Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?

A wooden palette is light, rigid and has an even surface. It is a warm-colored palette which helps artists perceive the colors with precision.

To seal a wooden 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 at your fingertips when you use an wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them across your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close to your fingertips. I've discovered that using a palette like this reduces the amount of time I spend turning my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've noticed that it also improves my accuracy and consistency.

You can purchase wooden palettes that have been sealed and stained (to repel water as well as conventional solvents for artists) or you can purchase unfinished ones and stain them yourself. When working with buy pallets near me will want to seal it prior to painting - this will make it less adsorbent of the oils used in your oil paints. Pour a small amount linseed onto your palette, and then rub it in with a non-lint cotton rag. Then, wipe off any excess and your palette is ready to use.

I prefer to tone my palette prior to use by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow ochre) to the linseed oil. This helps me visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. The tone will also help me to distinguish the light and dark values in my artwork.

With time, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. It will get more transparent and smooth with the oil from your paints staining it little and the pigments mixing together to create their own varnish-like coating. It's gorgeous to see.


Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes, this will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying several thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a bit more time than using polyurethane, but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only improve with time.

Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters

The wooden palette is a classic option for oil and acrylic painting. It has a large and stable area that is resistant to absorption of pigment and encourages mixing of colors. It also makes cleaning easy and quick by simply wiping a paper towel or cloth after each use. Most arts and crafts stores carry wooden palettes, which are inexpensive.

For the modern acrylic painter, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter alternative that can withstand damage from solvents and also have an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned using warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics as well as other materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and have deep wells to mix colors.

A paper or styrofoam dish is a different option for acrylic painting. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective and can only be used once during an entire painting session. This makes them an excellent solution for plein-air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which can make it difficult to clean.

One of the most effective options for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood such as spruce or pine, with a thumb hole. The thumb can be placed into the hole to allow the artist to hold it using their other fingers. The thumb hole is designed to prevent fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.

Some artists create their own wooden palettes using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is a good place to start. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales and thrift shops. They are usually quite beautiful. You can also use a piece tin foil which will resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.

A popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. They're basically made of plastic with a secure lid. You place a sponge in the bottom that you dampen with water, then you place a sheet of specialty paper on top to keep the paint wet. The box can be closed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for several days. If the paper begins to dry, you can always add more water to the palette.

Wooden Palettes for watercolor artists

A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and rigid enough to be able to be handled easily. They have cutouts inside for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold for long periods. They feature a satin-finished finish that lets paint rest on top without being absorbed. Furthermore, buy pallets near me are easily cleaned for years of use.

The wooden palette was one of the earliest mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still an integral element in many studios. They have a classic and professional look and are ideal to mix alkyds, oils, and acrylics. They are also typically sourced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wooden pallet a sustainable choice for modern artists.

The key to the long-term durability of a wooden palette is frequent cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and increase the lifespan of your palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil in the middle of the palette and wiping it off with a lint free cloth.

Some artists prefer to personalize wooden palettes using initials or other elements. This is a fantastic method to make your palette feel like a part of your artwork, and to give a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock in place. This is a great feature for traveling.

Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists post photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as an encouragement to paint on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative 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. While still used by a few artists however, these palettes aren't ideal to use with watercolors or acrylics since the surface is porous and absorbs the paint too much. However, a different type of paint palette is being developed that solves this problem. These new palettes have been constructed from tempered glass that is extremely sturdy and won't break if dropped. They are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is easy to hold and fits into your hand when you work.

The new palettes are referred to as "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints wet and workable for a long time after you've finished painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, add 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 get rid of any oil that has accumulated, and ensure that you get into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, allows the palette retain pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to move through the wood easily.

Drying oils like linseed or walnut can be used to make a wooden pallet. Apply it with an abrasive to the surface. This will help seal the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. This also stops the paint from sticking on the surface of your palette when wet.

Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good choice because it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. However, I'd rather to make use of a traditional wooden palette as it's more durable, and it feels better in my hand. I am awestruck by the idea of preserving the legacy of the previous masters.