How-To Technique

How to use a glass palette

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When working with artist oils or thick acrylic paints, a glass surface makes an excellent reusable palette. Many comercially available glass palettes, like this one from Redgrass Games, make for a good choice because they can fit inside a separate container or hard case.
This glass palette has a grey backing, which makes it easy to see the paint color.

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Included are four non-slip, stick-on rubber feet that keep the palette from moving around during use.

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The glass palette from Redgrass Games fits neatly inside the Painter Lite palette container, allowing you to seal the palette between painting sessions.

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While artist oil paints tend to stay workable for extended periods, it is a good idea to keep them covered between painting sessions to keep debris, like sanding dust or pet hair, off. If you are working with artist acrylics, sealing the palette can also help extend paint life.

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There are no special considerations when using a glass palette. Apply paints and mix as you would on any other type of palette.

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Cleaning the palette is easy. Just wipe off the unused paint and, in the case of artist oils, use a bit of odorless paint thinner or white spirit to completely clean the surface.

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A glass palette is also great for thick acrylic paints, like this mud product from Ammo by Mig Jimenez.

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When you are finished working with the acrylic product, let it dry and scrape it off with a razor blade scraper tool.

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The palette, all clean and ready for its next use.

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A glass palette works well with artist oils, artist acrylics, and thick acrylic products for terrain and weathering. It provides a smooth surface for mixing paint and is easy to clean. With store-bought options, you can often get a wet palette and a glass palette that work together, making these tools great for all your painting needs.
Get the Redgrass Games Painter Lite Glass Palette from the Kalmbach Hobby Store!

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