Category: Custom Wood Panels

Why Include Wood Panels into Art Education?

In art education, the materials we introduce students to are as important as the concepts we teach. One surface that deserves more attention in classrooms, studios, and workshops is the wood panel. From Renaissance masters through to contemporary artists, rigid wooden supports have played a vital role in the history of painting. Including them into art education not only broadens students’ technical skills but also deepens their understanding of artistic traditions and material behavior.

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several sizes of custom artist wood panels

Creative Uses of Wood Panels in Contemporary Art

If you’re a painter, art lecturer, or creative hobbyist, you’ve probably worked on canvas and paper. But wood panels are quietly winning over contemporary studios, and for good reasons. They’re not just old-school supports for oil paint anymore. Wood panels offer a playground of tactile, structural, and conceptual possibilities that many artists are only beginning to tap into.

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How to Address Warping in Wood Panels

Wood panels are a favorite support for artists because they are rigid, durable and great for fine detail. But unlike canvas, wood responds to moisture and humidity by expanding and contracting. When that movement isn’t balanced, the panel can warp. Here’s how you can prevent warping and address it when it happens.

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close-up of textured encaustic painting

Using Wood Panels for Encaustic Painting

If you’re curious about encaustic painting–that rich, luminous art form using molten beeswax and resin–you’ve probably wondered: what’s the best surface to work on? Here’s why wood panels shine in encaustic painting, and what to watch out for if you’re just starting or refining your craft.

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several sizes of custom artist wood panels

Why Large-Scale Painting on Wood Panels Is a Game-Changer for Artists

If you’re exploring large-scale painting, using wood panels can be surprisingly rewarding. Unlike canvas, wood offers a smooth, rigid surface that gives you more control, stronger color, and long-term stability. Whether you’re a professor explaining materials, a hobbyist building your first big piece, or a professional artist looking to switch surfaces, here are some key things to know.

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custom wood panel for mixed media art

How to Combine Mixed Media with Wood Panels

If you’re a painter whether beginner, hobbyist, lecturer or pro, and you’ve mostly worked on canvas, considering a structured support like a wood panel for mixed media might open up fresh possibilities. Here’s a guide on combining mixed media with wood panels.

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several sizes of custom artist wood panels

Customizing Wood Panel Sizes for Your Art Projects

When you’re standing in front of a new wood panel ready to receive paint, size matters more than you might think. Whether you’re an amateur just starting out or a pro prepping for your next show, customized panel dimensions offer some serious advantages and a few things to watch out for.

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How to Transport and Store Wood Panel Art Without the Stress

When you’ve put in the effort to create a painting on a wood panel, transporting and storing that work properly is just as important as the painting itself. Here are practical steps to help keep your work safe, flat, and ready for display or shipping.

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rectangular wood panels

Why Every Painter Should Try Cradled Wood Panels

If you’ve mostly worked on canvas, switching to a cradled wood panel might feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. But there’s good reason many contemporary and mixed media painters turn to cradled panels: they combine rigidity, stability, and a clean, modern presentation. Here’s why using cradled wood panels can be a game-changer.

What Is a Cradled Wood Panel?

A cradled panel is a wood or composite board mounted on a framework (“cradle”) of wood slats on the back. That cradle gives support and stiffness, preventing flexing, bending, or warping of the flat surface. It’s essentially a rigid, self-supported structure.

Unlike stretched canvas, which is flexible and can sag, cradled panels stay firm under stress. That’s the first big advantage.

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Wood Panels vs Canvas: Which Surface Suits Your Painting Style?

If you paint whether professionally, as a hobby, or teach others, you’ve probably asked: should I use a wood panel or stretched canvas? Each has strong points. Picking the right one can influence how your work looks, lasts, how you handle it, and even what techniques feel natural. Let’s dig in.

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