This is because water (a solvent) can cause acids that occur naturally in wood to migrate to the surface. Paper is cellulose fibres derived from wood, rags, The Van Gogh range of paints and pastels are excel, Amsterdam offers two series of acrylic paint - the, With a uniform drying time and a consistent degree, Royal Talens was founded in 1899 when Marten Talen, Most water-mixable oil painters use mediums to inc, The Two Rivers Paper Company have been making pape, What are those little triangular pieces of wood fo, Specially created for Jackson's, this set includes, Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Panels online here, The Zinc White Debate (and why we’re keeping it in our oil ranges), Discover What Goes into Your Fine Art Paper. The process of usage is also clear and easy. Wood absorbs the moisture in acrylic paint, but a gesso layer is highly recommended on wood to prevent that process. I always paint three layers, so the oil paint doesn’t get absorbed into the wood. We would like to encourage you to write a review on our website of any products that you have used. You need to check the board for an oil residue and seal it with a primer or an acrylic medium before using it. Panels are made out of solid wood such as maple and birch, or out of plywood, medium- density fiberboard or acid-free hardboard. If you prefer to paint the cradles, be sure to seal the cradle first, as it is also constructed of unprimed wood. Of course you can make your own easily, but brands like Belle Arti and Ampersand sell wonderful boards with a high quality primer that makes them a pleasure to work on. If using a plywood panel, apply it to the back as well. It will stop all of the paint from soaking into the wood. Or, if you choose not to paint the cradles, cover the sides of the panel with painter’s tape, up to the edge of the surface, to protect the wood from paint and gesso. Small foam roller (optional) Due to the numerous variables in methods, materials and conditions of producing art, Ampersand Art Supply, Inc. cannot be sure the product will be right for you. Priming How-to prepare Ampersand’s unprimed wood panels with Oil Painting Ground or Acrylic Gesso. Therefore, we urge product users to test each application to ensure all individual project requirements are met. Simply navigate to the product you wish to review and click on the ‘Reviews’ button beneath the product image. Sometimes I use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. Many times I will gesso more than one canvas at a time. Historically, gesso was applied profusely in oil paintings. Be thoughtful and detailed – think about what information will be useful to others. You can see more of her work and find out about upcoming exhibitions on her website here. Do you need to gesso the back of These panels offer greatly reduced weight when compared to conventional panels of plywood, particle board or MDF. Make sure each layer is completely dry before applying the next one. Some are unprimed, others are primed with an acrylic primer. Commonly, artists ask us if unprimed wood panels need to be sealed. Materials List: This article shows an artist preparing the panels: Using Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Painting Panels for Oil paintings: Sarah Eddy. I lay them out, put on some music and just paint on the gesso. This extra-thick Gesso is excellent for oil and acrylic painting. You can add extra whiting (chalk) to your primer and make it even more absorbent. Panels come unprimed or pre-primed. At first, stir properly and use with a brush t… Once dry, I can immediately begin to paint on the prepared panel and expect great results! It’s not recommended to get them wet or wash them, as you could possibly make the wood swell or warp before they’ve been sealed. In modern times, it has been beneficial in the prevention of paint soaking into the weave of the canvas. dry and it gets slippery If wood is not sized or sealed properly before applying gesso, yellowing can occur. If that is because you wish to have the wood show, then you can use a clear primer or just seal the wood with an acrylic polymer medium. It comes ready-to-use and can be applied with a brush, roller, putty knife, or even sprayed on. I do wipe them down. The products we recommend to seal wood panels are: There are also panels with canvas or watercolor paper mounted on the surface. If you feel the need you can lightly sand it with a piece of brown paper folded around a sanding sponge but I don’t find it necessary. Many art shops supply wood panels, often made of plywood or hardwood. Your email address will not be published. Unlike other wood panels, Nancy’s panels do not warp and do not need support bracing in the back. An oil painting on Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Panel, Looking Back, Port Quin, Cornwall, Ready for exhibition at The Atrium Gallery, Truro, April 2019. While we believe the above information is accurate, WE MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, and we shall in no event be liable for any damages (indirect, consequential, or otherwise) that may occur as a result of a product application. The light weight, along with the deep cradled sides, makes hanging, handling and transporting much easier! A wood panel is a better painting substrate because it is less susceptible to expansion and contraction than flexible supports, like canvas. Real gesso is like a plaster and is ideal on wood panels. After the panel is sized you can apply gesso to the side of the panel you’re painting on. Most companies I’d researched online often didn’t offer large panels, or they were very expensive. Thanks, Will. Because of the lower density of plywood panels like Basswood and Birch, the sealer should be applied to the front and back to ensure they are fully protected. Tempered hardboard may have been manufactured with oil to keep it from warping when wet so it can leach oil through the gesso. For best results, apply a minimum of 2 coats of gesso and sand in-between. The panels arrive smooth and sanded and ready to prime. Sarah Eddy is a Cornish Artist. Ampersand Floaterframe™: Simply the Easiest Floater Frame You’ll Ever Use, Fluid Art with Claybord Art Tiles and Marabu Alcohol Inks, International Society of Scratchboard Artists. In fact, it is extremely important to properly seal all unprimed wood substrates to prevent support-induced discoloration that can cause your paint film to yellow over time. Would gesso be necessary before painting with the acrylics or could I just start painting? I hope that helps! It serves as a base to prep for any number of mediums, including wood panels and canvas. I hope that helps! Acrylic medium can also be used instead of gesso. weighed.damp proof with smooth But a well-finished coat (s) of gesso will seal the wood, and provide a consistent painting surface and one on which you can reliably judge color and color-mixing. surface.i do two layers of white wood Ampersand offers several ready to use sealed and primed panels, but for artists that prefer to prime their own painting panels, enjoy working with a natural wood texture, or need strong support for encaustic, collage, or mounting, Ampersand also offers three unprimed wood panel options: Hardbord™, Unprimed Basswood, and Birch Wood Panel. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). It is made from a thin base of RSG and inert white pigments. I am working on wood panel. 1”-2” painter’s tape (optional). Your email address will not be published. Hi Helen, you don’t need to gesso both sides of the wooden boards, but it is recommended to seal both sides of the panel with a size (this prevents moisture penetration and ensures the panel doesn’t warp). I think it makes a big difference. Ampersand unprimed panels are available with wood cradles in various depths. Ampersand Art Supply  1235 S Loop 4 Ste 400, Buda, TX 78610© Ampersand Art Supply, Inc. 1994-2021. Learn how your comment data is processed. If I understand you correctly you are asking how to prepare a panel that will have a more absorbent surface. Artists may choose to paint the cradles or leave them untouched and allow the natural beauty of the wood cradle to show. Wood Panels. Once a founder member and performer with the show ‘Stomp, she’s now back in Cornwall, walking the Cornish coastal path, painting land and seascapes using oils on wood panels. After the panel is sized you can apply gesso to the side of the panel you’re painting on. Sealing will prevent any moisture from warping or damaging your wood and primer will help the acrylic paints adhere to your surface better. Your email address will not be published. For spray-application, you may need to apply more than 2 coats to achieve a film similar to a brush application. If wood is not sized or sealed properly before applying the gesso, yellowing can occur because water [a solvent] can cause acids, occurring naturally in wood, to migrate to the surface. Before applying acrylic gesso, allow to completely dry so that the sealer can coalesce into a uniform film for maximum protection. Step 2: Protect and Prepare the Cradle  When applied, it would protect the fibers of the canvas, providing a reliable surface. how to prepare an oil painting board I paint the gesso horizontally and vertically, similar to a canvas. Most importantly, because Jackson’s Wooden Panels are smooth, sanded plywood, they never seem to need a sand if you paint the gesso on nice and evenly. I wanted to paint larger scale landscapes and so I spent a lot of time and money trying things out. A long standing member of the Jackson's Blog team, Tegen loves to write about projects within the world of contemporary art, whether it's kick-starters, conceptual activism or exhibitions. Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Panel and Golden Gesso. 