Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is rigid. 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 into the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available when you use a wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix colors and then move them on your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. This palette has helped me save time by reducing the amount of time I spend turning around my body in order to reach my brushes and reload them. I've also noticed that it helps me with my accuracy and consistency.
You can either buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished 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. Pour a small amount linseed on the palette, and then rub into it with a clean cloth. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops of it to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to imagine how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone helps me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. It will become more opaque and smooth, with the oil from your paints staining it bit and the pigments merging together to create their own varnish-like coating. It's an amazing thing to behold.
Some artists prefer to apply an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes - this will protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. However, I find that the traditional method of applying thin coats of linseed oil works perfectly for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane but it's worth it since you can apply one coat every time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for oil and acrylic painting. It has a wide, stable area that resists the absorption of color and facilitates color mixing. After each use, a quick wiping with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts offer wooden palettes, which aren't expensive.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that is resistant to damage from solvents and also have a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and can be utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are generally available in various sizes and deep wells for color mixing.
A styrofoam or paper dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are disposable and affordable, so they are only used once for a painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein air painting. They can absorb some of the paint, however, which is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded timber such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole is one of the best options for creating an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This lets the artist hold the palette by inserting the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers free for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palettes using everyday items. An old plastic or aluminum foil covered dish can be an excellent place to begin. pallet buying or glass dishes are also good choices. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite gorgeous. You could also try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet palette. These are basically containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You moisten a sponge with water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place an extra sheet of paper on top to keep the paint damp. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will remain damp for several days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper becomes dry.
pallet prices for Watercolor Painters
If you're painting watercolors or oil paints, an wooden palette is the best option. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper, and are also strong enough to be handled easily. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, which makes them comfortable to hold for long periods of time while you work. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easily cleaned and are durable for years of use.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists and remain an integral element in many studios of artists today. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, alkyds, and acrylics. Additionally they are typically produced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes a wooden pallet a sustainable choice for contemporary artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is most important factor in a wooden pallet's longevity. A reapplication of linseed oil or a specialized wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan of the palette. Depending on the kind of wood the palette is made of, re-oiling it can be as easy as pouring a small amount of oil into the middle of the palette and wiping it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or decorative elements. This is a wonderful option to make your palette feel as if it's part of your artwork and create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock into the correct position. This is a great feature to take with you when traveling.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. New Wood Pallet For Sale of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden pallet 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 artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint palette, the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood, that was used by masters of the past. Although they are still used by some artists, these palettes are not suitable for watercolors or acrylics since the surface is too porous and absorbs paint too much. A new paint palette was created to address this issue. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely strong and won't break if dropped. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long period of time after you have completed painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, put your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint looks tacky (like butter). Then apply a paper towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, making sure to get into all of the tiny grooves within the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, assists the palette to keep pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to move through easily.
Drying oil, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to make a wooden pallet. Apply it using an abrasive on the surface. This will help protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's also easy to clean. However, I'd rather to make use of an old-fashioned wooden palette since it's more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of continuing the legacy of the previous masters.