How to Clean a Paint Palette

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Today we want to share with you a special post:

How do you get dried paint off a palette?

Painting is a lot of fun, cleaning up after a session is not fun at all. It's a step in the process that many artists fear and some even avoid until necessary. The problem is that the pallet needs to be cleaned. Whether you are painting in oil or acrylic, there are some helpful tips to tackle this task.

Just clean it

Regardless of the style of palette you use or the paint medium you prefer, the best advice you can get is to clean your palette immediately. This is a habit that you may have to force yourself to, but it will save you a lot of hassle.

If you let the paint dry on the palette, the job will be more difficult. This is especially true when using a wooden palette, as the paint can get stuck in the pores of the wood.

If you don't like cleaning your paint palette, consider switching to disposable palette blades. Some artists use wax paper and simply tape it to the bottom of their palette as they work.

Tip: If you want to save the painting for another session, especially the next day and with oil paints, investing in a pallet safe can be a good idea. Many artists choose to cover their palette with plastic wrap and it does a good job if you get a tight seal.

How to clean acrylic paint from a palette

Acrylic paints are quite tolerant because they are based on water. They clean quite well either wet or dry. However, you should avoid porous decking like wood. Instead, opt for plastic, glass, or ceramic pallets, as they are very easy to clean.

1. Wipe up wet paint with a paper towel.
2. Use soapy water and a sponge to remove any excess paint residue.

Have your acrylics dried? Sometimes you can lift whole pieces if they have reached this rubbery stage. Otherwise, soak the palette in glass cleaner (some artists recommend fabric softener) for about five minutes. The paint should be cleaned well.

How to condition a wooden pallet

Wood pallets are popular with oil painters, and the material is more tolerant of oil paints. The advantage of wood is that it can be periodically reconditioned. You will also want to "season" a raw wood pallet before using it. The method is the same.

1. If used, clean the paddle following the instructions below.
2. Lightly sand the wood to give it a fresh, clean surface.
3. Apply a light coat of linseed oil and rub it into the wood with a paper towel.
4. Let the palette dry for a day.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 at least one more time and again if necessary.

How to clean oil paint from a wooden palette

Oil paints will stain a wooden palette if left too long. It's best to only squeeze out as much paint as you need during a session, but that's not entirely realistic.

You can leave the paints from your palette on the wood, although you will need to remove the mixed paints after each session. If you are concerned about combining the paint, take a few notes and leave a sample on the paper so you can remix it.

Tip: Many artists have found that collecting their blended oils creates amazing grays. You may want to have a trash can available and try it out for yourself. It can't hurt.

1. To clean your palette, scrape off all of the paint with your putty knife.
2. To remove excess residue, apply a light coat of solvent and let it sit for about five minutes.
3. Clean the paddle with a paper towel. Repeat these two steps if necessary.
4. Once the paddle is clean, moisten a paper towel with linseed oil, rub it into the wood, and allow the paddle to dry.

Enjoy The Video Tutorial about How To - Prepare and clean your palette with Michael Klein

Source: EastOaksStudio