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.
To seal a palette made of wood use boiled linseed oil and a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the the wood palette. Repeat every day, both on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette brings all your oil paints right to your fingertips. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them around the surface of your board or canvas. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes in hand. I've noticed that such a palette reduces the amount of time I spend moving my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've noticed that it also helps me with my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water as well as conventional solvents for artists) or you can buy unfinished ones 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 used in your oil paints. Put 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 before use by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the linseed oil. This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. Tone also helps me to distinguish the dark and light values in my paintings.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. The oil from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like finish. It's beautiful to see.
Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes, this can protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying several thin layers of Linseed oils. It takes a little 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 get better with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal option for oil and acrylic painting. It provides a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and facilitates optimal color mixing. After each use, a quick wiping with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found in many stores selling arts and crafts.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that is resistant to solvent damage and feature a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and are utilized for a variety of materials, including acrylics. They are available in different sizes and have deep wells to mix colors.
A styrofoam or paper dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective and can be used only once for an entire painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein-air painting. They can take in some paint, and could be difficult to wash.
One of the best alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded wood like spruce or pine that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole can also help prevent the fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great place to start. You can also pick up old glass or ceramic dishes. They are available at auctions and thrift shops. They are usually quite attractive. You can even try an tin foil piece that will ward off the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
An extremely popular alternative to a DIY palette is a plastic stay-wet palette. These are essentially a plastic box with an airtight lid. You place a sponge at the bottom that you wet with water, then add a sheet of specialty paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper moist for days. If the paper starts to dry out it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting watercolors or oil paints, using the wooden palette is the best option. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, particularly paper and glass, and are rigid enough to make it easy to handle. They also have interior cut-outs 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 sit on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they are easily cleaned for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are an integral component of many studios. They have an elegant and professional design and are perfect for mixing oils, alkyds and acrylics. They are often made using sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wood pallet a sustainable option for contemporary artists.
The key to the long-term durability of the wooden palette is regular cleaning and re-oiling. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and increase the life of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the surface. This is a great option to make your palette appear as an extension of your art and bring 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 use when traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists 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. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into an item that you will treasure and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint pallet the first thing we imagine is a wooden one, which was used by old masters. Although still used by some painters however, these palettes aren't ideal for watercolors or acrylics due to the surface is too porous and absorbs paint too much. A new paint palette was designed to solve this issue. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and won't break should you drop it. They are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes which means you can pick one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints wet and functional for a lengthy time after you've completed painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, put your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint appears tacky (like butter). Then, use an old towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to reach all the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, permits the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing the brush hairs to move easily.
A drying oil, such as linseed or walnut, can be used to make a wooden palette. Apply it with a rag to the surface. This will help protect the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it won't absorb the paint too much and it's easy to clean. However, I would prefer to choose a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable, and it feels better in my hand. pallets of wood for sale love the thought that I'm preserving the legacy of the old masters!