This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating the ideal surface for your next masterpiece. From selecting materials to cutting your panels to size, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
Choosing Your Base Material
Our journey begins at the lumber yard. Here, you’ll find large 4’x8′ sheets of various materials suitable for painting panels. The most popular options are Masonite, Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF), and plywood. Each has its own unique properties, so let’s explore them briefly.
Masonite, a dense and smooth hardboard, has been a favorite among artists for decades. It’s lightweight yet durable, making it perfect for both small and large-scale works. On the other hand, MDF offers a consistently smooth surface and is less prone to warping than some other materials. Plywood, while not as smooth as the other options, can be a good choice for larger pieces due to its strength and stability.
When selecting your material, consider the size of your intended artwork and your personal preferences. Remember, the smoother the surface, the less work you’ll need to do later in the preparation process.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the necessary supplies:
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1. 4’x8′ sheet of Masonite, MDF, or plywood
3. Golden Hard Sandable gesso (any good quality gesso will work, this is just my preferred choice)
4. Paint roller and tray
6. Tack cloth
7. Table saw (for cutting panels to size)
8. Safety equipment (goggles, dust mask, ear protection, etc.)
9. Time – This process requires patience, as much of it involves allowing your primer and gesso to dry between coats. Recently, my friends and I completed nine panels measuring 4’x8′ each, and the entire undertaking took us about a week and a half. It’s definitely worth the effort, especially since we only tackle this twice a year and end up with around 260 panels in total.
Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Prepping the Surface
Now that we have our materials, it’s time to prepare the surface. Start by lightly sanding the entire 4’x8′ sheet with fine-grit sandpaper. This step helps to remove any small imperfections and creates a surface that will better hold our primer.
After sanding, wipe the panel down thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove any dust. A clean surface is crucial for proper adhesion of the primer and gesso layers we’ll be applying next.
The Prime Importance of Primer
With our surface prepped, we’re ready for the first major step: priming. For this guide, we’ll be using Zinsser Bullseye primer. This high-quality primer serves as a crucial barrier between your painting surface and the raw panel material. It prevents chemicals from the wood or fiberboard from seeping into your paint over time, which could potentially cause discoloration or other issues.
We’ll be applying three coats of Zinsser Bullseye primer. This might seem like overkill, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. Each layer adds to the protective barrier and helps create an even more uniform surface for your paint.
Rolling On the Primer
For applying primer, we’ll be using a roller. This tool allows for quick, even application and helps minimize brush strokes. A foam roller can give you a smooth finish.
The first step is to apply a substantial layer of primer to the panel’s reverse side. This serves dual purposes: it balances the panel by preventing uneven moisture absorption and equalizes tension across the surface. Together, these effects significantly reduce the risk of warping, ensuring a stable foundation for your artwork
Start by pouring a small amount of Zinsser Bullseye primer into a paint tray. Dip your roller in, making sure to roll off any excess. Then, starting at one corner of your panel, roll the primer on in smooth, overlapping strokes. Work your way across the panel, ensuring even coverage. Repeat this step, but this time on the front of the panel (where you will be painting), but this time with thiner layers.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before moving on to the second. Drying times can vary based on humidity and temperature, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Once dried, apply your second coat repeating this process, and then again with the third coat of primer. By the time you’ve finished, you should have a smooth, uniform white surface ready for the next step.
Gesso
With our primer layers complete, it’s time to move on to gesso. While primer acts as a protective barrier, gesso creates the ideal painting surface. It provides tooth for the paint to adhere to and can be sanded to achieve your desired level of smoothness.
For this guide, we’ll be using Golden Hard Sandable Gesso. We’ll apply two coats, which will give us plenty of material to work with when we sand for our final surface.
Applying Golden Hard Sandable Gesso
Just like with the primer, we’ll be using a roller to apply our gesso, but with one extra step. The process is very similar. Pour some Golden Hard Sandable Gesso into your paint tray, load your roller, and apply in smooth, overlapping strokes. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
Allow the first coat to dry completely before moving on to the second. Again, drying times can vary, so be patient and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Optional Step:
Before allowing the gesso to dry, take a flat brush and apply it in one direction only. This technique will create ridges across the surface of your panels. Once you’ve applied the second coat, repeat the process, this time brushing in the opposite direction. This method will enhance the texture, mimicking the feel of canvas or linen. Even though I prefer to not have textures from canvas (one of the reasons I paint on panels and not canvas), it’s nice to have some texture on your panels which you have created yourself and which you can control. Keep in mind, this texture will be quite pronounced, so you may wish to sand it down to achieve the ideal painting surface.
You can avoid this step altogether and go straight into sanding to remove any textures from the rollers.
Sanding for Smoothness
Once both layers of Golden Hard Sandable gesso are dry, it’s time for the final sanding. This step is where you can really customize your painting surface. If you prefer a smoother surface, use a finer grit sandpaper. For more tooth, stick with a slightly coarser grit.
