Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light, rigid and has a smooth surface. It is a warm-colored palette that helps painters perceive the colors with precision.
To seal a wooden palette use boiled linseed oil and a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are at your fingertips when you work with a wooden palette. This makes it easier to mix colors and move the paints across your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at hand. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time I spend turning around my body in order to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it aids with my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wooden palettes that have been sealed and stained (to resist water as well as standard artist solvents) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with purchase used pallets Agrony Trading llc 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, put a small amount of linseed oil on the palette and rub it into the palette with a lint free cloth until it's fully saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops of it to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone will help me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. The oils from your paints will stain it, and the pigments will blend together to create a varnish-like look. It's a gorgeous thing to behold.
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 traditional method of applying several thin coats of linseed oil work just fine for me. It takes a bit longer 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 with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the most popular choice for acrylic and oil painting. It is a large solid, stable surface that blocks pigment absorbtion and promotes color mixing. It also makes cleaning simple and convenient with a quick wipe of a paper towel or cloth after each use. Most arts and crafts stores offer wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a light alternative that can withstand solvent damage and feature an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics, among other materials. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells for mixing colors.
Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a paper or styrofoam plate. They are cheap and disposable, which means they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them a great option for plein air painting. They may take in some paint, and is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded lumber, such as pine or spruce that has a thumbhole, is one of the best options to create a permanent acrylic paint pallet. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps to keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil covered dish can be an excellent place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. You can find them at yard sales and thrift shops. They are generally gorgeous. You can even try using a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is a substitute for the traditional palette that is very popular. These are basically made of plastic with a secure lid. The sponge is placed at the bottom that you dampen with water, then add a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be closed and keep the sponge and paper wet for a few days. You can always add water to the palette when the paper starts to dry.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic option for those who paint with watercolors or oil. These palettes are lightweight in comparison to other alternatives, including paper and glass and are strong enough to make it easy to handle. They have cutouts inside for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold for long periods. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and are durable for years of use.
The wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces utilized by artists, and they are still an important element in many studios of artists today. They provide a classic, professional look and are ideal to mix acrylics, oils and alkyds. They are often made by forestry practices that are sustainable. In this way, using a wooden palette may be a sustainable choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the key to the durability of a wooden pallet. A reapplication of linseed oil or a wood conditioner that is specially designed can help prevent excessive absorption and extend the longevity of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is an excellent way to make the palette feel like an extension of your artwork and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these personalized palettes have lids that can lock in the position this is a great feature for travel.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as an encouragement to paint on a pallet made of wood can be a rewarding artistic experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite 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 image that comes to mind is one made of wood that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, although still used by some artists are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surfaces. However, a new kind of palette for painting has been developed to solve this problem. The new palettes are constructed from tempered glass that is extremely durable and won't break if dropped. The palettes are available in various sizes and shapes which means you can pick one that is comfortable in your hand and is easy to use.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints wet and workable for a long time after you've completed painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium on the back side of the palette. Rub it into the wood until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then you can use either a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to reach all the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to hold the oil and pigment while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
A drying oil such as linseed, or walnut can be used to make a wooden pallet. Apply it using an abrasive to the surface. This will help to seal the wooden surface and make it impervious to solvents and water. This will also prevent the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some painters like to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good option because it doesn't absorb paint too much, and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it is more durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on the legacy of the old masters!