I enjoy painting on a variety of different supports, but have found I quite like the firm and smooth surface that comes with a wooden panel. Cradling the panel also allows it to be hung without the need for additional framing and gives strong and sturdy result with a sharp look to the edging.
Buying ready made panels can quickly become expensive and you are locked in to standard sizes, but it really is quite a simple task to make your own.
Step 1
Decide the panel sizes you want to build (it is more cost effective and time efficient to make a number at once).
Step 2
Purchase materials to create the panel. For the surface itself I use a 4.8mm Masonite panel cut into the sizes I need, and for the cradle I use about 30x18mm Oak DAR Moulding.
Step 3
Mitre cut the DAR to the length of the panel sides and clamp (using right angled clamps) and glue (using PVA wood glue) together.
Step 4
Cut the Masonite panel into the required sizes. This material is soft enough that you can do this with a sharp utility knife.
Step 5
Glue the panel, smooth side up, to the pre-made cradle and clamp / weigh down until glue is dry
Step 6
Fill and sand the edges smooth
Step 7
Seal the timber. For this I use a couple of coats of Golden GAC-100.
Step 8
Gesso the panels. I usually go for about two to three layers.
Step 9
Go nuts, these panels are ready to go!
