Spatulas and Painter's Knives

How to Use Palette Knives: Painting a Spring Meadow Many artists have fallen in love with painting using palette knives. Others still haven't warmed to it, even after years of creating. Here at ARTMIE, it was love at first sight! Read more →

Palette knives are among the art supplies artists use to apply a layer (most often structural paste or gel) to a surface they want to work on according to their own ideas. Palette knives consist of a stainless steel section for applying the material and a handle, usually made of wood or plastic. Painting palette knives differ from standard construction spatulas mainly in their shape and use. Art palette knives are also used in sculpture and the visual arts. Along with brushes and paints, they are among the basic painting supplies.

How to Use Palette Knives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a painting knife and a palette knife?

A painting knife has a flexible blade with a neck, allowing you to apply paint to canvas without touching it with your fingers. Palette knives, such as those from ARTMiE®, have straight blades and are used primarily for mixing paints on a palette or applying thick layers of paste. A painting knife is a tool for painting details, while a palette knife is more of a tool for preparing materials.

Which painting knives are best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend a set of Royal & Langnickel knives, which offers various blade shapes in one pack. They are affordable and flexible enough for basic impasto techniques. Try a medium-sized drop-shaped knife. It is the easiest one to learn with when practicing how to control stroke thickness and apply paint to canvas.

What material should a quality painting knife be made of?

A quality painting knife should have a stainless steel blade that resists corrosion when working with acrylic or oil paints. Professional RGM knives have highly flexible, precisely balanced blades. The handle should be made of quality wood or ergonomic plastic so the tool won't slip from your hand during longer painting sessions.

How should you clean painting knives after use?

Clean your knives as soon as you finish painting so the paint doesn't dry on the blade. For oil paints, use a cloth dampened with turpentine or another thinner. Acrylic paints can be washed off with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry the blade thoroughly after cleaning to prevent possible oxidation of the metal, and store the knives in a dry place, ideally in a stand or case.

What are the special blade shapes on RGM knives used for?

RGM's different blade shapes let you achieve specific effects. Narrow, pointed knives are ideal for fine lines and details, while wide, rounded knives are useful for applying paint over large areas and creating textures. Beveled edges can help with the sgraffito technique, where you scrape away layers of paint to reveal the underlying color tones in your artwork.