Have you been a fan of the music era when old vinyl records used to be everybody’s favorite? Great! Creative artists are using those old records today to make functional painting tools such as unique paint palettes. With this alternative use, they are not only re-purposing the records but are also getting a stylish and practical tool for effective color mixing. Do you want to know how? Let’s explore today!
The history behind vinyl records: why do they deserve a second life?
The vinyl records have completely changed the way people used to look at music. Undoubtedly, they have revolutionized the whole music industry. But as digital music technologies came in front, the old records got lost. They became just pieces of art in people’s homes. Many of them even threw them away as waste.
Instead of throwing them away, why not give them a functional purpose? And what else can be better than making a vinyl paint palette? It is a perfect tool for creative artists to help them in their creative journeys.
Let’s explore more about them ahead.
Why do recycled vinyl records make the perfect paint palette?
Are you thinking: why old records? When the artists can use other conventional options like palettes of wood and ceramics, what is so special about using vinyl records? Let’s have a look below:
The large and circular design
With a vinyl record, the artists get a wide, flat surface to mix multiple paint colors easily at once. Also, guess what? The circular design of these palettes allows them to organize different shades in sections. Overall yes, a vinyl record paint palette is a perfect painting tool for the creative brains.
Smooth, non-porous surface
Painting artists always suffer with wood or paper palettes because they soak in the colors. On the other hand, a recycled record paint palette is naturally smooth and non-porous. That’s why the artists can go for effortless blending and easy cleaning.
Lightweight and portable
Using heavy and bulky palettes while contemplating their creative brains, the artists often do not find it comfortable. So why not go with a vinyl paint palette? It is very lightweight yet sturdy and you can easily carry it anywhere. Not only this, store or hold vinyl palette the way you want to while painting. Do not worry, they will not shatter like your traditional palettes even if you drop them by mistake.
Built-in centre hole for grip
Also when the artists choose a palette made through vinyl recycling, they enjoy a perfect hand grip. Do you also prefer holding your palette while working? Go ahead and choose an eco-friendly vinyl palette.
Creative ways to customize your vinyl paint palette
Do you want to bring your vinyl palette to a different level? You can customize it as well. How? Let’s explore some of the advanced customization techniques below:
Giving a glossy or matte finish
You can apply a layer of clear epoxy resin on your palette. It will give a perfect durable, glossy surface to it.
Do you want to go for a more textured feel? What about using a matte spray varnish? It will give your record a better grip, making it perfect for your creativity.
Color coding the palette
As an artist, it will be very helpful if you can divide the sections on your palette. And an eco-friendly painter palette of vinyl offers this opportunity well: you can use colored markers or stickers to categorize warm, cool, and neutral tones on your palette.
Are you looking to outline color mixing areas? Go ahead and use white acrylic paint.
Creating a multipurpose palette
You can also make your vinyl palette a multipurpose one. What about using one side for acrylic paints and the other for oil paints? This way, both of them will stay separate but accessible to you easily.
You can also drill small indentations in your palette near the edges. It will create wells where you can mix ink or watercolors.
Engraving or etching designs
Do you have access to engraving tools? Then you can experiment by carving custom designs or their signature into the surface of the recycled vinyl records. The etched guidelines will serve as a subtle mixing reference for specific color combinations.
Best painting styles for vinyl record palettes
Based on your painting style, you can go ahead choosing your artists paint palette:
Acrylic painting
You need a smooth, non-absorbent surface. And guess what? A vinyl palette can offer that to you. You can go for an easy blending without soaking up moisture.
Oil painting
For oil painters, they can apply a layer of glass primer on the record. It will give a durable mixing surface to them. Yes, just like your traditional wood or glass palette.
Watercolor painting
Are you more into using watercolors? You can also take a vinyl record palette and coat it with a thin ceramic glaze or a resin layer. It will make your painting tool water-resistant for watercolor use.
Mixed media art
Artists who enjoy playing with acrylics, pastels, and inks can also use this palette as it can accommodate multiple mediums without warping.
Conclusion
So, what do you think about converting a vinyl record into a palette? Would you prefer to switch to a sustainable painting tool? The choice is all yours! Just remember one thing: you can fuel your creativity by considering environmental preservation. So why not?
