Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light, rigid and has a smooth surface. It also has warm tones that allow artists to see colors clearly when painting.
Make use of boiled linseed, a lint-free rag or paper towel to protect a wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, back and front.
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 canvas or board. This is a great way to have your brushes in fingertips. I've noticed that a palette like this reduces the amount of time I spend shifting my body to grab and reload my brushes. 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 as well as standard artist solvents) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed onto your palette, and then rub it in with a clean rag. After that, clean off any excess and your palette is now ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings. It helps me observe how the colors appear against the wood. The tone will help me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
A wooden palette that has been well-used will develop a beautiful patina with time. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will mix to form a varnish-like finish. It's stunning to look at.
Some artists use a clear acrylic varnish to seal their palettes made of wood. This will protect the wood and will give it a stunning shine. However, I have found that the old way of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil work well for me. It takes a little 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 improve with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal choice for acrylic and oil painting. It offers a wide solid surface that is resistant to pigment absorption and encourages optimal color mixing. After every use, a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth makes cleanup easy. Palettes made of wood are not expensive and can be found at most arts and crafts stores.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes come with a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also withstand the effects of solvents. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and can be used with acrylics, as well as other materials. They are typically available in several sizes with deep wells to mix colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a different option for acrylic painting. They are cheap and disposable so they can be used for just one painting session, making them a great option for plein air painting. They can absorb some paint, however, which could be difficult to wash.
A piece of sanded wood, such as spruce or pine with a thumbhole is one of the best options for creating an acrylic paint palette that is permanent. The thumb can be placed into the opening to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters prefer to make their own homemade wooden palette from common items. A dish covered in aluminum foil or plastic might be a great spot to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also good choices. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. purchase used pallets are generally attractive. You can also make use of an aluminum foil that can resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the traditional palette that is very popular. These are essentially a plastic box with an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you put an extra sheet of paper on the top to keep the paint moist. The box can be closed and the sponge and paper will stay moist for several days. If the paper starts to dry out it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, including glass and paper and are sturdy enough for easy handling. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easier to hold while working for long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that lets paint sit on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they can be cleaned easily over time.
The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still an essential part of many studios. They have a classic and professional look, and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. They are often made with sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette can be a green option for the contemporary artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the most important factor in the longevity of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed oils or a specialized wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and prolong the lifespan of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into the surface. This is an excellent way to make the palette feel like an extension of your artwork and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these personalised palettes have lids that can lock in the place, which is a nice feature for traveling.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden palette can be a rewarding artistic experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will eventually become a beloved piece of equipment and a reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette for painting, the first thing that comes to mind is one made of wood used by old masters. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours due to their porous surface. A new palette for painting was created to address this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and will not break if you drop it. The palettes are available in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that fits comfortably in your palm and is easy to use.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints moist and usable for a long period of time after you have completed painting. To make a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette and rub it in until it looks somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then apply a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, making sure to get it into all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to keep the pigment and oil, while allowing brush hairs to pass through easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it on the surface of the palette with the help of a rag. This will seal the wood and make it impervious to water and solvents. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good choice because it doesn't absorb paint too often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of preserving the legacy of the previous masters.