Tutorials, videos, tips & techniques
Learn techniques from professional artists, follow art tutorials, watch videos, and more.
How to make canvas panels with Ampersand panels by Chris Breier
Artist Chris Breier shares detailed instructions on how to mount canvas to Ampersand Gessobord and Hardbord panels.
Read more … How to make canvas panels with Ampersand panels by Chris Breier
A comparison of hardboard vs. stretched canvas for painting
When an artist is introduced to creating works of art, the surface that comes to mind for applying paint is made of canvas that has been stretched over wood supports. This was not always the case, Michael Skalka explains.
Read more … A comparison of hardboard vs. stretched canvas for painting
Hardboard and wood painting panels for art: an in depth discussion
Given the plethora of engineered wood, from laminated materials such as plywood to natural wood pulp fiber panels such as hardboard and resin bonded medium-density fiberboards, it is important to understand the characteristics of these substrates and their suitability for your painting support.
Read more … Hardboard and wood painting panels for art: an in depth discussion
Priming wood panels with acrylic gesso or oil grounds
Commonly, artists ask us if unprimed wood panels need to be sealed. Except for encaustics, the answer is Yes.
Read more … Priming wood panels with acrylic gesso or oil grounds
Painting on panel: The difference between HDF and MDF
Many artists ask about the differences between HDF (High-density fiberboard) and MDF (Medium-density fiberboard). We have compiled some information below that helps to explain these differences.
Read more … Painting on panel: The difference between HDF and MDF
What is Masonite?
The word "Masonite" is a brand name for hardboard. Ampersand uses a tempered hardboard as the base for its Museum Series panels. After extensive research and testing, we chose a hardboard that is made through the Wet/Dry method.
Introduction to Ampersand Hardbord
Hardbord is the most stable substrate on the market and is used for all Ampersand Museum Series panels. Watch this video to learn more.
Gold leaf on Ampersand panels
Contemporary acrylic artist, Nancy Reyner, works with gold leaf and acrylics on Ampersand Hardbord. This video is a complete instructional tutorial on gold leaf, its properties, and how to apply it to use as a painting surface. Nancy's exceptional instruction make this video a pleasure to watch and intriguing for even a beginning artist.
Mounting canvas to wood panel
Mounting flexible supports like canvas, linen, or paper to an Ampersand wood panel preserves the painting qualities of the canvas or paper while gaining the archival benefits of a panel.
