Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It has a warm color that aids artists in interpreting the colors with precision.
Make use of boiled linseed, an lint-free rag or towel to protect the wooden palette. Rub the oil on 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 easier to mix colors and move them around your canvas or board. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. I've noticed that a palette of this sort can reduce the amount of time I spend moving my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps with my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water and regular solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it before you start painting - this will make it less absorbent of the oils used in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small pool of oil from linseed onto your palette and then rub it into the palette with a lint free cloth until it's saturated. Then wipe off any excess and your palette is now ready to use.
I prefer 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 also help me distinguish between shades of light and dark in my artwork.
Over time, a properly used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. The oils from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like look. It's stunning to look at.
Some artists employ a clear acrylic varnish to seal their palettes made of wood. This will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. However, I've found that the traditional method of applying thin coats of linseed oil works just fine for me. It takes a bit more time 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 most popular option for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and facilitates optimal color mixing. It also makes cleaning simple and convenient by simply wiping paper towels or a cloth after each use. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts offer wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a light option that is resistant to solvent damage and have a non-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics, and other materials. They are available in different sizes and come with deep wells for mixing colors.
Another popular option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam or paper plate. These are affordable and disposable so they can be used for a single painting session, making them an ideal option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which could make them difficult to clean.
One of the most effective alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood such as spruce or pine with a thumb hole. This allows the artist to hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes from household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great place to start. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also a good choice. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. They are typically attractive. You can also try using a piece of tin foil that will block the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
An extremely 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 that you wet with water, then add a sheet of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint wet. The box can be sealed and the sponge and paper will stay damp for several days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
If you're painting with oil paints or watercolors using an wooden palette is the best option. They are lighter than other alternatives such as glass or paper and are strong enough to be handled easily. 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 easy to clean to last for a long time.
The wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces utilized by artists, and they remain an integral component of many artists' studios in the present. They offer a classic, professional look and are perfect to mix acrylics, oils and alkyds. They are often made using sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette could be an environmentally responsible choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the most important factor in the longevity of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed oils or a special wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and prolong 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 their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the wood. This is a great way to make the palette appear as an extension of your work and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock into the correct position. This is a great feature to use when traveling.
Platforms like Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes, with artists sharing photos of their beautifully arranged arrangements to inspire others. These visual cues are a great reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into a favorite piece of equipment and a reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about an art pallet, the first thing we imagine is an old wooden one used by masters of the past. Although still used by some artists, these palettes are not suitable to use with acrylics or watercolors because the surface is porous and absorbs paint too much. A new paint palette was created to address this issue. High-Quality Factory-Made Pallets are constructed from tempered glass that is extremely durable and won't crack if dropped. These palettes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes which means you can pick one that is comfortable in your hand and is easy to use.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints moist and usable for a long period of time after you've completed painting. To make 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). Then apply a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, making sure to get into all of the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, helps the palette retain oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to move through easily.
Drying oils, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to make a wooden pallet. Apply it with an abrasive on the surface. This will help to protect the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents. This will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when it is wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good option because it doesn't absorb paint too much and is easy to clean. However, I'd rather to choose a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable and is more comfortable to hold. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on the legacy of the old masters!