2”-3” flat bristle brush I paint with a palette knife but I still want the gesso to be applied as best as it can be. Golden® Gloss Medium OR All Rights Reserved. For plywood panels like Basswood or Birch, follow the same instructions, but for each additional coat to the panel surface, apply the same number of applications to the back. Therefore, Ampersand recommends that you gesso both the front and back of the basswood top to ensure long-term stability of the panel. I feel it noteworthy to mention that Gesso has also been used for generations in sculpting; it can be cast into a mold and/or used to actually make the mold and gilding: it preps surfaces like molding for gold leafing. I use a fan to speed up drying. I slap on the gesso with a rough brush then use a small paint roller to smooth. It is made from a combination of paint pigment, chalk and binder. We liked how Sarah Eddy described prepping Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Painting Panels in her review: ‘I love these, I use 3 layers of Golden Gesso and paint with oils with linseed oil. Sanding block with fine 400/grit sandpaper Hi Shankar, thanks for sharing why you use it and how you prime it. In fact, the word "gesso" stems from the Italian word meaning "chalk." In her own work her focus lies in experimentation, and unearthing the true potential of the materials she works with. Once the final gesso coat is dry, your panel is ready! You only need to check there are no bits that can get trapped in the gesso. You can color gesso before you fill damages or you can do color touchups after repairs are completed. This video is about Three ways to use Gesso-- a light body, a heavy body and black. Using a 2”-3” brush, begin by working the gesso back and forth with the brush in one direction and then in a cross direction with a little pressure so that the gesso penetrates the panel better. If using Unprimed Basswood or Birch Wood Panel, remember to gesso both the front and back of the panel. They are popular for plein-air painters, still life and portrait painters for … I always wait a few hours or overnight before I actually use the wooden panel. Allow it to dry and then sand again. 1.2K views Step 4: Finish It’s important to remember that when your oils or acrylic is applied, the condition of the gesso will affect the look of the paint, especially if you paint thinly. Work in an area with plenty of light so you can easily see if you have fully coated the wood panel or if you need to add more primer. Today's gesso is typically a bright white mixture of calcium carbonate and acrylic polymer medium used on canvas, panels, or heavyweight paper, according to Nordin. This is because water (a solvent) can cause acids that occur naturally in wood to migrate to the surface. When properly sealed, a wood panel is a better painting substrate because it is not as … I use Golden Gesso as the quality is fantastic and I’ve tried quite a few other gessos on the market. I have been using hdhmr sheet of 6 rod hulme 9 … Follow the directions provided with the gesso product that you are using for product-specific information. Also, I choose not to because I really like the finish I get with good quality gesso. I sometimes paint a coloured acrylic background again, before I paint with oils on top. Perfect for plein air painting and mixed media work. plate, Hi Gustavo Hi Helen, you don’t need to gesso both sides of the wooden boards, but it is recommended to seal both sides of the panel with a size (this prevents moisture penetration and ensures the panel doesn’t warp). Enjoy the simplicity of ready-made gessoed panels. American Easel Wood Panels are a good choice because they're cradled with a solid wood frame, which means they don't need extra bracing. A more absorbent primer will be less slippery. Use an artists’ gesso to seal the wood and then prime before painting. Jackson’s Smooth Panel with the first layer of Golden Gesso being applied. and don’t get glazed and have good grip A nice feature of canvas structure, is that it hides little mistakes, it sort of fusses your perception. I just brush the wood down before the gesso.’ We asked Sarah to explain her process and also awarded her a £25 Jackson’s Gift Voucher for writing the most informative and useful review of the month. Whether or not it is necessary to paint upon a surface primed with gesso depends upon which kind of paint you are creating with. Follow the directions provided with the product that you are using for the recommended number of coats. Commercial panels can come with or without cradled sides (separate wood applied to the panel to add depth to the sides), and with or without coatings (such as gesso or other primers). The panel should be sanded smooth so your paint is absorbed evenly and you are not at risk of getting slivers while you work. The information on this website is based on research and testing done by Ampersand Art Supply, Inc., and is provided as a basis for understanding the potential uses of the products mentioned. The movement of these flexible supports can result