Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light, rigid and has smooth surfaces. It has a warm hue which helps artists perceive colors accurately.
To seal a wooden palette use boiled linseed oil and an lint-free rag, or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the surface of the wood palette. Repeat daily, on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all of your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes at your fingertips. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time I spend turning around my body to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've noticed that it improves my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to withstand water and standard solvents for artists or purchase them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior to painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. Pour a small amount of Linseed onto the palette, and then rub it in with a non-lint cloth. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior 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 and it also allows me to visualize how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone will also help me distinguish between dark and light values in my paintings.
A well-used wooden palette will develop an exquisite patina over time. The oils you use to paint will stain it, and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like finish. It's stunning to look at.
Some painters apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their wooden palettes. This protects the wood and will give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying thin layers of Linseed oils. It takes a bit more time 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.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic option for acrylic and oil painting. It offers a wide and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and promotes optimal mixing of colors. It also makes clean up easy and quick by simply wiping paper towels or a cloth after every use. Palettes made of wood are also affordable and can be found at most arts and crafts stores.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are coated with a nonstick substance and are light. They also withstand the effects of solvents. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and can be used for a wide range of materials, including acrylics. They are generally available in various sizes and deep wells for mixing colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. They are cheap and disposable so they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them an ideal solution for plein air painting. They can absorb some of the paint though, which can be difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded wood, such as pine or spruce that has a thumbhole, is one of the best options to create an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This lets the artist hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers free to hold brushes and the mahlstick. New Wood Pallet For Sale helps prevent fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil covered dish can be a good place to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. They are typically attractive. You can also try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
A popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. These are basically a plastic box with a tight lid. You moisten a sponge with water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you put the special paper 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 begins to dry it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is an excellent option for those who paint with oil or watercolors. They are light compared to other options, especially glass and paper and are sturdy enough to make it easy to handle. 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 while you work. They have a satin finish that allows paint to be able to sit on top of the surface without being absorbed. Furthermore, they are easy to clean to last for a long time.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists, and they are still an important part of many artist's studios in the present. They have a classic, professional look and are perfect for mixing acrylics, oils, and alkyds. They are also often sourced with sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette may be an environmentally responsible choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is essential to the longevity of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and prolong the longevity of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other decorative elements. This is a wonderful option to make your palette feel like part of your artwork, and to create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock into the correct position. This is an excellent feature for traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also played a role in the popularity of wood palettes, with artists posting photos of their beautiful setups to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an encouragement to paint on a pallet made of wood 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 a reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about an art pallet, the first thing we imagine is an old wooden one used by old masters. These palettes, although still utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surface. A new palette for painting was invented to solve this problem. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is sturdy and won't break if you drop it. These palettes are available in different sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that is comfortable in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes are known as "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints wet and functional for a lengthy time after you've completed painting. To make a stay wet palette, simply add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette and rub it in until it appears slightly tacky (like soft 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, known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another good way to prep a wooden palette is by applying a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and applying it to the surface of the palette using an abrasive. This will help to seal the wood and make it more resistant to water and solvents. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's easy-to-clean. However, I'd rather to use a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable and it feels better in my hand. I also love the thought that I'm continuing the tradition of the previous masters!