Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light and rigid, and has a smooth surface. wooden palette has a warm hue that aids artists in interpreting the colors with precision.
To seal a wooden palette make use of boiled linseed oils and an lint-free rag, or a high-quality paper towel. Rub the oil into the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all of your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it easy to mix colors and move them on your board or canvas. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes at your fingertips. I've noticed that such a palette really cuts down on the amount of time I'm moving my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've noticed that it also aids me in my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed to withstand the effects of water and standard solvents for artists, or you can buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you will want to seal it before you start painting. This makes it less able to absorb of the oils in your oil paints. Put a small amount of Linseed onto the palette, and then rub in with a non-lint rag. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops to a brown medium, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone helps me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
Over time, a properly used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. The oil from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will blend together to create a varnish-like finish. It's stunning to look at.
Some painters prefer to use an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes, it will protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying several thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a bit longer than using polyurethane, but it's worth the wait because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only get better with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is a popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It offers a wide, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. After each use, a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts offer wooden palettes, which are affordable.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also resist the effects of solvents. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and can be used for a wide range of materials including acrylics. They are available in a variety of sizes and come with deep wells to mix colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are reusable and inexpensive, so they are only used once during an entire painting session. This makes them a great choice for plein-air painting. However, they may absorb paint, which could make them difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded lumber, such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is among 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 for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps prevent fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes from household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be an ideal place to begin. You can also opt for old ceramic or glass dishes. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are generally gorgeous. You can even try an tin foil piece that will block the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A stay-wet palette is an alternative to the DIY palette that is very popular. They are essentially made of plastic with a lid that is tight. You place a sponge at the bottom that you make damp with water, and then add a sheet of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint moist. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for days. You can always add water to the palette if the paper starts to dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
If you're painting watercolors or oil paints using the wooden palette is an excellent choice. They are lighter than other alternatives like glass or paper and are strong enough to be able to be handled easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easier to hold during long periods. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easily cleaned and last for many years of use.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces used by painters, and they are still an important element in many studios of artists today. They offer an elegant, professional look and are ideal for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. They are often made using sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette may be an environmentally responsible option for the contemporary artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is key to the longevity of a wooden pallet. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption, and prolong the life of your palette. Depending on the type of wood the palette is made of, re-oiling it can be as simple as pouring a puddle of oil into the middle of the palette, then wiping it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into them. This is a wonderful option to make your palette feel like part of your art and give a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock into place. This is an excellent feature to use when traveling.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues are a great reminder that painting using a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will eventually become a beloved piece of equipment 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, though used by some artists are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours due to their porous surface. However, a different type of palette for paint has been invented that solves this problem. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and won't break should you drop it. They're also available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that is comfortable to hold and fit into your hand while working.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints moist and useable for a long period of time after you have completed painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, simply add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette and rub it into the wood until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil, and ensure that it gets into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette retain the pigment and oil, while allowing hairs of the brush to move through with ease.
Another way to prepare for a wooden palette is using a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and rubbing it to the surface of the palette with the help of a rag. This will help seal the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's 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. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm preserving a tradition of the old masters!