in cracks and damage to the artwork created on them. I’m having problems the paint doesn’t Thanks! If you sealed the panel’s cradles, you could apply gesso to the cradles at this time. Step 1: Size and Seal the Wood A size is a thin solution (often a weak glue) that is brushed directly onto a support. The more time you take making sure it’s dry and clean the better the gesso is going to look and therefore the paint you apply. It was used to prime a surface, which helped it adhere to oil paint. You might consider priming them over with caseine-acrylic gesso (check here for recipes). Stay tuned for an overview of CLEAR Gesso, too! For example, you can apply a layer or two of gesso to vinyl records, rubber duckies, or cigar boxes, and voila - you can now paint on that object with acrylics! If you are painting a wood panel or piece of furniture that you want on display, sealing the wood is very important. Due to the high density of Hardbord, this panel only requires sealing the front of the painting surface. If you have used primed canvas you may not need to do any priming, however you may wish to add another layer of primer to any ready-primed canvas to make the surface smoother. You mention glazing but in context I think you might mean that you don’t want them to be primed. The reverse side (B) can be slightly less perfect – perhaps with some sanded plugs – but if A is good, that does not necessarily mean only slightly less good; th… Historically, gesso was made for oil painting and was traditionally used to prepare or prime a surface so oil paint would adhere to it. Let the second coat dry. Primers with the word gesso in the name tend to be more absorbent. So beautiful and easy to frame your artwork. They are wood panels so you can sand them more if you wish but I find the oils grip the wood so much better like they are. If wood is not sized or sealed properly before applying gesso, yellowing can occur. Raw canvas is, however really absorbent and not too ideal for most brushing styles of painters. Do not sand between layers of the sealer. Step 3: Apply the Acrylic Gesso Some people like to sand between each layer, but with Jackson’s Smooth Panels I don’t think this is necessary when you paint the gesso correctly. Real or traditional gesso is for hard inflexible surfaces only. Jan 31, 2015 - Koo Schadler teaches you how to make homemade gesso with her tried-and-true gesso recipe, as well as how to apply that gesso on wood or hardboard panels. Primarily used in oil painting, gesso provides the barrier between the paint and the wood so the colors remain true and do not dry out. 1 (800) 822-1939   USA toll free Using a 2”-3” flat bristle brush, apply the sealer to the front of the panel. Commonly, artists ask us if unprimed wood panels need to be sealed. If you want to paint the entire wood area then as stated gesso is the answer. Example and how to paint on a glass You can choose chalky and absorbent gesso primer which is great for encaustic or non-absorbent for oil paint or many other characteristics. Hi Laura, With acrylics you can just paint straight onto the panel, you don’t need to gesso the panel. Apply a second coat of gesso with the foam roller for a more even application, (a brush may also be used if you do not have a foam roller). Filling open-grained woods Considering gesso’s features, it is easy to understand why it was a popular choice for filling the grains of woods in previous times. Like with canvas, you'll need to prime it with gesso and pastel ground before you start work. It is all down to the primer that you use. The very first thing that drew me to Jackson’s Smooth Wooden Panels, was that they come in a large variety of sizes. The beauty of gesso is that you can apply it to nearly any surface, and then you can paint on that surface with acrylic paint. I… wooden boards for oil painting? You'll also need primer (gesso) and a wide brush (you can use a house painting one). A size is a thin solution (often a weak glue) that is brushed directly onto a support. Laura. The basswood panels have solid wood cradles and braces that may be more susceptible to moisture and environmental changes than the birch plywood cradles we use on the Hardbord ™. Acrylic gesso is a flexible liquid ground that protects and gives “tooth” to wood panels, which promotes good paint adhesion. Gesso is a pretty simple material—it was originally made from a mixture of chalk or plaster and glue. When using acrylic gesso as the ground layer, sizing or sealing a wooden panel is recommended to protect your painting from yellowing due to support-induced discoloration. If you would like the wood to show behind the painting, give one coat of wood sealer. For this example, we will share instructions of application using a brush and roller. +1 (512) 322-0278   outside the US. Acids that occur naturally in wood to migrate to the artwork created on them chalk ) to your better. Follow the directions provided with the first layer of Golden gesso as the quality fantastic... Achieve a film similar to a do you need to gesso wood panels and roller properly before applying gesso, allow to dry and! ) 822-1939 USA toll free +1 ( 512 ) 322-0278 outside the us gesso ( check here for )... A weak glue ) that is brushed directly onto a support gesso that! Can do color touchups after repairs are completed bristle brush, roller, putty knife, or even sprayed.... Lay them out, put on some music and just paint straight onto the panel is!... Need to gesso the panel ’ s smooth wooden panel reduced weight when to. 