Hey Friends! Welcome back to my blog! I hope you’re all doing fantastic and ready for some artistic inspiration!
Today, I want to talk about a must-have tool for every acrylic painter out there: the wet palette. As a self-taught painter myself, I know all too well the struggle of dealing with acrylic paint drying too quickly, and I’m here to share my tips and tricks to solve this pesky issue.
When I first started painting, I quickly realized that the fast-drying nature of acrylic paint could be a problem, especially when it happened on my palette. Picture this: you’ve just mixed the most beautiful and vibrant colors, and within minutes, they turn into a hard, unusable mess. Frustrating, right?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love it when the paint dries quickly on my canvas, but it’s a different story when it happens on my palette.
If you’ve experienced the same frustrations, fear not! I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’ll reveal how I tackled this problem head-on and found the perfect solution
What is a wet palette?
So, what exactly is a wet palette? Simply put, it’s a game-changing tool that provides a moist surface where you can deposit your paint, keeping it fresh and workable for an extended period. With a wet palette, you no longer have to worry about your precious paint drying up too quickly, wasting your art supplies, or rushing through your creative process.
A typical wet palette consists of:
- Palette tray with a lid
- special permeable paper sheets
- a Sponge
Buy it or make it?
When I started my painting journey, I opted for the Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. The quality of its paper is top-notch, thick enough to retain moisture and ensure your paints stay in perfect condition. Plus, you can easily find refill packs to keep the creativity flowing.
But here’s the exciting part: you can also create your own DIY wet palette with items you probably already have at home. All you need is a plastic or metal container with a lid, some baking paper or parchment paper, and a few paper towels. It’s a cost-effective alternative that works like a charm!
Prepare the palette
Now, let’s talk about the essential step of preparing your wet palette correctly. While each palette may have specific instructions, the general process remains the same. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your particular palette. For instance, the Masterson Palette requires soaking the paper to ensure proper water absorption. But don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the general preparation steps:
1- Soak the paper thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2-Wet the sponge to create a moist environment.
3- Place the sponge in the tray and cover it with the prepared paper.
4- Congratulations! Your wet palette is now ready to be filled with your favorite paints.
Final comments
Using a wet palette can truly revolutionize your painting experience, especially if you’re dealing with fast-drying acrylics or residing in hot, dry climates. It provides you with control, allowing you to take breaks without worrying about wasted paint or ruined color mixes.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with wet palettes and answer any questions you might have. Feel free to leave a comment below, and let’s engage in a creative conversation!
Thanks for joining me on this wet palette journey! Stay inspired, my friends, and remember: Happy painting!
I have a deep passion for art and sharing my humble knowledge with you makes me happy. If you enjoy my content and would like to show your support, feel free to leave a comment, share with your friends, or if you’re able and willing, consider treating me to a coffee.
