Tutorials & tips - Ampersand Art

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.

Hardbord art surface Kylee Fryklund — Artwork by Kylee Kryklund

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.

Hanging hardware options for wood panels

Ampersand Floaterframes are the perfect solution for displaying artwork. However, if you prefer to display your panel without a frame, we have some helpful tips.

Leslie Giuliani, Cage, 10x8, mixed media on Ampersand Encausticbord — Artwork by Leslie Giuliani

Mixed media on Encausticbord

Professional encaustic painters attest to how exceptionally well Encausticbord works when used alone with encaustic paint or in combination with a wide variety of mixed media techniques including collage, oil paints and oil sticks, image transfers, and incising.

Elise Wagner, Night Moves, 8x8, encaustic on Ampersand Encausticbord — Artwork by Elise Wagner

Mixed media on Encausticbord

Only Encausticbord has a ready-to-use surface formulated for the unique demands of encaustic painting and mixed media. Encaustic gesso is applied to Ampersand's sealed Hardbord panel to form a bright, smooth, and velvety surface that is ready to use with the ancient technique of encaustic painting.

Shana Rowe Jackson, In the Shade, 11x14, acrylic on Ampersand Primed Canvas Texture — Artwork by Shana Rowe Jackson

Acrylic on Primed Canvas Texture

The Artist Panel Primed Canvas Texture is a perfect choice for acrylic painters that want all the benefits of a panel but enjoy painting on a surface with a traditional canvas texture.

Larry Preston, Wild Apple on a Box, 14x24, oil on Ampersand Primed Canvas Texture — Artwork by Larry Preston

Oil on Primed Canvas Texture

The Artist Panel Primed Canvas Texture is a perfect choice for oil painters that want all the benefits of a panel but enjoy painting on a surface with a traditional canvas texture.

Misty Segura-Bowers, William, 20x16, watercolor on Ampersand Aquabord — Artwork by Misty Segura-Bowers

Gouache and watercolor on Aquabord

Developed for the unique demands of watercolor painting, Aquabord has a wonderful texture similar to cold-pressed watercolor paper. Watercolorists and gouache painters love painting on Aquabord for many reasons.

Joe A. Oakes, Morning Stroll, 36x24, acrylic on Ampersand Aquabord — Artwork by Joe A. Oakes

Acrylic on Aquabord

Aquabord is a great surface for acrylics. Its heavily textured surface offers great adhesion with washes and layering. Because of the high absorbency of Aquabord, acrylic paint soaks in and dries very quickly when painting in thin washes.

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)

Aquabord demonstration by Brigitte Waldschmidt (English Subtitles)

German mixed-media artist and author, Brigitte Waldschmidt demonstrates watercolor techniques on Ampersand Aquabord.

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!