Why We Our Love For Wooden Palette (And You Should Also!)

Why Paint on a Wooden Palette? A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It has a warm color that aids artists in interpreting the colors with precision. Use boiled linseed and an lint-free rag or towel to protect the wooden palette. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, both front and back. Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters Painting on a wooden palette can bring all your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move them around your canvas or board. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes at hand. I've found that using a palette like this really cuts down on the amount of time I'm turning my body to reach and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids in my accuracy and consistency. You can purchase wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to resist water and regular solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this, 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 fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use. I prefer to tone my palette before using it by adding some drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This helps me visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings. It helps me see how the colors will look against the wood. The tone helps me to distinguish between the dark and light values of my painting. A well-used wooden palette will develop an exquisite patina over time. It will get more transparent and smooth with the oil from your paints staining it bit and the pigments blending together to form a varnish-like coating. It's stunning to look at. Some painters apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood, and also give it a stunning shine. However, I have found that the old method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil is just fine for me. 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 The wooden palette is a popular choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large and stable surface that blocks pigment absorption and promotes optimal mixing of colors. It also makes clean up easy and quick by simply wiping a paper towel or cloth after every use. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found at many stores selling arts and crafts. If you are a modern acrylic artist, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist solvent damage and feature an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are available in various sizes and come with deep wells for mixing colors. Another popular choice for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective, so they can only be used once during the duration of a painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein-air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which could make it difficult to clean. A piece of sanded timber, such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is among the best options to create a permanent acrylic paint pallet. The thumb can be placed into the opening to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette. Some artists make their own wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered in aluminum foil or plastic could be a great spot to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite beautiful. You can also use an aluminum foil that can resist paint absorption and is 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 lid that is tight. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you put an extra sheet of paper on top to keep paint damp. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper wet for a few days. If the paper dries out it is possible to add more water to the palette. Wooden Palettes for watercolor artists A wooden palette is a fantastic option for those who paint with oil or watercolors. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper, and are also strong enough to be able to be handled easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them simple to hold during long periods. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easy to clean and last for years of use. The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces used by artists. They remain an integral element in many studios. They have a classic and professional look and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. In addition they are usually sourced from sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette may be a sustainable option for the contemporary artist. The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and prolong the longevity of the palette. Based on the type of wood the palette is made of, re-oiling it can be as simple as pouring a puddle of oil in the center of the palette, then wiping it with a lint-free cloth. Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into the wood. This is a great option to make your palette feel like part of your work, and to add a sense history to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock into the place. This is a great feature for traveling. Platforms such as Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes, as artists post photos of their beautiful setups to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an example of how painting on a wooden palette is a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to paint with your wooden palette, it will become a cherished piece of equipment that will remind you of your creative 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 used by old masters. While still used by a few painters but these palettes aren't suitable to use with watercolors or acrylics due to the surface is too porous and absorbs paint too much. However, a new kind of paint palette is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are made from tempered glass which is extremely sturdy and won't crack if dropped. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes which means you can pick one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand while working. These new palettes are called “stay wet” palettes since they keep your paints moist and able to work for a long time after you've finished painting. To prepare a stay wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium to 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, helps the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing hairs of the brush to move through the wood easily. 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 protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to solvents and water. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet. Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, like paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint as much, and it's easy-to-clean. However, I'd rather to use a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable, and it feels more comfortable in my hands. sell pallets near me like the idea that I'm continuing a tradition of the old masters!