Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight, rigid and has a smooth surface. It also has a warm tone that helps painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
To seal a palette made of wood make use of boiled linseed oil as well as an lint-free rag, or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette brings all of your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them around the surface of your board or canvas. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at the ready. This palette has helped me save time by reducing the amount of time I spend turning around my body to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it helps in my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to withstand the effects of water and standard solvents for artists, or you can buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior to painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this simply pour a small amount oil from linseed onto your palette, and then rub it into the palette with an lint-free cloth until it's saturated. Then, wipe off any excess and your palette is now ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops of it to a brown medium, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings and it helps me 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 oil from your paints will stain it and the pigments will blend together to form a varnish-like finish. It's a gorgeous thing to see.
Some artists use an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their palettes made of wood. This will protect the wood, and also give it a stunning shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying several thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a bit longer than polyurethane but it's worth it because you can apply a coat each time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It is a large, stable area that resists the absorption of color and facilitates color mixing. It also makes cleaning easy and quick by a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel after every use. The majority of craft stores offer wooden palettes, which aren't expensive.
For a modern acrylic painter there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter option that is resistant to solvent damage and have an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are generally available in various sizes and deep wells to mix colors.
A styrofoam or paper dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These are affordable and disposable so they can be used for only one painting session, making them an ideal solution for plein air painting. However, they may absorb paint, which could make it difficult to clean.
One of the best alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded hardwood like spruce or pine, with a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted into the hole to allow the artist to hold the palette with their other fingers. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered in aluminum foil or plastic can be a great place to begin. You can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. They are available at yard sales or thrift shops and are usually quite pretty. You can also make use of a piece tin foil which will resist the absorption of paint and is easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is a substitute for the DIY palette that is extremely popular. They're basically made of plastic with a secure lid. You dampen a sponge with water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you add an extra sheet of paper on top to keep paint wet. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper moist for days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for those who paint with watercolors or oil. These palettes are lightweight compared to other options, especially paper and glass and are strong enough for easy handling. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, making them 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. Additionally, they are easily cleaned over time.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are an essential element in many studios. They offer an elegant, professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. They are also typically sourced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes a wooden pallet a green option for modern artists.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and re-oiling. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption, and increase the longevity of your palette. Depending on the type of wood the palette is made of, re-oiling it can be as simple as pouring a small amount of oil in the center of the palette and wiping it with a lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is a great option to make your palette feel like an extension of your artwork and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in the place. This is an excellent feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists post photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as a reminder that painting on a pallet made of wood is a rewarding, artistic experience. As High-Quality Factory-Made Pallets continue to paint using your wooden palette, it'll become a favorite 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 thing that comes to mind is a wooden one that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, though utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics due to their porous surface. A new palette for painting was designed to solve this issue. These new palettes have been constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely sturdy and won't break in the event of a drop. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints hydrated and functional for a lengthy time after you've finished painting. To prepare a stay-wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium to the back side of the palette. Rub it in until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then apply an old towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, making sure to get it into all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to keep pigment and oil while allowing hairs of the brush to pass through with ease.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by applying a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it on the surface of the palette with the help of a rag. This will help seal the wood and make it impervious to solvents and water. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, like paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good option because it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. However, I would prefer to choose a traditional wooden palette because it's more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm continuing a tradition of the old masters!