Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is a light, smooth surface and is rigid. It has a warm color which helps artists perceive colors in a precise manner.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oils and an lint-free rag, or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat every day, both back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available when you use a wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix your colors and move them across the surface of your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes in hand. I've noticed that a palette of this sort reduces the amount of time I'm turning my body to reach and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps me with 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. When working with wood that is raw, you should seal it prior to painting. This will make it less adsorbent of the oils in your oil paints. To do this, simply pour a small amount linseed oil on the palette, and then rub it in using a lint free cloth until it's saturated. After that, clean off any excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette before use by adding some drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This allows me to imagine how my shadows will appear on the wood. The tone helps me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a beautiful patina. The oil from your paints will stain it and the pigments will blend together to create a varnish-like finish. It's stunning to behold.
Some artists use 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 thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a bit more time 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 over time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal option for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and promotes optimal color mixing. After every use, a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. The majority of craft stores carry wooden palettes, which are affordable.

If you are a modern acrylic artist there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes are coated with a nonstick substance and are light. They also withstand damage caused by solvents. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics, among other materials. They are typically available in a variety of sizes and deep wells for mixing colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are disposable and affordable and can only be used once during an entire painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein-air painting. However, they can absorb some paint which can make it difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded timber, such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole is one of the best options for creating a permanent acrylic paint pallet. The thumb can be placed into the opening to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole helps keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some painters prefer to make their own homemade wooden palette from common items. A dish that is covered in aluminum foil or plastic can be a great spot to begin. pallet for sale can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. They can be found at yard sales or in thrift shops and are usually quite pretty. You can also make use of the foil piece that will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet palette. They are basically a plastic box with an airtight lid. You dampen a sponge with water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you add a sheet special paper on the top to keep paint damp. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will stay damp for several days. If the paper starts to dry out it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for watercolor artists
Whether you are painting oil paints or watercolors, a wooden palette can be an excellent option. They are lighter than other options such as glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They have cutouts inside for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold for 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 among the first mixing surfaces used by artists, and they are still an important part of many artist's studios today. They provide an elegant, professional appearance and are perfect for mixing acrylics, oils and alkyds. Additionally they are usually sourced from sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette may be a sustainable choice for the modern artist.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and oiling. A reapplication of linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the longevity of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other decorative elements. This is an excellent option to make your palette feel like an extension of your art and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock into the correct position. This is a great feature for traveling.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues are a wonderful reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a rewarding and artistically satisfying experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a palette to paint, the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood, that was used by masters of the past. While still used by a few painters however, these palettes aren't ideal to use with watercolors or acrylics due to the surface is porous and absorbs paint too much. However, a new type of palette for paint is being developed that solves this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely strong and won't break if dropped. They also come in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints wet and functional for a lengthy 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 somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil and ensure that it gets in all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil - like linseed, safflower or walnut - and rubbing it to the surface of the palette using the help of a rag. This will seal the wood, making it resistant to water and solvents. This will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good choice because it doesn't soak up paint too often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more durable and feels better in my hands. click through the next article love the idea of preserving the tradition of the older masters.