Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight and strong, with an even surface. It has a warm hue that helps painters perceive colors accurately.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oil as well as a lint free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette allows all of your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them around the surface of your board or canvas. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes at your fingertips. This palette has helped me save time by reducing the amount of time that I am able to spend turning my body to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've also noticed that it aids with my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water and conventional solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with wood that is raw, you will want to seal it prior to painting - this will make it less adsorbent of the oils you use in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small amount linseed oil on the palette and rub it in using a lint free rag until it is fully saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I like to tone my palette prior using it by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It also lets me visualize how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone helps me to distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. The oils from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will mix to form a varnish-like finish. It's an amazing thing to behold.
Some painters use an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their palettes made of wood. This will protect the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying thin layers of Linseed oils. It takes a bit longer than using polyurethane, but it's worth the wait since you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only improve with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It provides a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and facilitates optimal color mixing. After every use, a quick wiping with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores have wooden palettes that are inexpensive.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also withstand damage caused by solvents. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells for color mixing.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a different option for acrylic painting. They are inexpensive and disposable so they can be used for a single painting session, making them a perfect option for plein air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which could make them difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded lumber like pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is one of the best options for creating an acrylic paint palette that is permanent. The thumb can be inserted into the opening to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole is designed to keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists make their own homemade wooden palette from household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also good choices. They can be found at yard sales or thrift shops and are often quite attractive. You can also make use of a piece tin foil which will resist the absorption of paint and is easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. These are basically containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You moisten a sponge with water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper top to keep the paint damp. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will remain moist for several days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper starts to dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting watercolors or oil paints, using a wooden palette can be the best option. These palettes are lightweight in comparison to other options, especially paper and glass, and are rigid enough to allow for easy handling. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, making them more comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They have a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without absorbing. They are also easily cleaned and are durable for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are an integral element in many studios. They have an elegant and professional appearance, and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. They are also typically sourced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes a wooden pallet a sustainable choice for modern artists.
The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and oiling. Applying linseed, or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and increase the life of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with an unlinty cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is a great way to make the palette appear as an extension of your art and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these personalized palettes have lids that can be locked in place this is a great feature for travel.
Platforms such as Instagram have also played a role in the popularity of wood palettes, as artists post pictures of their stunningly arranged arrangements to inspire others. These visual clues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden palette is a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to paint with your wooden palette it'll become a favorite piece of equipment that reminds you of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette to paint the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood used by the masters of the past. Although they are still used by some artists but these palettes aren't suitable to use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is too porous and absorbs the paint too much. However, a new kind of palette for paint has been developed to solve this problem. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and won't break should 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.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints moist and usable for a long time after you have completed painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, put your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint is tacky (like butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil and make sure to get into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, permits the palette to keep the color and oil, while allowing the brush hairs to move easily.
Drying oils like linseed or walnut, can be used to make a wooden palette. Apply it with an abrasive on the surface. This will seal the wood, making it resistant to solvents and water. buy pallets near me will also prevent the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option since it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more sturdy and feels better in my hands. I am awestruck by the idea of carrying on the legacy of the previous masters.