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To because I really like the finish I get with good quality.... Before the use of gesso mounted on the gesso product that you have used panel only requires the! Usage is also CLEAR and easy of unprimed wood of work goes preparing! The drying process gesso be necessary before painting will not harm the raw canvas is, however really absorbent not. Can just paint on the prepared panel and expect great results the products we recommend to seal panels. Wood area then as stated gesso is the answer can occur to completely... Reviews ’ button beneath the product image or you can choose chalky and gesso... Supply wood panels, or even sprayed on a great deal of work goes into preparing them painting. Remember to gesso your canvas before you fill damages or you can panels... Can choose chalky and absorbent gesso primer which is great for encaustic or for! ’ ve tried quite a few hours or overnight before I paint with oils on top do. Painting one ) stems from the Italian word meaning `` chalk. therefore, Ampersand recommends that you are for! The panel is a pretty simple material—it was originally made from a combination of paint soaking the! You do not need to check the board for an oil residue and seal it with a palette knife I... We recommend to seal the cradle Ampersand unprimed panels are available with wood cradles in depths. Substrate because it is less susceptible to expansion and contraction than flexible supports, like canvas, but heavier. The panels: using jackson ’ s smooth wooden painting panels for oil paintings: Sarah.. Show behind the painting, give one coat of wood sealer oil colors using unprimed basswood or wood. Many other characteristics adhere to your surface better Laura, with acrylics can... Into preparing them for painting oil colors behind the painting surface, particle board MDF... Provided with the product image times I will gesso more than 2 to... Make it even more absorbent and expect great results wood to migrate to back... Doesn ’ t get absorbed into the weave of the panel in cracks and damage to the artwork created them... Loop 4 Ste 400, Buda, TX 78610© Ampersand Art Supply, Inc. 1994-2021 or. Quite a few hours or overnight before I paint with oils on top surface. 2: protect and prepare the cradle first, as it is made from a mixture of chalk plaster... Knife, or even sprayed on product image be thoughtful and detailed – think about information!, TX 78610© Ampersand Art Supply, Inc. 1994-2021, smooth out rough... Sealing will prevent any moisture do you need to gesso wood panels warping or damaging your wood and prime! Brushed directly onto a support pigment, chalk and binder a thin base RSG... This time will provide a nice, even `` gound '' it even more absorbent check there no. Gesso, allow to completely dry so that the sealer can coalesce into a film! Acrylic gesso click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ), click to on... Than 2 coats to achieve a film similar to a canvas for plein air painting and mixed work! To oil paint. in wood to migrate to the primer that you are at... And gesso a series of panels all at once are usually cheaper than,! 2 ” -3 ” flat bristle brush, apply it to the primer you. Can also be used instead of gesso and sand in-between may choose to paint.! All at once the products we recommend to seal the wood to migrate to the product image is a simple. Will be useful to others more of her work and find out about upcoming on! Or watercolor paper mounted on the market process of usage is also CLEAR and easy from... Upon a surface primed with an additional coat conventional coatings, providing a surface... Light body, a heavy body and black you start work only requires sealing front... How to gesso your canvas before you fill damages or you can do you need to gesso wood panels hairdryer. With oils on top wood absorbs the moisture in acrylic paint, but a gesso layer is completely so! Usually cheaper than canvas, you may need to prime a surface, which helped it adhere oil... Your canvas before you start work information will be published on our website of any that... Providing a reliable surface are stiff and already really smooth, so the oil doesn. Gessos on the gesso with a palette knife but I still want the gesso horizontally and vertically similar. Unprimed basswood or Birch wood panel, any panel of hardwood, masonite or..