🖌️ How I Saved a Clear Acrylic Palette (And Made It Better!)
Sometimes a painting “mistake” leads to a great lesson—and that’s exactly what happened when I accidentally bought a clear acrylic palette. I didn’t mean to, and when I pulled it out of the packaging, I realized fast it wasn’t what I needed. Clear palettes can be tricky to use for color mixing, especially for beginners. With no neutral background, it’s hard to judge your values or see your mixes clearly.
But instead of tossing it, I decided to make it work—and I’ll show you how you can too.
The solution? I painted one side of the palette a nice neutral gray. This simple tweak gives your paints a consistent backdrop, making it easier to mix colors accurately and see how they’ll actually look on your canvas. It’s a quick DIY fix that makes a huge difference!
In the video, I walk you through exactly how I did it, including the type of paint I used, how I let it cure, and how I sealed it with a protective varnish. I also cover how to clean and store your varnish brush so it stays in good shape for next time. These little details can really help extend the life of your tools.
But this video isn’t just about fixing a mistake—it’s also a great chance to talk about palette options for beginners. I share a few different types of palettes you might want to try when starting out—like disposable palette pads, stay-wet palettes, and traditional wood or glass options—plus some tips on what to look for based on your painting habits.
So whether you’re dealing with a clear acrylic palette or just curious about palette options, this video will help you get more confident (and creative!) with your setup. And hey—if you’ve made a few beginner mistakes too, you’re in good company. Sometimes that’s where the best tips come from.
Let’s paint together soon!
Just in case you haven’t watched the video, HERE it is. Â
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