Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is rigid. It has a warm hue that aids artists in interpreting the colors with precision.
To seal a palette made of wood make use of boiled linseed oil as well as an lint-free rag, or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat every day, front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available when you work with the wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix your colors and move them around the surface of your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes at hand. This palette has helped me to save time by reducing the amount of time I am able to spend turning my body to reach my brushes and reload them. I've also noticed that it aids in my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to withstand water and standard artist solvents, or you can buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood prior to painting will help it absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this, pour a small amount linseed oil on the palette, and then rub it into the palette with a lint free cloth until it's fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.
I like to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops to a brown medium like 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 light values of my painting.
With time, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. It will get more opaque and smooth, due to the oil in your paints staining it a bit and the pigments merging together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's stunning to look at.
Some painters use a clear acrylic varnish to protect their wooden palettes. This protects the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying multiple thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a bit longer than polyurethane, but it's worth it as you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic option for oil and acrylic painting. It offers a wide, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and encourages optimal mixing of colors. After each use, a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth will make cleanup easy. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found in most arts and crafts stores.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist solvent damage and feature a non-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are generally available in a variety of sizes and deep wells to mix colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective, so they are only used once during the duration of a painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein-air painting. They can absorb some paint, and can be difficult to clean.
A piece of sanded timber like pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is among the best options to make a permanent acrylic paint pallet. This lets the artist hold the palette by inserting the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers free to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole also helps prevent the fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.
Some painters make their own wooden palettes from household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be an excellent place to begin. buy pallets uk or ceramic dishes are also an excellent option. These can be found at yard sales or in thrift shops and are usually beautiful. You could also try a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is an alternative to the DIY palette that is extremely popular. These are basically made of plastic with a lid that is tight. You soak a sponge in water and place it at the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper the top to keep paint wet. The box can be kept closed and keep the sponge and paper moist for a few days. If the paper begins to dry it is possible to add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
Whether you are painting watercolors or oil paints, using a wooden palette can be an excellent option. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, particularly glass and paper, and are rigid enough for easy handling. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. 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 one of the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They are a vital component of many studios. They provide a classic, professional look and are perfect to mix acrylics, oils and alkyds. They are also typically sourced with sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette could be an environmentally responsible choice for the modern artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the essential to the durability of a wooden pallet. Reapplying linseed or a wood conditioner can stop excessive absorption and extend the longevity of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into them. This is an excellent method to make the palette appear as an extension of your work and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock in place. This is an excellent feature to use when traveling.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as a good reminder that painting using a wooden palette could be a rewarding and artistically satisfying experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become an item that you will treasure and a reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about painting pallets the first image we have is a wooden one that was used by masters of the past. These palettes, though used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surface. However, a new type of paint palette is being developed that solves this issue. buy pallets uk are constructed of tempered glass, which is sturdy and won't break if you drop it. These palettes are available in various sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.
These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you have finished painting. To prepare a stay-wet palette, add your favorite oil painting medium on the back of the palette and rub it in until it looks somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then, use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to reach all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, referred to as seasoning, enables the palette to retain the oil and pigment while allowing the brush hairs to move easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and applying it on the surface of the palette using the help of a rag. This will help seal the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents. This will also prevent the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good option because it doesn't absorb paint too much and is easy to clean. However, I would prefer to make use of an old-fashioned wooden palette since it's more durable, and it feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm continuing the tradition of the previous masters!