Wooden Palette: A Simple Definition

· 6 min read
Wooden Palette: A Simple Definition

Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?

A wooden palette is lightweight and rigid, and has smooth surfaces. It also has a warm tone that helps artists see colors with greater clarity when painting.

To seal a wood palette use boiled linseed oil and a lint free rag or high quality paper towel. Rub the oil onto the the wood palette. Repeat daily, back and front.

Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters

Painting on a wooden palette allows all your oil paints at your fingertips. This makes it easy to mix colors and then move them across your board or canvas. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at hand. I've discovered that using a palette of this sort can reduce the amount of time I spend shifting my body to reach and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it improves my precision and consistency.

You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist the effects of water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it before you start painting - this will make it less absorbent of the oils you use in your oil paints. To do this, put a small amount of linseed oil on the 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 is ready to use.

I like to tone the linseed prior using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize how my shadows will appear on the wood. The tone helps me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.

A well-used wooden palette will develop an exquisite patina over time. It will get more opaque and smooth, due to the oil in your paints staining it bit and the pigments merging together to create their own varnish-like coating. It's stunning to look at.


Some artists prefer to apply an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes, this will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. I prefer the old method of applying thin layers of linseed oils. It takes a little longer than using polyurethane, but it's worth the wait since you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only get better with time.

Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters

A wooden palette is a popular choice for oil and acrylic painting. It provides a large solid surface that is resistant to pigment absorption and promotes optimal mixing of colors. It also makes clean up simple and convenient with a quick wipe of a paper towel or cloth after each use. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found at the majority of stores for arts and crafts.

There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are a lightweight alternative that can withstand solvent damage and have a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water and can be used with a variety of materials, including acrylics. They are typically available in a variety of sizes and deep wells for color mixing.

A paper or styrofoam dish is another popular option for acrylic painting. These plates are disposable and affordable, so they are only used once for a painting session. This makes them a great choice for plein-air painting. However, they could absorb paint, which could make them difficult to clean.

A piece of sanded timber, such as spruce or pine with a thumbhole, is one of the best options to make an acrylic paint pallet that can be used for a long time. This allows the artist to hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole can also help keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.

Some artists create their own wooden palettes out of household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great spot to start. You can also choose old glass or ceramic dishes. They can be found at yard sales and thrift shops and are usually pretty. You can also try a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and be easy to clean.

A very popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet plastic palette.  purchase used pallets  are essentially containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You dampen a sponge with water and place it at the bottom of the box. Then, you add a sheet special paper on the top to keep the paint damp. The box can be closed and the sponge and paper will remain wet 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

If you're painting watercolors or oil paints, using a wooden palette can be the best option. They are lighter than other options such as glass or paper and are strong enough to handle easily. They also have interior cut-outs for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They have a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without being absorbed. They are also easy to clean and are durable for years of use.

The wooden palette was among the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They remain an essential part of many studios. They offer an elegant, professional appearance and are perfect to mix acrylics, oils, and alkyds. They are also often sourced with sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wood pallet a green option for modern artists.

Regular cleaning and re-oiling is the key to the durability of a wooden pallet. A reapplication of linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the longevity of the palette.  used pallets for sale -oiling is as easy as pouring oil in the middle of the palette, and wiping with an unlinty cloth.

Some artists opt to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or decorative elements into the surface. This is an excellent option to make your palette feel like an extension of your art and add a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes can be personalized with lids that lock into the place. This is a great feature for traveling.

Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes.  purchase used pallets  share photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden palette can be a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a favorite piece of equipment and a reminder of your creative 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 the masters of the past. They are still used by some artists are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics because of their porous surface. However, a different type of palette for paint has been developed to solve this problem. These new palettes have been constructed from tempered glass that is extremely sturdy and won't break if dropped. They also come in various sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is easy to hold and fits into your hand while working.

These new palettes, called "stay-wet" palettes, keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you have completed painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint is tacky (like butter). Then, use an old towel or lint-free cloth to wipe off any excess, making sure to get it into all the little grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, assists the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brush hairs to move through easily.

Drying oils, such as linseed or walnut is a great option to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it with an abrasive on 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 wet.

Some artists prefer using disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette because it's more sturdy and feels better in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm preserving the tradition of the previous masters!