Tagged: art materials

rectangular wood panels

Preparing Wood Panels for Painting: A Guide for Artists

Painting on wood panels brings smooth surfaces and stability—but only if you prep them correctly. Follow these clear, practical steps to ensure your artwork lasts.

Why Proper Prep Matters

  • Protects wood from moisture and chemicals. Without sealing, oils and tannins can bleed into paint, causing discoloration over time.
  • Prevents warping and cracking. Sealing and priming helps wood resist humidity shifts that cause cupping or surface cracks.

1. Surface Prep: Clean & Sand

  • Remove dust and debris with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Lightly sand with 180–220 grit sandpaper to open pores and smooth edges.

2. Seal the Panel

  • Apply a barrier coat like Golden GAC 100®, shellac, or clear acrylic medium. This blocks stains and stops paint sinking into wood.
  • Let it fully dry, then lightly sand. A second coat adds extra protection.

different thickness of custom wood panels

3. Prime with Gesso

  • Apply two thin coats of acrylic gesso, sanding lightly between.
  • Gesso gives you a clean, stable surface that grips paint well.

4. Final Touches

  • Ensure all edges and the panel’s reverse side are sealed to prevent moisture-related warping.
  • After the last coat dries and is sanded smooth, your panel is ready. No need to rush into painting.

Studio-Ready Tips

  1. Use quality sealers. Water-based acrylics avoid yellowing and odor problems.
  2. Sand between layers. This helps prevent rough spots and peeling.
  3. Prep multiple panels at once. Gives you painting-ready supports when inspiration strikes.

Prepping your wood panel right builds a strong foundation for paint layers and protects your artwork’s future. Whether acrylics, oils, or mixed media, this method ensures clean, professional results.

custom-sized wood panels

 

Where to Buy Custom Wood Panels?

CanvasLot offers custom wood panels for artist. You can order the standard un-finished wood option or the sanded and primed with double layer of white gesso. Order online and we’ll deliver your custom wood panel right at your doorstep.

Selecting the Right Wood Type for Your Art Panel

When it comes to painting surfaces, canvas gets most of the attention, but wood panels deserve a solid place in your studio. They’re stable, versatile, and perfect for detailed work. But not all wood is created equal. The type you choose matters for your technique, your materials, and the longevity of your work.

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painting on a blank canvas

Why Buying Painting Canvases Directly from the Source Matters

When you buy painting canvases straight from the manufacturer—like CanvasLot—you gain advantages you won’t get from middlemen or big-box retailers.

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Two custom-size canvases

Why Choose CanvasLot’s Pre-Stretched, Primed Canvases?

If you’re an artist, you know the value of quality materials. CanvasLot’s canvases offer a professional-grade surface that saves time and enhances your work.

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A woman painting flowers

Choosing the Right Canvas: Pros and Cons for Artists

Selecting the appropriate canvas is a decision that influences the outcome and longevity of your artwork. Understanding the characteristics of different canvas types can help artists make informed choices that align with their creative goals and practical needs.

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little girl painting in an art studio

Canvas for Kids: Inspiring Young Artists with Custom-sized Art Projects

Introducing children to canvas painting offers a unique opportunity to nurture their creativity and self-expression. Using custom-sized canvases can make art projects more engaging and tailored to young artists’ needs. Here are some great ideas for teachers and parents to inspire children:​

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Choosing the Right Stretcher Bars for Your Canvas

When it comes to creating lasting artwork, the foundation is just as crucial as the paint and brushwork. Stretcher bars form the backbone of any canvas, ensuring that the fabric remains taut, flat, and ready to display. CanvasLot, a reputable manufacturer of custom-sized canvases, offers a range of high-quality stretcher bars designed to meet the different needs of artists.​

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profile of a custom-sized canvas

Why Buy Custom-Sized Canvases Directly from CanvasLot

As artists, the tools we choose profoundly influence our creative expression. One such essential tool is the canvas—the very foundation upon which our ideas come to life. Buying custom-sized canvases directly from manufacturers like CanvasLot offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance the artistic process.

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profile of a custom-sized canvas

CanvasLot’s Heavy-duty Canvases

As artists, the foundation we choose for our masterpieces significantly impacts the final result. CanvasLot’s heavy-duty canvases offer a strong and reliable surface that caters to both professionals and enthusiasts. Here are the reasons that make these canvases a preferred choice among artists.

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