Which panel is right for you?
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This page features product and media specific technical information to help you have the best experience with our panels. We encourage you to use this information as a resource guide. The navigation bar to the left can direct you to the appropriate topic or frequently asked questions. Also, below is a compilation of articles, books and more how-to driven information. Much of this information was shared by knowledgeable professional artists using our products.
You’re also welcome to contribute your knowledge and experience by giving us your feedback or if you can’t find the information you need, please contact us.
The panel comparison chart is a great place to start if you are not familiar with which panel to use. It cross references media to the type of panel we recommend using.
| Media | Product | Discussion |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylics | claybord gessobord pastelbord |
We highly recommend using thin washes of acrylics on claybord. Or, try gessobord for a less absorbent panel or pastelbord for a surface with more texture and a toned ground. |
| Airbrush | claybord | Claybord is ideal for airbrush. |
| Calligraphy | claybord | Ampersand recommends claybord with this media. |
| Casein | claybord gessobord |
Claybord and gessobord are both appropriate for use with casein. |
| Egg Tempera | claybord | Use egg tempera on claybord. Compare with panels you are preparing yourself. |
| Encaustic | encausticbord | Encausticbord is made for the unique demands of encaustic painting. |
| Gouache | aquabord | We recommend aquabord for use with gouache. |
| Graphite and Colored Pencils | claybord | Use graphite and colored pencils with claybord. |
| Inks, India Ink, Colored Inks | claybord scratchbord |
We recommend claybord with inks because they can be easily erased and manipulated. |
| Markers | claybord | Use claybord with markers and frame without glass. |
| Oils and Oil Sticks | claybord gessobord |
We recommend gessobord for use with oils. claybord may also be used but is very absorbent. |
| Pastels | pastelbord | We recommend pastelbord for working with all types of pastels. |
| Scratchboard | scratchbord | Use scratchbord as a professional alternative to scratchboard paper. |
| Watercolors | aquabord | Use aquabord, similar to cold press paper, for very wet watercolor washes. |
This table shows which wood panel and painting surface is recommended for wich media. Column one shows popular artistic media while column two shows the recommended ampersand wood panels and surfaces for that media. The third column gives notes or a brief explanation of how the media performs on these surfaces.