How to Prepare Wood Art Panels for Painting Directly Onto the Wood

Panels can be prepared in a number of ways, including attaching canvas, linen, paper or other materials, or painting directly on the wood. Preparing your wood panel properly is essential to ensure your artwork has the best possible foundation. Whether you're working with acrylic, oil, or mixed media, a well-prepped panel will support the longevity, texture, and vibrancy of your piece. Here's a step-by-step guide for those who prefer to paint directly onto the wood.

What You’ll Need:

• Fine grit sandpaper (220–400 grit)

• Clean, lint-free cloth

• Acrylic gesso or traditional gesso (depending on your medium)

• Wide, flat brush or foam roller

• Optional: sealing medium (e.g., PVA size or clear acrylic medium)

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Step 1: Lightly Sand the Surface

Even a smooth panel can benefit from a light sanding. This removes any oils or surface texture and helps gesso adhere better.

• Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 or higher).

• Sand with the grain by hand, or use a vibrating sander

• Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth to remove dust.

  
  

Step 2: Seal the Panel (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re using a wood panel that hasn’t been pre-sealed, it’s smart to apply a sealant. This prevents discoloration and moisture transfer and may reduce warping.

• Use a penetrating wood sealer, varnish, PVA size, or a clear acrylic medium of your choice.

• Apply a thin, even coat (or coats) with a brush. A heavy wet application will likely warp thinner panels. It's your choice whether you want to seal both sides or not, but the edges should be sealed.

• Allow to dry completely before applying gesso.

  
  

Note: Some artists skip this step but gessos tend to be wet, especially acrylic gesso. The water in the gesso will soak into the panel and cause warping that doesn't always go away when the panel is dry.

Step 3: Apply Gesso

Gesso creates a slightly absorbent, toothy surface that grips paint and helps prevent cracking.

• Use a wide, flat brush or foam roller.

• Apply several thin, even coats. Here you can add texture to your surface if desired.

• Repeat for 2–3 coats, alternating brush direction with each layer.

• Let it dry.

  
  

Step 4: Final Sanding (Optional)

If you want a super-smooth finish, give the final coat of gesso a once-over with ultra-fine sandpaper.

• Use 400 grit or higher.

• Wipe clean and inspect for smoothness.

  
  

Bonus Tips:

• For textured or absorbent surfaces, use more coats of gesso.

• Want a toned ground? Tint your gesso with acrylic paint.

• For oil painting, consider using an oil-based ground or traditional gesso over a sealed surface.

• Make sure the wood you use is high quality and free of cracks and blemishes that with compromise your finished artwork.

  
  

Now your panel is ready for paint. With proper prep, you’re setting your work up for lasting quality, beautiful application, and a surface that responds the way you want it to.