IMPACT! MINIATURES

majortusk · Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 90

I had seen the new Privateer press Wet palette, found it very useful.

I had originally used something similiar, I used a wet paper towel as my palette, It wasted a ton of paint.

I bought the Privateer press wet palette after my roommate bought it. I saw the contents and realized I could have just made one myself. I did, it works like a charm.

First buy a miniature from Privateer Press. They just have the perfect packaging that I know of to make this type of palette. They also usually supply the foam needed for the palette.

take out the mini(s) and the foam out of the package. Save the blister and the foam. you could dispose of the miniature. (just kidding)

Cut the foam to the size of the blister package, so it fits snugly at the bottom of the tray. The foam will expand slightly when it is wet so you may need to cut it slightly smaller than the tray. Make sure it fits proper in the blister tray.

Now you need some tracing paper. I had some left over from another project. I am not sure it makes a huge difference, but I would make sure it is Acid-free. the paper that is supplied in Privateers wet palette is slightly thicker than the stuff i got. I am sure you can always get something thicker to match.

Cut a sheet to size, you want it slightly smaller than the foam, it will expand as well.

Now i put some water into the blister, i make it deep as the foam is thick.

then put the foam in the water, let it soak up all the water. (you may have to squeeze the foam to make it soak) drain off excess. waterline should be slightly below the foam.

it should be pretty saturated and the water should pool slightly when pressure is applied.

lay the tracing paper on top of the foam to wet one side of it, then make sure to flip it over and wet the other side or else it will curl up.

I then take a Kleenex and dab it over the paper to suck up excess water. you basically want a flat, not glossy look on the tracing paper.

if you have any standing water it will cause the paints on it to bleed out. and be hard to control. You will have to adjust the amount of water in the foam to what you desire. too little wont keep the paper wet enough and dry out the paint. you may need to add more water as you use the palette.

Now you have a wet palette ready to use.

the best part about using these Privateer blisters is that they close, so it can have a slight seal to keep the paints overnight as well. Just close the lid to store.

Some other tips.
you want to wash out the foam, I noticed that when used it tends to stink after awhile.
watch the water levels, too much = bad, too little = bad, you will have to find you happy medium.

Hope you guys like the tutorial.

_________________
www.majortusk.com

Norse · The One, the Only Joined: 21 Nov 2005 Posts: 2811

I'd rather you had used the time to send me some of those customized pitches you promised to send me!!

_________________
in this company my painting skills are limited at best..

GalakStarscraper · The Big Man Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 6176

Interesting read Andy ... thanks.

Tom

Dark Lord · Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 2682

Nice job! I don't use a wet palette but, if I ever lose my mind, and buy some expensive paint you can bet I will try this!

Good `un!

_________________
"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
Bill Cosby

Thom · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 284

I need to try this, thanks Tusk!

DL Got Usagi! (Love that comic, Stan! rocks!)

_________________
Thom. . .

How many. . . Elf hides does it take to make an Elfball?

Rescue the Zoo Crew!