Tutorials, videos, tips & techniques
Learn techniques from professional artists, follow art tutorials, watch videos, and more.
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
Artists Network: Floaterframe feature
Artists Network artist Scott Maier walks you through framing your art with Ampersand Floaterframes.
Floaterframe instructions
Ampersand Floaterframes are the only do-it-yourself frame specifically designed for wood panels and can also be used for stretched canvas. Made with premium hardwood, Floaterframes are the perfect depth to protect your artwork. Everything you need to frame and hang your artwork is included.
Top 10 reasons to paint on Ampersand Unprimed Basswood panels
Ampersand Unprimed Basswood is a smooth, uncoated panel that is free from plywood seams, knots, or troublesome raised fibers. We compiled our top ten reasons and advantages of painting on this surface.
Read more … Top 10 reasons to paint on Ampersand Unprimed Basswood panels
Unprimed Basswood overview
Unprimed Basswood is handcrafted using a sturdy, non-flexible 4mm basswood top, sanded perfectly smooth and ready to seal and prime with the ground of your choice. Its minimal wood grain is straight and has a fine, even texture and a moderate natural luster.
Tips for using Scratchbord
General tips and techniques on transferring images, adding color, and sealing and framing Ampersand Scratchbord
Top 10 reasons artists should use Ampersand panels
Artists ask us why they should paint on panels and specifically why Ampersand products over other brands. We compiled our top ten reasons and advantages of painting on rigid Ampersand panels.
Read more … Top 10 reasons artists should use Ampersand panels
RISD Professors demonstrate on Scratchbord
RISD Adjunct Professor Clara Lieu and Art Prof Guest Teaching Artist Song Kang demonstrate and explain all of the art supplies and drawing techniques you need to create a detailed scratchboard drawing from beginning to end.
Framing Pastelbord
We recommend all pastels be framed under glass. The glass protects the fragile nature of the pastels while also keeping their colors true to life.
Painting on panel: Cradling and supports
Only Ampersand builds their cradles by hand with premium grade 13-ply birch plywood for maximum stability and a clean, finished look from edge to edge.
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 Aquabord
Watercolorists and gouache painters love painting on Aquabord because colors are more vibrant than on paper and it allows for exciting techniques simply not possible on paper. Watch this video to learn more about this amazing watercolor panel.
Claybord demonstration by Brigitte Waldschmidt
German mixed media artist and author, Brigitte Waldschmidt demonstrates techniques on Ampersand Claybord. (English subtitles)
Primed Smooth demonstration by Brigitte Waldschmidt
Watch artist and author Brigitte Waldschmidt experiment with mixed media on an Ampersand Primed Smooth. (Time-lapse)
Read more … Primed Smooth demonstration by Brigitte Waldschmidt
Ampersand Big Panels
Gessobord, Claybord, and Unprimed Basswood are available in sizes up to 48x72. This fun video can give you a sense of just how big our big panels are!
