Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface and is extremely rigid. It has a warm hue that aids artists in interpreting colors accurately.
To seal a wood palette use boiled linseed oil and a lint free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both in front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all of your oil paints right to your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them around the surface of your board or canvas. It's also a great way to keep your brushes at hand. I've noticed that such a palette can reduce the amount of time I spend shifting my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids with my accuracy and consistency.
You can either buy wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to resist the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior to painting will help it absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this, put a small amount of Linseed oil onto the palette and then rub it in with a lint free rag until it is saturated. After that, clean off any excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings and it helps me see how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone helps me differentiate between the dark and light values of my painting.
A wooden palette that has been well-used will develop a beautiful patina with time. It will become more transparent and smooth due to the oil in your paints staining it a little and the pigments mixing together to form a varnish-like coating. It's a gorgeous thing to behold.
Some artists prefer to apply a clear acrylic sealer on their wooden palettes - this will protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. However, I have found that the traditional method of applying thin coats of linseed oil is perfectly for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane but it's worth it as you can apply a coat each time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for oil and acrylic painting. It has a wide and stable area that is resistant to the absorption of color and facilitates mixing of colors. After each use, a quick wiping with paper towels or a cloth makes cleanup simple. Most arts and crafts stores carry 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 resist solvent damage and feature an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water, and can be utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells for mixing colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These are affordable and disposable, which means they can be used for a single painting session, which makes them an ideal option for plein air painting. They may absorb some of the paint, and can be difficult to clean.
One of the most effective alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded wood like spruce or pine with a thumb hole. This lets the artist hold the palette by inserting the thumb placed inside the hole, leaving the other fingers free for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists prefer to build their own homemade wooden palette using everyday items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also good choices. You can find them at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are typically beautiful. You could also try using a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet palette. These are basically a plastic box with an airtight lid. You place a sponge in the bottom, which you then dampen with water, then add a sheet of specialty paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be sealed and keep the sponge and paper wet for a few 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 a fantastic option for those who paint with oil or watercolors. They are lighter than other alternatives such as glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easier to hold while working for long periods. They have a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without absorbing. They can also be cleaned easily and last for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are an essential part of many studios. They provide an elegant, professional appearance and are perfect for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. They are also typically sourced by forestry practices that are sustainable. This makes using a wood pallet a sustainable option for contemporary artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is most important factor in the durability of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes with initials or other decorative elements. This is a great option to make your palette feel like an extension of your art and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock in the place. This is a fantastic feature to take with you when traveling.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite piece of equipment 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 think of is an old wooden one that was used by masters of the past. internet , although still utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surfaces. However, a new kind of palette for paint is being developed that solves this problem. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and will not break if you drop it. The palettes are available in various sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
The new palettes are referred to as "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints moist and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint looks tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil and make sure to get into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to hold the color and oil, while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another good way to prep for a wooden palette is using a drying oil like linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it to the surface of the palette with a rag. This will seal the wood, making it resistant to solvents and water. This also stops the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great choice because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's also easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more sturdy and feels more comfortable in my hands. I am awestruck by the idea of preserving the tradition of the older masters.