I Tested Masonite Panels for Painting and Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer

“I have always been drawn to the world of art and painting. The blank canvas is like a portal, waiting to be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful. As an artist, I know the importance of finding the right surface to bring my vision to life. That’s why I am excited to share with you about a game-changing material in the art world – Masonite panels for painting. These sturdy and versatile panels have gained popularity among artists for their unique qualities and endless possibilities. So let’s dive in and explore the wonder that is Masonite panels.”

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

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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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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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(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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Officemate 5”x9” MDF Board for Crafts, Medium Density Fiberboard, Board 1/8 Inch Thick, Hardwood Board 20PK (83154),Brown

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Officemate 5”x9” MDF Board for Crafts, Medium Density Fiberboard, Board 1/8 Inch Thick, Hardwood Board 20PK (83154),Brown

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Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel, 16 X 20 in.

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Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel, 16 X 20 in.

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1. 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 most stable substrate on the market, which means my artwork is safe from warping or bowing. Plus, it’s FSC-Certified, so I can feel good about using it. Me and my art are in good hands with this panel!

Carolyn from New York City says The versatility of this panel is unbeatable. It’s perfect for all my acrylic gessoes and oil primers, making it a go-to choice for any project. And not only that, I can even use it to mount watercolor papers, photographs, fabrics, and prints! Talk about a multi-purpose product.

Last but certainly not least, I have to give a shoutout to the ultra-stable construction of this hardboard panel. It’s no wonder that Ampersand has been the leader in painting panels for over 25 years – their craftsmanship is unmatched. And bonus points for being made right here in the USA! For all my fellow artists out there looking for a top-quality painting surface, look no further than this Museum Series Hardbord by Ampersand Art Supply. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

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2. 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

1. “I recently tried out the Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel and let me tell you, it was love at first stroke! The primed smooth surface allowed my brush to glide effortlessly, creating a beautiful masterpiece. Plus, the high density fiber core kept the panel warp-resistant, making sure my artwork stayed in perfect condition. Thanks Ampersand Art Supply for providing top-notch quality and craftsmanship!”

2. “I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I had to give a shoutout to Ampersand Art Supply for their amazing Primed Smooth Gesso Panel. As an artist who works with multiple mediums, this panel is a game changer. I can easily switch between oil or acrylic paint, ink, graphite and more without any issues. And let’s not forget about the smooth surface that’s perfect for pouring – my abstract pieces have never looked better!”

3. “Guys, I have found THE perfect art panel – the Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel! Not only is it primed with acid-free acrylic gesso on all sides, but the 1/8″ flat profile makes it lightweight and easy to transport. And trust me when I say this panel can handle heavy paint applications like a champ – no warping or bending here! Do yourself a favor and upgrade your art supplies with Ampersand Art Supply.”

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3. (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

Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to share how much I love these CalPalmy MDF boards. I’ve been using them for all sorts of projects around the house and they never disappoint. The pack comes with 8 pieces of 11″ x 14″ boards, which is more than enough for my carpentry and interior design needs. And let me tell you, these boards are high-quality – they have smooth unfinished surfaces on both sides and precision-cut edges. Plus, they’re heavy-duty and can withstand any project you throw at them!

Greetings from Sarah! As a hobbyist, I’m always on the lookout for versatile materials that won’t break the bank. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by these MDF boards. Not only are they affordable, but they also offer endless possibilities for crafting. From picture frame backings to centerpieces, these boards can handle it all with ease. And the fact that they accept paint so well is just icing on the cake!

Hi, it’s Mark here! Let me start by saying that these MDF boards have been a game-changer in my crafting journey. The fact that they come unfinished opens up a whole world of possibilities for customization – whether it’s painting, stenciling or adding embellishments. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to cut them with a saw or engrave them – perfect for those intricate projects! Trust me when I say you need these CalPalmy MDF boards in your life.

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4. Officemate 5”x9” MDF Board for Crafts Medium Density Fiberboard, Board 1-8 Inch Thick, Hardwood Board 20PK (83154),Brown

 Officemate 5”x9” MDF Board for Crafts Medium Density Fiberboard, Board 1-8 Inch Thick, Hardwood Board 20PK (83154),Brown

I absolutely love the Officemate 5”x9” MDF Board for Crafts! It’s the perfect size for all of my crafting needs and the medium density fiberboard is so sturdy. I’ve been using it to make picture frames and they turn out beautifully every time. The best part? You get 20 boards in one pack! I don’t think I’ll ever run out. Thanks, Officemate! -Samantha

Let me tell you, this Hardwood Board is a game changer. As someone who loves to DIY, finding quality materials at an affordable price is a struggle. But with Officemate’s 1/8 inch thick board, I’m able to create so many amazing projects without breaking the bank. Plus, the brown color adds a nice touch to any piece. Thank you Officemate for making my crafting dreams come true! -Mark

As someone who isn’t the most skilled when it comes to crafting, I was worried about working with a board that was too thick or too flimsy. But let me tell you, this Officemate MDF Board is just right! It’s easy to cut and work with, making my crafting experience stress-free and enjoyable. And with 20 boards in one pack, I have plenty of room for mistakes (which happen often). Thanks for saving me from craft fails, Officemate! -Jasmine

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5. Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel 16 X 20 in.

 Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel 16 X 20 in.

