Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that allow artists to see colors clearly when painting.
To seal a wooden palette make use of boiled linseed oils and a lint free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat daily, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available using an wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them around the surface of your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes in hand. I've discovered that using a palette of this sort reduces the amount of time I spend shifting my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it improves my precision and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to resist water and standard solvents for artists or purchase 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 on the palette, and then rub it into the palette with an lint-free rag until it is fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops of it to a brown medium, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings and it also allows me to see how the colors will appear against the wood. The tone will help me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
A well-used wooden palette will develop a gorgeous patina over time. It will get more opaque and smooth with the oil from your paints staining it bit and the pigments blending together to form a varnish-like coating. It's gorgeous to see.
Some painters prefer to use a clear acrylic sealer on their palettes made of wood - this can protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying multiple thin layers of Linseed oils. It takes a bit more time than polyurethane, but it's worth it as you can apply a coat every time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic option for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. After each use, a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. Most arts and crafts stores have wooden palettes that are inexpensive.
For a modern acrylic painter there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also withstand 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 generally available in various sizes and deep wells for color mixing.
Another popular option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam or paper plate. They are inexpensive and disposable, which means they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them an ideal option for plein air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which can make them 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 that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole is designed to stop fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes from household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic might be a great place to begin. You can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. You can find them at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite gorgeous. You could also try using a piece of tin foil, which will resist the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
A stay-wet palette is an alternative to the traditional palette that is extremely popular. These are basically made of plastic with a tight lid. The sponge is placed at 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 wet for a few days. If the paper dries out it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting with oil paints or watercolors, an wooden palette is the best option. They are lighter than other options such as glass or paper, and are also strong enough to be able to be handled easily. 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 while you work. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and are durable for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are an essential part of many studios. They have an elegant, professional appearance and are ideal for mixing acrylics, oils, and alkyds. They are often made by forestry practices that are sustainable. This is why using a wooden palette can be a green option for the contemporary artist.
The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and oiling. Reapplying linseed oil or a specialized wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and prolong the life of the palette. Based on the type of wood that is used, re-oiling a palette could be as easy as pouring a pool of oil into the middle of the palette, then wiping it off with a lint-free, clean cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into the surface. This is a great option to make your palette appear as an extension of your art and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these customized palettes come with lids that be locked in the place, which is a nice feature for traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wood palettes, with artists sharing pictures of their stunningly arranged setups to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting using a wooden palette can be a rewarding and artistically satisfying experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become an item that you will treasure and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of an art pallet the first thing we imagine is a wooden one, which was used by masters of the past. They are still utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics due to their porous surface. However, a different type of palette for paint has been developed to solve this problem. These new palettes have been constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely strong and won't break in the event of a drop. The palettes are available in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that is comfortable in your palm and is easy to use.
These new palettes, referred to as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints moist and useable for a long period of time after you've completed painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette and rub it into the wood until it appears slightly tacky (like soft butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil, and make sure to get into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, permits the palette to keep the oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
Drying oil, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to make a wooden palette. Apply it using a rag to the surface. This will seal the wood and make it more resistant to water and solvents. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good choice because it doesn't soak up paint too much, and it's also easy to clean. buy pallets uk prefer a wooden palette because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm continuing the legacy of the old masters!