I was glad to receive a few comments regarding the last blog post. In summary, the readers commented that even though they were not artists who would purchase these products, they were now better informed on the topic which would help them choose the appropriate substrate when they shop for original art pieces.

We discussed the canvas board on the last blog.

Today I will concentrate on the pre-primed hard board panels. especially the popular Russian Birch Panels.

These hard board panels are pre cut sheets of wood or wood derivatives, commonly Russian birch plywood, masonite and even particle board.The panels are sold pre-cut to standard sizes and are pre-primed with Gesso or have canvas or linen glued to the surface. Of these the Russian birch is probably the best. All wood based products have to be sealed to prevent acids and resins from the wood seeping on to the painting and destroying it

Amongst these, the particle board panels (also known as chip board) are the worst. The tiny wood fragments are bound together by lots of glue and chemicals. These chemicals are bound to degrade the paintings. Most artists use them for small studies.

An Example Of Panel Made With Particleboard (chipboard)

Side View Of A Particle Board Panel

The hardwood or Masonite panels are better, but since the wood pulp within them is bound by chemicals and glue, care has to be taken to seal them adequately.

A Sealed, Masonite Panel.

Finally, the Russian birch plywood panels . These are amongst the best. Most artists use these.The panels made with The Russian birch plywood are extremely durable and versatile, these panels come in 2 thicknesses. A 3 ply version which is 3mm thick and the 5 ply version is 6mm thick. The thinner 3 ply birch is perfectly suitable for a small painting, however any painting above 6in X 8in requires the 5 ply, to prevent warping. These also come cradled so can be hung on a nail without a frame. Just like canvas, all wood panels also shrink and expand a tiny bit with changes in humidity which may cause cracking of the thick paint layers after many years (perhaps centuries). To prevent this it is advised that all paintings be protected from extreme changes in temperature and humidity.

A 6in x 8in 3ply Russian Birch Panel.

A 9in x 12in, 5 ply, 6mm Thick Russian Birch Panel. Pre-Gessoed And Ready To Paint

Side View Of A 3 ply (right), Next to a 5 ply, (left) Russian Birch Panel.

Since most of the birch panels are 5 ply (as in plywood), despite being only 6mm in thickness, unlike the boards we discussed on the last blog, they do not warp even in larger sizes. These panels are ideal for on location painting (En plein air), but being relatively heavy, they are not suitable for large paintings. Their rigidity prevents accidental damage like tearing and they are also easy to ship and transport. The wooden surface is however porous and if there is prolonged contact with water, mold and mildew may eventually cause the wood to rot.

A Large 5 ply Birch Panel (30 in x 18 in) Shows No Warping

Being of standard size and rigid, these panels may be framed simply by inserting them into a ready made frame.

An 11in x 14in Birch Panel Being Slid Into A Frame (rear view)

Alternately if the paintings are small in size, they can be glued onto a canvas or linen mat board before framing.

A 5in x 7in Painting On A 3 ply Birch Panel Glued Onto A Linen Mat Board And Framed

"Waiting 4 U". A 5in x 7in Oil Painting, Framed.

The versatility of these panels also allows them to be glued on to a wooden cradle to provide a gallery like finish.

Panel Glued On To a Cradle. (rear view)

An Acrylic Painting "Resting" - 10in x 10in Cradled Birch Panel Hanging By A Nail.

Summary:

The Pros & Cons of these wooden panels (mainly the birch)

Pros:

Able to choose from various popular sizes. Due to their standard sizes, can easily fit into affordable, ready made frames.

Durable and thin, so perfect for on location painting provided they are not too large.

Smaller sizes are easy to transport by mail/courier etc to out of town collectors and galleries

Easy storage.

Firm, so do not bend and warp.

Not easily damaged.

Cons:

Painting cannot be cropped to include only the most pleasing composition Unfinished look.

Cannot be displayed in gallery or hung for collectors without a cradle or frame.

Collectors have to go through the hassle of getting it framed.

Have to be sealed prior to painting or the acids and resins from the wood will seep into the painting.

In larger sizes, they become heavy.

I hope this was informative and hopefully will help you make an informed choice when you purchase your next piece of Art.

I would be interested in your opinions regarding the blog and answering any questions you may have. What other art related topics would you like me to tackle? Just drop me an email. If you enjoy this blog, please forward it to your friends and contacts. Why not subscribe to my Newsletter and receive this in your mailbox instead?

Mohamed Hirji

Painting Substrates - Acrylics & Oils 3 - Hard Boards