How should I prime a panel cradle to prepare it for oil paint?

Artist Question: I want to paint the cradle of my panel with oil paint. What do you recommend that I do to prime the wood to prepare for the oil paint?

A: For painting on the raw wood cradle, first seal with either acrylic Gloss Medium + gesso or apply oil ground directly. Alternatively, brush on a thin coat of drying oil/solvent (1:1 linseed oil + OMS) or a thinned oil medium and let dry to the touch. Once sealed and dry, you’re ready to paint the sides with oils.