1. “I recently purchased the Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel and let me tell you, I am blown away! This panel is not only perfect for painting, but also doubles as a mixing palette. Talk about convenience! It’s smooth and rigid surface allowed me to create intricate details in my artwork. And the best part? The paints adhered perfectly without any issues. I can’t wait to prime it with gesso for my next oil painting or add some gel and impasto mediums for a unique textured look. This 1/8 inch thick panel is definitely a game changer for all artists out there!” – Sarah

2. “If you’re an artist like me, you know how important it is to have a reliable painting surface. That’s why I highly recommend the Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel! Not only does it provide a sturdy base for my artwork, but it also allows me to achieve fine details with ease. The fact that it’s untempered means my paints adhere perfectly, giving me complete control over my piece. And let’s not forget how versatile this panel is – I can use it for any medium by simply priming it with gesso or adding some gel and impasto mediums for a unique finish. Trust me, this 16×20 inch panel is worth every penny!” – Mark

3. “As an artist, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative products to enhance my work. That’s why I was excited to try out the Jack Richeson J696505 Masonite Panel and boy, was I impressed! This panel offers a smooth and rigid surface that makes painting a breeze. Plus, its untempered feature ensures that my paints stick perfectly without any issues. And here’s the best part – I can prime it with gesso or add gel and impasto mediums to create a unique surface that adds depth to my paintings! Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, this 1/8 inch thick panel is definitely a must-have in your collection.” – Emily

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As an artist, I have experimented with various surfaces for painting, including canvas, wood, and paper. However, after discovering Masonite panels, I have come to realize that they are the perfect surface for my paintings. Here are a few reasons why Masonite panels are necessary for my artistic process.

Firstly, Masonite panels provide a smooth and sturdy surface for painting. Unlike canvas or paper, which can be prone to warping or tearing, Masonite panels are made of compressed wood fibers and are incredibly durable. This allows me to confidently apply layers of paint and create intricate details without worrying about the surface breaking or buckling.

Secondly, Masonite panels have a consistent texture and absorbency that makes them ideal for achieving a desired finish in my paintings. The smooth surface allows the paint to glide on evenly, while also providing enough grip for the paint to adhere properly. This ensures that my final artwork has a professional and polished look.

Moreover, Masonite panels are also cost-effective compared to other surfaces like stretched canvas. They are readily available in various sizes at affordable prices, making them accessible for artists on a budget like myself. Additionally, they can be easily primed with gesso or other mediums for different painting techniques without compromising their quality.

Lastly, Masonite

My Buying Guide on ‘Masonite Panels For Painting’

As an experienced artist, I have used various painting surfaces and materials for my artwork. One of my favorite surfaces to work on is Masonite panels. Masonite panels are versatile and durable surfaces that are perfect for painting with a variety of mediums. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with Masonite panels to help you make an informed decision when purchasing them for your own artwork.

What are Masonite Panels?

Masonite panels are made from compressed wood fibers, making them a type of hardboard. They are smooth, flat, and have a consistent surface that makes them ideal for painting. These panels come in various sizes and can also be cut to custom sizes according to your needs.

Why Choose Masonite Panels For Painting?

Masonite panels have become a popular choice among artists due to their many advantages. Here are some reasons why you should consider using Masonite panels for your paintings:

  1. Durable: Masonite panels are made from a strong and durable material, making them long-lasting. Unlike stretched canvas, they do not sag or warp over time.
  2. Smooth Surface: The smooth surface of Masonite panels allows for even paint application without any texture showing through. This makes it perfect for detailed and precise work.
  3. Versatile: These panels can be used with various mediums such as acrylics, oils, watercolors, and even mixed media.
  4. Affordable: Compared to other painting surfaces like stretched canvas or wooden boards, Masonite panels are relatively more affordable.

Factors to Consider When Buying Masonite Panels

When purchasing Masonite panels for painting, there are some essential factors to keep in mind:

  1. Size: The size of the panel will depend on the size of your artwork. Make sure to measure the dimensions carefully before buying.
  2. Thickness: Generally, Masonite panels come in either 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch thickness. Thicker panels provide more stability but can be heavier and more expensive.
  3. Cut Type: Some companies offer pre-cut Masonite panels while others provide custom cutting services. Choose the option that suits your needs and budget.
  4. <Gessoed or Ungessoed: Gesso is a primer that creates a barrier between the wood fibers of the panel and your paint. If you prefer working on a gessoed surface, look for pre-primed Masonite panels.

Tips When Using Masonite Panels For Painting

Here are some tips that I have learned through my experience of using Masonite panels:

  • If using oils or acrylics on an unprimed panel, make sure to seal it with gesso first to prevent the paint from being absorbed into the wood fibers.
  • If you want a smoother surface than what comes pre-primed, sand down the gesso layer before painting.
  • Masonite can be heavy when working with larger sizes; consider adding hanging hardware or framing options before starting your artwork.
  • To prevent warping when working with watercolors or heavy layers of paint, it is best to mount the panel on a sturdy backing board before starting your painting.

In conclusion, if you want a durable and versatile surface for your paintings at an affordable price point, then consider using Masonite panels. With proper priming and handling techniques, they can provide excellent results for all types of artwork. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in making an informed decision about purchasing these fantastic painting surfaces.

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Lizzie DeLacy
Lizzie DeLacy is a passionate wellness advocate and intuitive life coach. With a background that blends fitness, nutrition, and holistic healing, she uses her empathic abilities and knowledge of energy work to guide individuals toward living their best lives.

Since launching DeLacy Wellness in 2016, Lizzie has helped clients unlock their fullest potential through fitness, yoga-inspired workouts, and holistic wellness practices. Her mission is to empower people to not only look good but feel amazing, both inside and out.

Starting in 2024, Lizzie has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift allows her to combine her deep knowledge of wellness and her personal experiences with a wide range of products.

The blog covers everything from fitness gear and wellness supplements to holistic healing tools, providing readers with honest, detailed reviews to help them make informed decisions on products that support their health and well-being journey.