15 Reasons You Must Love Wooden Palette

Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?

A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface that is also rigid. It has a warm color which helps artists perceive the colors with precision.

To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oil as well as a lint-free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat daily, on both sides.

Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters

Painting on a wooden palette brings all your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it easier to mix colors and move the paints across your board or canvas. This is an excellent way to keep your brushes in fingertips. I've discovered that using a palette like this reduces the amount of time I'm shifting my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids with my accuracy and consistency.

You can purchase wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed (to resist water as well as conventional solvents for artists) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you will want to seal it prior to painting - this makes it less able to absorb of the oils in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small pool of Linseed oil onto the palette, and then rub it into the palette with a lint free cloth until it's saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is ready to use.

I prefer to tone my palette before use by adding a few drops of a brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow ochre) to the Linseed oil. This helps me visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings and it helps me observe how the colors appear against the wood. Tone also helps me distinguish between shades of light and dark in my paintings.

A well-used wooden palette will form a beautiful patina with time. The oils you use to paint will stain it, and the pigments will blend together to form a varnish-like finish. It's gorgeous to see.

Some painters employ a clear acrylic varnish to seal their wooden palettes. This protects the wood, and will give it a stunning shine. However, I've found that the old method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil work well for me. It takes a little longer than polyurethane, but it is worth it as you can apply one coat every time you clean your palette.

Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters

The wooden palette is a popular choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and facilitates optimal color mixing. After each use, a quick wipe with paper towels or a cloth makes cleanup simple. Palettes made of wood are also affordable and can be found at many stores selling arts and crafts.

For the modern acrylic painter there are a variety of palette options. Plastic palettes have a nonstick coating and are light. They also withstand damage caused by solvents. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics, and other materials. They are generally available in several sizes with deep wells for mixing colors.

Another option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. These plates are reusable and inexpensive, so they are only used once during a painting session. This makes them a great choice for plein-air painting. However, they may absorb paint, which can make them difficult to clean.

One of the best alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded wood like spruce or pine that has a thumb hole. The thumb can be inserted into the hole to allow the artist to hold it with their other fingers. The thumb hole helps to stop fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.

Some artists create their own wooden palettes from household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish could be a good place to start. You can also pick up old ceramic or glass dishes. These can be found at yard sales and thrift shops and are usually attractive. You can also make use of a piece tin foil which can resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.

A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet palette. These are essentially containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. The sponge is placed at the bottom, which you then dampen with water, then add a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be closed and the sponge and paper will remain damp for several days. If the paper starts to dry out, you can always add more water to the palette.

Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters

If you're painting watercolors or oil paints using an wooden palette is an excellent choice. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, particularly glass and paper and are sturdy 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 while you work. They feature a satin-finished finish that lets paint be able to sit on top of the surface without being absorbed. Additionally, they are easy to clean over time.

The wooden palette was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still a vital element in many studios. They offer an elegant, professional look and are perfect for mixing acrylics, oils and alkyds. They are also typically sourced with sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette could be a green choice for the modern artist.

Regular cleaning and re-oiling are the essential to the durability of a wooden pallet. A reapplication of linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping with a lint free cloth.

Some artists prefer to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other decorative elements. This is an excellent option to make your palette appear as an extension of your art and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these customized palettes have lids that can lock in the place and lock in place, which is a wonderful feature for travel.

Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as an encouragement to paint on a pallet made of wood can be a rewarding, artistic experience. If you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a beloved piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.

Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters

When we think of a palette for painting the first image that comes to mind is one made of wood used by old masters. These palettes, although still used by some artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surfaces. A new palette for painting was created to address this problem. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very sturdy and won't break if you drop it. These palettes are available in different sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that fits comfortably in your hand and is simple to use.

The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, help keep your paints moist and useable for a long period of time after you have completed painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, put your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint is tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil, and ensure that you get into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, assists the palette to retain oil and pigment while allowing the hairs of the brush to pass through the wood easily.

Drying oils such as linseed, or walnut can be used to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it using a rag to the surface. This will help to protect the wood and make it resistant to water and solvents.  understanding  will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.

Some painters like to use disposable palettes 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's more sturdy and feels more comfortable in my hands. I love the idea of continuing the tradition of the old masters.