11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Make With Your Wooden Palette
Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface that is also rigid. It also has warm tones that help artists see colors with greater clarity when painting.
To seal a wood palette use boiled linseed oil and an lint-free rag, or a high-quality paper towel. Rub the oil into the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are available when you use a wooden palette. This makes it easier where to get pallets mix colors and then move them across your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes at fingertips. This palette has helped me save time by reducing the amount of time I spend turning around my body to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've noticed that it helps me with my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to withstand water and standard solvents for artists or purchase wood pallets 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 pour a small pool of oil from linseed onto your palette and then rub it in using an lint-free rag until it is fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior to 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 way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone will help me differentiate between the dark and Wooden palette light values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. The oils you use to paint will stain the wood and the pigments will mix to create a varnish-like finish. It's gorgeous to see.
Some painters use a clear acrylic varnish to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood and also give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying several thin layers of Linseed oils. It takes a little longer than polyurethane but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you wash your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette palette is the most popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It offers a wide, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. It also makes cleaning easy and quick by simply wiping a cloth or paper towel after every use. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found in many stores selling arts and crafts.
There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also resist damage caused by solvents. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water, and can be used for a wide range of materials, including acrylics. They are available in various sizes and come 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 pallets for sale for just one painting session, making them a great option for plein air painting. They could absorb some of the paint, however, which is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded timber like spruce or pine with a thumbhole is one of the best options for creating an acrylic paint palette that is permanent. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold the palette with their other fingers. The thumb hole is designed to keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists prefer to build their own homemade wooden palette using everyday items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. You can find them at auctions and thrift shops. They are typically attractive. You can also make use of an aluminum foil that can resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the homemade palette that is very well-known. They are essentially an empty plastic container with a tight lid. You place a sponge at the bottom that you wet with water, then add a sheet of paper that is specially designed to keep the paint moist. The box can be shut and the sponge and paper will remain moist for several 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 using an wooden palette is an excellent option. These palettes are lighter than other options such as glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold for long periods. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and last for years of use.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They remain a vital element in many studios. They have an elegant and professional design, and are ideal for mixing alkyds, oils and acrylics. In addition, they are often made from sustainable forest practices. In this way, using a wooden palette may be a green choice for the modern artist.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and the re-oiling. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can stop excessive absorption, and increase the lifespan of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette, and wiping with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the wood. This is an excellent option to make your palette appear as an extension of your artwork and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in the place. This is an excellent feature to take with you when traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to 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 using a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of painting pallets, the first thing we think of is an old wooden one that was used by old masters. These palettes, though utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surface. However, a new kind of palette for painting is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is robust and won't break should you drop it. The palettes come in a variety of sizes and shapes which means you can pick one that is comfortable in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes, referred to as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you've finished painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, put your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint appears tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil and ensure that you get in all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, enables the palette to hold the color and oil, while allowing the brush hairs to move easily.
Another method to prepare for a wooden palette is using a drying oil like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and applying it to the surface of the palette with an abrasive. This will help seal the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it is wet.
Some painters like to use disposable palettes such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great choice because it doesn't soak up paint too often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it's more sturdy and feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of continuing the tradition of the old masters.