Start sanding in circular motions, applying even pressure across the entire panel. Take your time with this step – it’s your last chance to perfect your surface before painting. As you sand, you’ll notice a fine white powder forming. This is normal and means you’re successfully smoothing the gesso.
Once you’re satisfied with the smoothness, wipe the panel down one last time with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Cutting to Size with a Table Saw
Now that we’ve built up our layers of Zinsser Bullseye primer and Golden Hard Sandable Gesso, it’s time to cut our panel down to its final size. For this step, we’ll be using a table saw, which will give us clean, precise cuts.
Safety first! Before you start, make sure you’re wearing appropriate safety gear, including goggles and a dust mask. Table saws can be dangerous if not used properly, so if you’re not comfortable using one, consider asking for help or having a professional cut the panels for you.
To cut your panels:
1. Measure and mark your desired panel sizes on the prepared 4’x8′ sheet.
2. Set the fence on your table saw to the width of your first panel.
3. Carefully feed the sheet through the saw, keeping it pressed firmly against the fence.
4. Repeat for each panel you need to cut.
Once cut, lightly sand the edges to remove any roughness. Your panels are now ready for painting!
Why All These Layers?
You might be wondering why we go through all these steps. Wouldn’t one coat of primer and one coat of gesso be enough? Probably. While it’s possible to prepare a panel with fewer layers, taking the time to build up multiple coats offers several benefits.
Firstly, it provides better protection for both your painting and the panel itself. The chemicals in wood and fiberboard can potentially react with oil paints over time, causing discoloration or degradation. Our multiple layers of Zinsser Bullseye primer create a strong barrier against this. We want to create the most distance possible between the our painting and the wood.
Secondly, these layers help create a more uniform surface. Each coat fills in tiny imperfections, resulting in a smoother final product. This is especially important if you’re working with a material like plywood, which can have a noticeable grain.
Lastly, building up these layers gives you more control over your final surface texture. The additional material allows you to sand to your exact preferences, whether you want a glassy-smooth surface or something with a bit more tooth.
The Benefits of Zinsser Bullseye Primer
Let’s take a moment to discuss why we chose Zinsser Bullseye primer for this process. This high-quality primer is known for its excellent adhesion and sealing properties. It sticks well to a variety of surfaces, including the wood-based panels we’re using.
Zinsser Bullseye primer dries quickly and sands easily, making it ideal for our multi-coat application process. It also provides a uniform white base, which can help enhance the vibrancy of your oil paints.
Why Golden Hard Sandable Gesso?
Golden Hard Sandable gesso is a favorite among many artists for good reason. It’s specifically designed to be sanded, allowing you to achieve an ultra-smooth surface if desired. This gesso also has a high solid content, which means it builds up well with each coat.
Another advantage of Golden Hard Sandable Gesso is its flexibility. While it dries to a hard finish that’s perfect for sanding, it retains enough flexibility to prevent cracking over time. This is especially important for larger panels that might experience some movement. While it has some flexibility, it is not recommended to be used on canvas or anything else other than rigid surfaces.
Caring for Your Prepared Panels
Once you’ve gone through all the effort of preparing your panels, you’ll want to take good care of them. Store them vertically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not stack them, the freshly applied gesso will make them stick to each other. If you’re not planning to use them immediately, consider wrapping them in acid-free paper to protect the surface.
When you’re ready to start painting, give the surface a quick wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dust that may have settled. Then, you’re all set to create your masterpiece!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:
1. Uneven surface: If you notice the surface isn’t perfectly smooth after sanding, you can apply an additional thin coat of gesso and sand again.
2. Visible brush or roller marks: This usually means you’re applying the primer or gesso too thickly. Try thinning it slightly with water and applying in thinner coats.
3. Gesso peeling off: This could indicate that your primer layer wasn’t fully dry before applying gesso. Always ensure each layer is completely dry before moving on to the next.
Experimenting with Texture
While we’ve focused on creating a smooth surface in this guide, don’t be afraid to experiment with texture. You can create interesting effects by varying your application technique or intentionally leaving brush or roller marks in your gesso.
Some artists even mix additives into their gesso to create unique textures. Just remember that any texture you create will show through in your final painting, so consider how it will interact with your artistic style.
Conclusion
Preparing panels for oil painting may seem daunting, but the results are worth it. A well-prepared panel serves as a great foundation for your art, ensuring its longevity.
With practice, you’ll get better at the process and may find your own tips along the way. Gather your 4’x8′ sheet of Masonite, MDF, or plywood, Zinsser Bullseye primer, and Golden Hard Sandable gesso to create the perfect canvas for your next painting.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, mastering panel preparation is essential. It gives you control over your painting surface and helps ensure your artwork lasts.
Embrace the process, and enjoy creating a professional-quality painting surface. Your future masterpieces will benefit from the extra effort!
