protects the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. However, I've found that the old way of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil works well for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane but it's worth it since you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for oil and acrylic 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 by simply wiping paper towels or a cloth after each use. Most arts and crafts stores offer wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also resist the effects of solvents. 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 to mix colors.
Another option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective which means they can only be used once for the duration of a painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein air painting. They may absorb some of the paint, however, which could be difficult to wash.
One of the most effective alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood, like pine or spruce with a thumb hole. This allows the artist to hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers free for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole is designed to keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters prefer to make their own homemade wooden palette using everyday items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great 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 make use of a piece tin foil which will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
An extremely popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet palette. buy pallets near me are essentially containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it at the bottom of the box. Then, you place an extra sheet of paper on the top to keep paint wet. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for days. You can always add water to the palette if the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic choice for anyone who paints with watercolors or oil. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and rigid enough to be handled easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold for long periods. They have a satin finish that lets paint sit 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 still a vital part of many studios. They have an elegant and professional design, and are ideal to mix alkyds, oils, and acrylics. They are often made by forestry practices that are sustainable. This makes using a wood pallet a green option for modern artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is essential to the longevity of a wooden pallet. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can stop excessive absorption and extend the life of your palette. Re-oiling is as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with an unlinty cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the surface. This is a great method to make the palette feel like an extension of your work and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock into the place. This is a great feature to use when traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden palette is a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to paint with your wooden palette, it will become a beloved piece of equipment that will remind you of your journey to creativity.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette for painting the first thing that comes to mind is a wooden one used by old masters. Although still used by some painters, these palettes are not ideal to use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is porous and absorbs the paint too much. A new paint palette was created to address this problem. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is sturdy and won't break if you drop it. They are also available in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits in your hand while working.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you have completed painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint is tacky (like butter). Then you can use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, ensuring to get into all of the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
Drying oils like linseed or walnut can be used to make a wooden palette. Apply it with a rag to the surface. This will help to seal the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, like paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good option since it doesn't absorb paint too much, and it's easy to clean. However, I'd prefer to use 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.