Perfect as an archival alternative to canvas, wood painting panels offer rigid support and are best for non-flexible media such as tempera, encaustic, and casein paints. Wood panels are also great surfaces for painting with acrylics, even though acrylic paint is flexible when dry. Made from hard woods, such as birch or basswood, which are proven to be stable over time and resist cracking, art panels are available primed or unprimed. Unprimed solid wood may expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, so priming your hardboard surface is highly recommended. Primed boards are typically coated in acrylic gesso, savings artists time and money.
