Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is extremely rigid. It also has warm tones that allow artists to see colors clearly when painting.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oils and a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the the wood palette. Repeat every day, both on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette brings all of your oil paints right to your fingertips. This makes it easy to mix colors and move the paints across your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes at fingertips. I've discovered that using a palette like this reduces the amount of time I spend turning my body to reach and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids with my precision and consistency.
You can either buy wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed to withstand Agrony Trading the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished 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 Linseed oil onto the palette and then rub it into the palette with a lint free rag until it is saturated. Then, wipe 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 of it to a brown medium like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone will help me distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
Over time, a properly used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will mix to create a varnish-like finish. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists employ an acrylic varnish that is clear to seal their palettes made of wood. This protects the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying multiple thin layers of oils from linseed. 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 improve over time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is a popular choice for acrylic and oil painting. It provides a large 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 will make cleanup easy. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and are available at many stores selling arts and crafts.
If you are a modern acrylic artist, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a light option that is resistant to solvent damage and feature an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and are utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are available in different sizes and come with deep wells that allow mixing colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These are affordable and disposable, so they can be used for only one painting session, making them a great option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which can make it difficult to clean.
One of the most effective options for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded hardwood such as spruce or pine with a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted into the opening to allow the artist to hold the palette with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps stop fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists make their own homemade wooden palettes using everyday items. A dish covered in aluminum foil or plastic might be a great spot to begin. You can also opt for old ceramic or glass dishes. You can find them at auctions and thrift shops. They are usually quite gorgeous. You can also make use of an aluminum foil that will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a plastic stay-wet palette. These are essentially a plastic box with an airtight lid. The sponge is placed at the bottom, which you then dampen with water, then add a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be sealed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for days. If the paper dries out you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for watercolor artists
Whether you are painting oil paints or watercolors, an wooden palette is an excellent choice. These palettes are lightweight in comparison to other alternatives, including paper and glass, and are rigid enough to allow for easy handling. They feature cutouts in the interior for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold while working for long periods. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without absorbing. They can also be cleaned easily and are durable for years of use.
Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces utilized by artists and are still an important part of many artist's studios today. They have a classic and professional look and are perfect for mixing alkyds, oils, and acrylics. They are also typically sourced with sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette can be a sustainable choice for the modern artist.
The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a specialized wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and prolong the longevity of the palette. Re-oiling is as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is a fantastic option to make your palette feel like a part of your artwork and create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these personalized palettes come with lids that lock in the place, which is a nice feature for traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes, with artists posting photos of their beautifully arranged sets to inspire others. These visual cues are a great reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a rewarding and artistically satisfying experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will become a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about an art pallet the first image we have is a wooden one, which was used by old masters. They are still used by some artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours due to their porous surface. A new paint palette was created to address this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely sturdy and won't break if dropped. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand when you work.
These new palettes, referred to as "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints moist and usable for a long period of time after you have finished painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette and rub it in until it looks slightly tacky (like soft butter). Then, use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to get into all of the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, referred to as seasoning, enables the palette to hold the color and oil, while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another good way to prep for a wooden palette is applying a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and then applying it on the surface of the palette using a rag. This will help to protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to solvents and water. This will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when it is wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes, like paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it won't absorb the paint too much, and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more sturdy and feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of carrying on the tradition of the old masters.