Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that help artists see colors with greater clarity when painting.
To seal a palette made of wood make use of boiled linseed oils and an lint-free rag, or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the wood palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette brings all your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it easy to mix colors and move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great way to keep your brushes at the ready. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time that I have to turn around my body to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it helps with my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed (to resist water and regular solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones 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 put a small amount of oil from linseed onto your palette, and then rub it in using a lint free cloth until it's saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone my palette prior use by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow ochre) to the linseed oil. This allows me to visualize the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone will help me to distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. The oils you use to paint will stain it, and the pigments will mix to form a varnish-like finish. It's stunning to look at.
Some artists apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood, and give it a beautiful shine. However, I've found that the old way of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil works well for me. It takes a bit more time than using polyurethane, but it's worth the wait since you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette. And it will only get better with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is a popular option for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and encourages optimal color mixing. After each use, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores offer wooden palettes, which aren't expensive.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist solvent damage and have a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and can be used with a variety of materials including acrylics. They are available in a variety of sizes and come with deep wells to mix colors.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective which means they are only used once during the duration of a painting session. This makes them a great choice for plein-air painting. They may absorb some of the paint though, which is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded wood such as spruce or pine with a thumbhole, is one of the best options to make an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. The thumb can be inserted into the opening to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes from household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil covered dish can be a good place to start. You can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are generally attractive. You could also try using a piece of tin foil, which will resist the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the homemade palette that is very well-known. These are essentially boxes made of plastic that have an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you add an extra sheet of paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be sealed and the sponge and paper will stay moist for several days. You can always add water to the palette in case the paper becomes dry.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a great option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. They are light compared to other alternatives, particularly paper and glass and are sturdy enough to allow for easy handling. They also have interior cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, which makes 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 for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They remain an integral element in many studios. look at this web-site have an elegant, professional look and are perfect for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. They are often made with sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette could be a green choice for the modern artist.
The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the lifespan of your palette. Depending on the type of wood that is used, re-oiling a palette could be as easy as pouring a puddle of oil into the middle of the palette, then wiping it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or other decorative elements. This is a fantastic option to make your palette feel like a part of your artwork, and to give a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock into place. This is a fantastic feature to take with you when traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also played a role in the popularity of wood palettes, as artists post pictures of their stunningly arranged sets to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting using a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into an item that you will treasure and an enduring reminder 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, used by old masters. These palettes, although still utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surfaces. A new palette for painting was designed to solve this issue. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is very robust and will not break if you drop it. The palettes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that is comfortable in your hand and is easy to use.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints moist and usable for a prolonged period of 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 slightly tacky (like soft butter). Then you can use a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to get it into all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, helps the palette retain oil and pigment while allowing hairs of the brush to pass through easily.
Drying oils such as linseed, or walnut is a great option to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using an abrasive on the surface. This will help protect the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents. This will also stop the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint too much, and it's also easy to clean. However, I would prefer to make use of a traditional wooden palette because it's more durable and it feels better in my hand. I also like the idea that I'm continuing the legacy of the old masters!