Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?

A wooden palette has a smooth, lightweight surface that is also rigid. It is a warm-colored palette which helps artists perceive colors accurately.

Use boiled linseed and a lint-free rag or paper towel to seal a wooden palette. Rub the oil on the surface of the wood palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.

Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters

Oil paints are readily available using the wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix colors and then move them across your canvas or board. This is a great way to have your brushes in fingertips. I've discovered that using a palette like this reduces the amount of time I'm moving my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've noticed that it improves my precision and consistency.

You can purchase wood palettes that are already stained and sealed to withstand water and standard artist solvents or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you'll need to seal it prior to painting - this will make it less adsorbent of the oils used in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small amount oil from linseed onto your palette and then rub it into the palette with an lint-free rag until it is saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.

I like to tone my palette prior use by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the Linseed oil. This helps me visualize the way my shadows appear on the wood. Tone also helps me to distinguish the light and dark values in my paintings.

A well-used wooden palette will form an exquisite patina over time. It will get more opaque and smooth, thanks to the oil you used in your paints staining it little and the pigments mixing together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's an amazing thing to look at.

Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer that is clear on their palettes made of wood - it will protect the wood and give it an attractive 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 since you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette.

Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters

A wooden palette is the classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It has a large, stable area that resists pigment absorbtion and promotes mixing of colors. It also makes clean up simple and convenient by simply wiping a cloth or paper towel after every use. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and are available at the majority of stores for arts and crafts.


There are a variety of options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a light option that resist solvent damage and feature a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and can be utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are available in different sizes and have deep wells for mixing colors.

Another popular option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. pallet for sale​ Links to an external site. are inexpensive and disposable, which means they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them a great option for plein air painting. They can take in some paint, and is difficult to remove.

One of the most effective alternatives for an acrylic paint palette that is permanent is a piece of sanded hardwood such as spruce or pine that has 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 helps keep fingers from getting too dirty when using the palette.

Some painters make their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil-covered dish could be a good place to start. Glass or ceramic dishes are also an excellent option. You can find them at auctions and thrift shops. They are usually quite attractive. You could also try using a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.

A very popular alternative to a homemade palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. These are basically containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You dampen a sponge with water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place a sheet special paper on top to keep paint moist. The box can be sealed and will keep the sponge and paper moist for days. You can always add water to the palette if the paper gets dry.

Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters

A wooden palette is a fantastic option for anyone who paints using watercolors or oil. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, particularly paper and glass, and are rigid enough to allow for easy handling. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, which makes 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 are durable for years of use.

Wooden palettes were one of the first mixing surfaces used by painters, and they remain a vital element in many studios of artists today. They have a classic, professional look and are ideal to mix acrylics, oils and alkyds. Additionally, they are often produced using sustainable forestry practices. used pallets for sale Links to an external site. makes using a wood pallet a green option for contemporary artists.

A key to the longevity of the wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. A reapplication of linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption and extend the life of the palette. Depending on the kind of wood that is used, re-oiling a palette could be as easy as pouring a puddle of oil in the center of the palette, then wiping it with a lint-free cloth.

Some artists even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the wood. This is a great method to make the palette appear as an extension of your artwork and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these personalized palettes have lids that can lock in the position and lock in place, which is a wonderful feature for travel.

Platforms like Instagram have also contributed to the popularity of wood palettes, with artists posting photos of their beautiful arrangements to inspire others. These visual clues 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 will remind you of your creative journey.

Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters

When we think of painting pallets the first thing we think of is a wooden one used by old masters. Although they are still used by some artists however, these palettes aren't ideal for watercolors or acrylics since the surface is porous and absorbs the paint too much. However, a new kind of palette for painting is being developed that solves this issue. The new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and won't break should you drop it. The palettes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one that is comfortable in your palm and is easy to use.

These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you have completed painting. To make a stay wet palette, add your preferred oil painting medium on the back side of the palette and rub it in until it looks somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Then apply an old towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get it into all the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, allows the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brush hairs to pass through with ease.

Another good way to prep for a wooden palette is using a drying oil - like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and then applying it on the surface of the palette with a rag. This will help to seal the wood and make it resistant 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 such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a good 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 better in my hands. I am awestruck by the idea of preserving the legacy of the previous masters.