Wet Pallettes and Parchment Paper

[Brother_Gneecapper]

So I have a mastersons (sp?) wet pallette, originally I was using the papers it came with on top of the sponge it came with. I was having issues with my paint bleeding into the sponge and drying out faster than it should on a wet pallette.

 

Reading on here and other places they recommend the solution is to use parchment paper, which I seem to have much better results with in terms of keeping the paint wet. I am however running into two things that I feel are giving me inconsistency in my paint thickness and usage times and was hoping someone could maybe help me find a better way.

 

My first issue is sponge wetness, is there a trick to determining how wet to make it? I think I have it saturated appropriately but I'm not sure if there is like a tried and true method to make sure. 

 

My second issue is parchment paper adhesion. I cant get the darn paper to stay stuck to the sponge. I've tried rolling the paper the other direction to flatten it, I've tried pre-wetting the entire thing in warm water to make it sit flat. Just everything I do it seems it's desire to lift up wins out in the end which inevitably leads to my paints drying faster than intended.

 

The second issue is the one I'd like to figure out most but I figured if anyone else had some tips they wanted to share I'd be happy to hear them.

[Grotsmasha]

*if* you are cutting your paper to size, try cutting it with about a 1cm (1/2inch) overhang all around, then pinch all four corners creating downward folds, this should be good enough to prevent the paper lifting :tu:

[Brother_Gneecapper]

*if* you are cutting your paper to size, try cutting it with about a 1cm (1/2inch) overhang all around, then pinch all four corners creating downward folds, this should be good enough to prevent the paper lifting

 

That seems to simple to work, which means it will. I'll try it when I get home from work. Thanks!

[Raven1]

*if* you are cutting your paper to size, try cutting it with about a 1cm (1/2inch) overhang all around, then pinch all four corners creating downward folds, this should be good enough to prevent the paper lifting

 

I concur when cutting a new piece of parchment for my wet pallet it tends to be a bit bigger than the container so it kind of gets folded around so water doesn't flow over or and when pushed down and wet it keeps its shape with out bending.

[Firedrake Cordova]

I know you've got a shiny bought palette, but it might be worth a watch of Tabletop Minions' video on making your own (link), as he covers the two issues you're looking at in it, although instead of using a sponge, he uses kitchen towel.  I would add that he's friend with Sam Lenz (GD winner), so the method has probably come from or been approved by him.