I often hear people talk about different painting methods during games or at conventions. Most gamers seem amazed by well-blended models and often think this method requires more work than traditional layering. So you've decided to try and attempt blending and shading? Well the first step is to insure that you have the proper tools. Obviously if you are willing to attempt an advanced technique then you already possess the basics; paint, brushes, and a make-shift palette.
The one key ingredient required for blending though is a wet palette. What is a wet palette? The basic premise is that you have a porous surface that rests on water and the paint rests on top of that surface. The water is absorbed into the surface slowly and keeps the paint from drying out. Now, many manufacturers produce wet palettes. They come in all shapes and sizes, with and without lids, and in a variety of colors. Some come with all the ingrediants and others require you to purchase the membrane seperately. However, many young painters either don't posses the financial means or the physicial means to run out to a store and purchase a wet palette.
This article will describe how to build a wet palette out of everyday items that can easily be purchased in a grocery store regardless of location. This will allow painters to test using a wet palette before commiting to the purchase of a more robust product. Personally, I still use this process. It takes only a couple minutes to set up and now I don't have yet another item to store in my hobby room.
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| The Materials! |
Required Materials
Small Foam Plate*
Parchment Paper
Paper Towels
Water
*If you can't find small foam paper plates you can use coated paper plates as well. Coated paper plates don't last as long and if you intend to paint for an extended duration (2-3 hours) you may have to swap out paper plates. Do NOT use uncoated paper plates unless you want a mess on your hands.
1) Begin with cutting square sections of paper towel and parchment paper that are slightly larger than the plate beign used. The parchment paper will roll up on you but don't worry about that for now.
2) Put the section of paper towel cut out on top of the paper plate.
3) Pour enough water on the paper towel to dampen the whole section.
4) Place the parchment paper on top of the dampened paper towel and flatten it out.
5) Let the water soak through the parchment paper. It should wrinkle a little and the curl will be less pronounced. If this doesn't happen, pour a little more water directly on the parchment paper. If water settles on the parchment paper and doesn't absorb into the paper towel underneath, then tip the plate and drain some of the water off.
6) Start painting!
Now there are other methods of creating homemade wet palettes. I know of some that use disposable plastic containers and sponges which allow you to close them up and have the paint last even longer.
So do you use a wet palette? Do you make your homemade wet palette differently?
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