Easy DIY Paint Palette

Why Freezer Paper Makes an Excellent Paint Palette

Freezer paper from the grocery store is surprisingly effective and low-cost for use as a palette for acrylic and oil painting. The key feature of this paper is its polyethylene plastic coating, which creates a non-porous, low-surface-energy barrier on one side.

Unlike uncoated paper, which readily absorbs liquids due to its porous cellulose fibers, polyethylene has a hydrophobic layer that repels water. It seems to handle linseed oil and the solvents commonly used in oil painting. Generally, polyethylene does not chemically interact with the binders found in oil paint, such as linseed oil, or with common solvents like turpentine and mineral spirits. In my experience, oils and solvents tend to bead up or remain on the surface rather than soaking into the paper fibers.

Freezer paper features a smooth, workable surface that performs similarly to glass or expensive disposable pads, without absorbing or staining the underlying paper. This is a great example of repurposing a household item at minimal cost.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own DIY Paper Palette

1. Purchase a roll of plastic-coated freezer paper.
2. Cut the paper to your desired size.
3. Arrange several sheets on a clipboard and secure them with a rubber band.

Video Demonstration: See It in Action

Benefits: Affordable, Disposable, and Mess-Free Cleanup

Using freezer paper for a paint palette is cost-effective and provides a surface that's easy to use. It's disposable so it makes paint clean up a breeze.

In fact, you can get around 100 square feet of plastic-coated freezer paper for less than the cost of 40 square feet of palette paper from an art supply store.

Try This Simple Hack Today

It's a simple and affordable way to make a paper paint palette in a pinch. I hope you find this information helpful!