20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Wooden Palette

Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?

A wooden palette is a light, smooth surface and is rigid. It has a warm color that helps painters perceive colors in a precise manner.

To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oil as well as an lint-free rag, or a high-quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the surface of the wood palette. Repeat daily, in front and back.

Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters

Oil paints are available when you work with the wooden palette. This makes it easy to mix colors and then move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at your fingertips. I've discovered that using such a palette really cuts down on the amount of time I spend moving my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've noticed that it helps me with my precision and consistency.

You can purchase wood palettes that have been stained and sealed (to repel water as well as standard artist solvents) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it prior to painting. This makes it less able to absorb of the oils used in your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed onto your palette, and then rub in with a lint-free rag. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.

I prefer to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops to a brown medium, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings and it also lets me see how the colors will look against the wood. The tone helps me differentiate between the dark and light values of my painting.

A well-used wooden palette will form a gorgeous patina over time. The oils from your paints will stain the wood and the pigments will combine to form a varnish-like finish. It's a gorgeous thing to see.

Some artists apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to protect their wooden palettes. This will protect the wood and will give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying multiple thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a bit more time than polyurethane, but it's worth it since you can apply one coat every time you wash your palette.

Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters

A wooden palette is the classic choice for oil and acrylic painting. It has a wide, stable area that resists the absorption of color and facilitates mixing of colors. It also makes cleaning easy and quick by simply wiping paper towels or a cloth after each use. The majority of craft stores have wooden palettes that are affordable.

There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also withstand damage caused by solvents. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and can be used with acrylics, among other materials. They are usually available in a variety of sizes and deep wells to mix colors.

A paper or styrofoam dish is a different option for acrylic painting. They are cheap and disposable, which means they can be used for a single painting session, making them an ideal solution for plein air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which can make them difficult to clean.

A piece of sanded lumber, such as pine or spruce with a thumbhole, is one of the best options to create an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This lets the artist hold the palette by inserting the thumb placed inside the hole, leaving the other fingers free to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole helps prevent the fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.

Some artists prefer to build their own wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic can be a great place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are usually quite beautiful. You could also try an tin foil piece that will block the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.

A popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet palette. These are basically a plastic box with an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you add a sheet special paper on the top to keep paint moist. The box can be sealed and the sponge and paper will stay moist for several days. If the paper dries out you can always add more water to the palette.

Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters

A wooden palette is a fantastic choice for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. These palettes are lighter than other options such as glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They also have internal cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, making them more comfortable to hold for long periods of time while you work. They have a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They are also easily cleaned and last for many years of use.

Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces utilized by painters, and they remain an integral part of many artist's studios in the present. They have an elegant and professional appearance, and are ideal to mix alkyds, oils and acrylics. They are also often sourced using sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette may be a sustainable option for the contemporary artist.

The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the longevity of the palette. Depending on the type of wood that is used, re-oiling a palette could be as easy as pouring a small amount of oil into the center of the palette and then wiping it off with a lint-free, clean cloth.

Some artists opt to personalize wooden palettes by adding initials or other decorative elements. This is a wonderful way to make your palette feel like a part of your artwork and create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these palettes can be customized with lids that lock in the place. This is an excellent feature to use when traveling.

Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden pallet is a rewarding, artistic experience. When you continue painting with your wooden palette, it'll become a favorite piece of equipment that will remind you of your journey to creativity.

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, that was used by 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 paint has been invented that solves this problem. These new palettes have been constructed from tempered glass that is extremely strong and won't break in the event of a drop. These palettes are available in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that is comfortable in your palm and is easy to use.

The new palettes are referred to as "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints hydrated and able to work for a long time after you've finished painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint is tacky (like butter). Then you can use a paper towel or lint free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get into all of the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain the color and oil, while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.

Drying oil such as linseed, or walnut can be used to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using an abrasive to the surface. This will help protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to solvents and water. It will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.

High-Quality Factory-Made Pallets  prefer using disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it won't absorb the paint too much and is easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm continuing a tradition of the old masters!