Clean Mix

Clean Mix
How do I clean the palette that I am using to mix oil paints??

I just started painting with water-mixable oil paints. Getting the paint from my brushes is a breeze (comes out with soap & water). The palette?? Not so simple. I can’t seem to clean it completely. Other than using turpentine (which aggravates my asthma), is there anything I can use to get the wooden palette completely clean?

Unfortunately, once the water-miscible oils dry, they’re no longer washable with soap and water.

If I were you, I’d stay away from anything with a skull-and-crossbones on it, including “odorless” solvents. Try one of the orange/citrus oil thinners like Citri-Thin or Turpenoid Natural – they are non-toxic and work great at removing hardened paint from palette & brushes. It also leaves an oily finish on wood that makes it easier to clean later.

I use water-miscible oils with a plastic palette, and that’s much easier to clean. You could try that, or a melamine board, or an enamel butcher tray. They clean up nicely with an abrasive dishwashing sponge.

have fun!

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