Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that help painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
Use boiled linseed and a lint-free rag or paper towel to seal a wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the wood 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 then move the paints across your board or canvas. It's also a great method to keep your brushes at your fingertips. This palette has helped me save time by reducing the amount of time I have to turn around my body to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it helps in my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist water and standard artist solvents or purchase them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will help it absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this, simply put a small amount of linseed oil on the palette and rub it into the palette with a lint free sponge until it is completely fully saturated. Then, wipe off the excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone my palette prior use by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the linseed oil. This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It also lets me observe how the colors appear against the wood. The tone will also help me distinguish between shades of light and dark in my artwork.
Over time, a properly used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. The oil from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will blend together to form a varnish-like finish. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes - this will protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. However, I've found that the traditional method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil works well for me. 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
A wooden palette is the most popular option for acrylic and oil painting. It has a wide solid, stable surface that blocks the absorption of color and facilitates mixing of colors. After every use, a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found in many stores selling arts and crafts.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also resist damage caused by solvents. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics and other materials. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells to mix colors.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is another popular option for acrylic painting. They are inexpensive and disposable, so they can be used for a single painting session, which makes them a great option for plein air painting. However, they may absorb paint, which can make them difficult to clean.
One of the most effective alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded wood, like pine or spruce, with a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted into the hole to allow the artist to hold the palette with their other fingers. The thumb hole is designed to stop fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.

Some artists create their own wooden palettes from household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be an ideal place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. They can be found at yard sales and thrift shops and are usually quite attractive. You could also try an tin foil piece that will ward off the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.
A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet palette. They're basically an empty plastic container with a secure lid. You place a sponge at the bottom that you dampen with water, then place a piece of specialty paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for several days. If the paper begins to dry, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a great option for anyone who paints with watercolors or oil. 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 for long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that lets paint sit on top without being absorbed. Additionally, they are easy to clean over time.
just click the up coming website was among the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still an integral element in many studios. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are perfect for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. They are also typically sourced with sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wooden pallet a sustainable choice for modern artists.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the key to the durability of a wooden pallet. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and prolong the life of your 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 even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the wood. This is a fantastic way to make your palette feel as if it's part of your art and create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock into place. This is a great feature to take with you when traveling.
Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes, as artists post pictures of their stunningly arranged arrangements to inspire others. These visual cues are a great reminder that painting using a wooden palette can be a satisfying and artistically satisfying experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into a beloved piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about a paint pallet the first thing we imagine is an old wooden one used by masters of the past. Although still used by some artists but these palettes aren't ideal for use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is porous and absorbs paint too much. A new palette for painting was invented to solve this problem. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and won't break should you drop it. They are also available in various shapes and sizes which means you can pick one that is comfortable to hold and fit into your hand when you work.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints hydrated and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint is tacky (like butter). Then apply either a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to reach all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass easily.
A drying oil, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to make a wooden palette. Apply it with a rag to the surface. This will make the wood more durable 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 to use disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. 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 durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm carrying on a tradition of the old masters!