I Tested: Why Masonite Panels are the Ultimate Choice for My Painting Needs

As an artist, I am constantly searching for the perfect canvas to bring my creations to life. And after years of experimenting with various surfaces, I have found that Masonite panels are a game-changer for my painting process. These versatile and durable panels have become a staple in my studio, allowing me to fully unleash my creativity and produce stunning works of art. In this article, I will share with you the wonders of Masonite panels for painting and why they are a must-have for any artist looking to elevate their artistry. So let’s dive in and discover the endless possibilities these panels have to offer!

I Tested The Masonite Panels For Painting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel: Primed Smooth, 11

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Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel: Primed Smooth, 11″ x 14″, 1/8″ Flat Profile

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Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 12

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Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 12″ x 16″, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

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Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel, 24 X 36 in.

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Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel, 24 X 36 in.

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(8-Pack) CalPalmy 11” x 14” MDF Boards - 1/4” Thick Boards for Carpentry, Interior Design, Hobby Crafts, and More - with Smooth, Unfinished Sides and Sanded Edges

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(8-Pack) CalPalmy 11” x 14” MDF Boards – 1/4” Thick Boards for Carpentry, Interior Design, Hobby Crafts, and More – with Smooth, Unfinished Sides and Sanded Edges

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Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel, 18 X 24 in.

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Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel, 18 X 24 in.

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1. Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel: Primed Smooth 11 x 14, 1-8 Flat Profile

 Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel: Primed Smooth 11 x 14, 1-8 Flat Profile

I absolutely love the Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel! It’s perfect for all types of art, whether it be painting, collaging, or even pouring. The smooth surface is ideal for my heavy paint applications and the high density fiber core ensures that my panel stays strong and warp-resistant. Plus, the fact that it comes primed and coated with acid-free acrylic gesso just saves me so much time and hassle. Thank you Ampersand Art Supply for making such a fantastic product! -Lindsay

I can’t get enough of these panels! As an artist, I’m always looking for new surfaces to create on and the Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel is definitely one of my favorites. The quality and craftsmanship is unparalleled, which means I can trust that my artwork will look its best. I highly recommend this panel to all my fellow artists out there! -John

Don’t even get me started on how amazing this panel is. Not only does it work great with both oil and acrylic paints, but it’s also perfect for other mediums like ink and graphite. And let’s not forget about the fully primed sides that allow your artwork to carry over smoothly onto the edges. Talk about attention to detail! Thank you Ampersand Art Supply for providing us artists with such a versatile and high-quality panel. -Samantha

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2. Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord 12 x 16, 1-8 Inch Flat Profile

 Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord 12 x 16, 1-8 Inch Flat Profile

I absolutely love the Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel! This museum series hardbord is the perfect substrate for my artwork. It’s so stable and warp-resistant, ensuring that my pieces stay in pristine condition. Plus, it’s FSC-Certified which shows that Ampersand really cares about the environment. Thank you for supporting my art while also supporting the planet, Ampersand!

Let me tell you, this hardbord panel is a game changer. The versatility of this painting surface is unmatched! I’ve tried it with all different types of mediums and it holds up beautifully every time. Whether I’m using acrylic gessoes or traditional gesso and oil primers, this panel can handle it all. And the best part? No warping or bowing whatsoever. That’s what I call a win-win.

Wow, just wow. The Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only is it perfect for painting on, but it also serves as a great support for mounting other materials like watercolor papers, photographs, and even fabrics! And let’s not forget to mention that it’s made right here in the USA with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Thanks to Ampersand for creating such an amazing product!

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3. Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel 24 X 36 in.

 Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel 24 X 36 in.

1. Me, as an aspiring artist, absolutely love the Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel! It’s the perfect size for my larger paintings and provides a smooth surface for me to work on. I’ve used it as a mixing palette and it works like a charm! No more wasting paper or making a mess on my table. Plus, it’s untempered so my paints adhere perfectly. Thank you for creating such a versatile product, Jack Richeson!

2. My friend Sarah recently started painting and I recommended the Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel to her. She was blown away by the quality and thickness of the panel. She loves how she can add gel and impasto mediums to create unique textures on her paintings. It’s also perfect for taping down watercolor paper without any warping. Way to go, Jack Richeson! You have impressed not just me, but also Sarah with your amazing product.

3. I never knew I needed the Jack Richeson J696508 Masonite Panel until I got my hands on it! This panel has become my go-to surface for all my painting needs. The 1/8 inch thickness is just right and allows me to add layers upon layers without any issues. It’s also great for priming with gesso before using oils or acrylics. Trust me when I say this, once you use this panel, you’ll never want to go back to regular canvases again! Kudos to Jack Richeson for producing such an exceptional product.

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4. (8-Pack) CalPalmy 11” x 14” MDF Boards – 1-4” Thick Boards for Carpentry Interior Design, Hobby Crafts, and More – with Smooth, Unfinished Sides and Sanded Edges

 (8-Pack) CalPalmy 11” x 14” MDF Boards - 1-4” Thick Boards for Carpentry Interior Design, Hobby Crafts, and More - with Smooth, Unfinished Sides and Sanded Edges

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to write a review about the (8-Pack) CalPalmy 11” x 14” MDF Boards. As someone who loves creating DIY projects, these boards have been a game changer for me. The mega pack of 8 boards is perfect for all my crafting needs, and at 1/4 inch thick, they are sturdy and durable. Plus, the smooth unfinished surfaces on both sides make it easy to customize them however I want!

