5 Laws That Will Help The Wooden Palette Industry
Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light and strong, with an even surface. It also has warm tones that allow painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
To seal a palette made of wood make use of boiled linseed oils and a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available using an wooden palette. This makes it 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 close at your fingertips. I've found that using such a palette really cuts down on the amount of time I spend shifting my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps in my accuracy and consistency.
You can either buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it before you start painting - this makes it less able to absorb of the oils used in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small amount Linseed oil onto the palette and rub it in with a lint free sponge until it is completely saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette will be ready where to get pallets use.
I like to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops to a brown medium such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. Tone can also help me distinguish between light and dark values in my paintings.
A wooden palette (Continuing) that has been well-used will develop an exquisite patina over time. The oil from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like finish. It's a gorgeous thing to look at.
Some painters prefer to use an acrylic sealer with a clear finish on their wooden palettes - this can protect the wood and give it an attractive shine. I prefer the old method of applying several thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a little longer than using polyurethane but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette and it will only get better with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is a popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large pallets solid surface that is resistant to pigment absorption and encourages optimal color mixing. After every use, a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. Palettes made of wood are not expensive and are available at most arts and crafts stores.
For the modern acrylic painter there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are a light option that is resistant to solvent damage and have an anti-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and can be used with a variety of materials, including acrylics. They are typically available in various sizes and deep wells for color mixing.
A dish made of paper or styrofoam is a different option for acrylic painting. They are inexpensive and disposable so they can be used for a single painting session, which makes them a great solution for plein air painting. They may absorb some of the paint, however, which can be difficult to clean.
One of the most effective alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded hardwood like spruce or pine, with a thumb hole. This allows the artist to hold the palette using the thumb in the hole, leaving the other fingers to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps to stop fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes out of household items. A dish that is covered in aluminum foil or plastic could be a great place to begin. You can also pick up old ceramic or glass dishes. They are available at yard sales and thrift shops. They are typically beautiful. You can even try an tin foil piece that will block the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is an alternative to the traditional palette that is very well-known. These are basically made of plastic with a lid that is tight. You place a sponge at the bottom, which you then make damp with water, and then add a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be closed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for days. If the paper dries out, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is an excellent option for those who paint with oil or watercolors. They are lighter than other alternatives such as 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 easier to hold for long periods. They have a satin finish that lets paint rest on top without being absorbed. Furthermore, they can be cleaned easily for years of use.
The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are an essential component of many studios. They offer a classic, professional look and are ideal to mix acrylics, oils, and alkyds. Additionally they are usually produced using sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette may be an environmentally responsible choice for the modern artist.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and oiling. A reapplication of linseed oil or a wood conditioner that is specially designed can prevent excessive absorption and prolong the lifespan of the palette. Re-oiling is as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping it off with a lint free cloth.
Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is a wonderful option to make your palette feel like a part of your artwork, and to create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these customized palettes have lids that can be locked in the position and lock in place, which is a wonderful feature for traveling.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding artistic experience. When you continue painting using your wooden palette, it'll become a favorite piece of equipment that reminds you of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint palette the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood used by the masters of the past. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics due to their porous surface. However, a different type of palette for painting has been developed to solve this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is sturdy and won't break if you drop it. The palettes are available in different 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, help keep your paints moist and usable for a long time after you have finished painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint appears tacky (like butter). Then you can use either a paper towel or lint free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get into all of the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, enables the palette to retain the oil and pigment while allowing brushhairs where to get pallets pass easily.
Another way to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and rubbing it to the surface of the palette using a rag. This will help to protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. It will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, Wooden Palette such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great choice because it doesn't absorb paint as often, and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it is more durable and feels better in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm carrying on a tradition of the old masters!