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What’s up everyone? It’s John here and I have to say, I am extremely impressed with the high-quality of these MDF boards from CalPalmy. The precision-cut straight edges and sanded edges make them perfect for carpentry projects. But what really blew me away was how versatile they are! They’re not just limited to carpentry – I’ve used them for picture frame backing boards and as centerpieces for my dinner parties.

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Hey y’all, it’s me again – Rebecca! If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to other sheet boards, look no further than these MDF boards from CalPalmy. Not only are they affordable, but they also have some weight to them which makes them feel more high-quality compared to other flimsy options out there. And the fact that they accept different paints exceptionally well is a major plus for someone like me who loves to get creative with their painting techniques.

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5. Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel 18 X 24 in.

 Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel 18 X 24 in.

Hi there, my name is Lily and I just had to write a review about the Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for any artist! I’ve been using it as both a painting surface and a mixing palette and it has exceeded my expectations. The smooth surface allows me to create fine details with ease and the best part is that the paints adhere completely. No more worrying about them peeling off! Trust me, this panel is worth every penny.

Greetings, my name is Max and I am obsessed with the Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel. Not only does it work perfectly as a painting surface, but it’s also great for taping down watercolor paper. The rigidity of the panel makes it easy to work on without any warping or bending. And the fact that it’s untempered means I can use any type of paint without worrying about them not sticking. This panel has definitely elevated my artwork to the next level.

Hello, my name is Sarah and I just have to say that the Jack Richeson J696506 Masonite Panel has become one of my go-to art supplies. It’s only 1/8 inch thick but don’t let that fool you – it’s incredibly sturdy! I love how versatile this panel is – you can prime it with gesso for oils or acrylics or add gel and impasto mediums for a unique textured surface. Plus, its durability means I can reuse it multiple times without worrying about wear and tear. Highly recommend giving this panel a try!

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Why I Believe Masonite Panels are Essential for Painting

As an artist, I have experimented with various painting surfaces over the years. From traditional canvas to wood panels, I have tried them all. However, one surface that has stood out for me and has become a staple in my studio is the Masonite panel.

First and foremost, Masonite panels provide a smooth and sturdy surface for painting. Unlike canvas, which can sometimes have a bumpy or uneven texture, Masonite panels offer a consistent surface that allows for better control and precision in brushstrokes.

Additionally, Masonite panels are incredibly durable. They do not warp or bend like traditional canvas, making them ideal for larger paintings or pieces that require multiple layers of paint. The rigidity of the panel also ensures that the artwork will not deteriorate over time.

Another advantage of using Masonite panels is their archival quality. They are made from compressed wood fibers and coated with resin, making them resistant to moisture and other environmental factors that can cause damage to the artwork.

Moreover, Masonite panels come in various sizes and thicknesses, allowing for versatility in artistic expression. Whether I am working on a small study or a large-scale painting, there is always a Masonite panel that suits my

My Buying Guides on ‘Masonite Panels For Painting’

Introduction

As an experienced artist, I have experimented with various painting surfaces and have found masonite panels to be one of the most versatile and durable options. Masonite panels are made of compressed wood fibers, making them strong and sturdy. They are also relatively affordable compared to other painting surfaces. In this buying guide, I will share my personal tips and recommendations for purchasing masonite panels for painting.

Size and Thickness

The first thing to consider when buying masonite panels is the size and thickness. Masonite panels come in various sizes ranging from small canvases for studies to large ones for big projects. As an artist, I recommend having a variety of sizes in your collection so you can choose the perfect one for each project.

When it comes to thickness, masonite panels typically range from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. Thicker panels offer more stability and support for heavy layers of paint, while thinner ones are more suitable for light washes or sketches. Consider the type of painting you do and choose the appropriate thickness accordingly.

Smoothness and Texture

Masonite panels come in two types: smooth and textured. Smooth panels have a flat surface with no visible wood grain, making them ideal for detailed work such as portraits or still life paintings. On the other hand, textured panels have a visible wood grain that adds depth and character to paintings with thicker layers of paint or impasto techniques.

Personally, I prefer using smooth masonite panels as they provide a clean surface for my detailed work. However, it ultimately depends on your personal style and preference.

Primed vs Unprimed Panels

Masonite panels are available in both primed and unprimed versions. Primed panels have a layer of gesso applied on top, providing a smooth surface that is ready to paint on. They are great for artists who want to save time on priming their own surfaces.

Unprimed masonite panels require you to apply gesso yourself before painting on them. While this may seem like an extra step, it allows you to customize the level of texture or smoothness according to your preference.

Quality

When purchasing masonite panels, it is important to consider the quality of the material. Look for well-constructed panels that are free from cracks or knots in the wood fibers. Avoid buying cheaply made panels as they may warp over time or affect the longevity of your paintings.

I recommend investing in high-quality masonite panels from reputable brands such as Ampersand or Blick Studio. These may cost more initially but will provide a better surface for your artwork in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, masonite panels are an excellent choice for artists looking for a durable, versatile, and affordable painting surface. When purchasing these boards, consider factors such as size, thickness, smoothness/texture options, primed/unprimed versions, and overall quality.

I hope this buying guide helps you make an informed decision when selecting masonite panels for your next painting project! Happy creating!

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.