In this detailed STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE, I show you how I make my own linen / canvas panels for a fraction of the cost of store bought painting boards.

I take you throught the process of making an excellent surface to paint on which is archival and extremely cost-effective. (I use linen in this guide but you can substitute it for cotton canvas if you prefer that surface).

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro
0:10 Large Masonite Hardboard panels
0:44 TOOLS for cutting panels
1:23 Stage 1- MEASURING up
2:12 Stage 2- CLAMPING down
2:27 Stage 3- Making the CUT
2:46 Stage 4- MEASURING up
3:04 Stage 5 + 6- CLAMPING down / Making the CUT
3:13 Stage 7: STACKING up
3:23 Stage 8- Making the CUT
3:34 Stage 9- SANDING down
4:21 Stage 10- SIZING the panel
6:11 Materials/ Equipment for GLUING
7:30 Optional GESSOing of panel
8:11 Stage 11- CUTTING OUT the linen
8:28 Stage 12a- GLUING the linen
10:08 Stage 12b- FOLDING the edges
10:55 Stage 12c- SMOOTHING the surface
11:31 Stage 12d- CHECKING the surface
11:57 Stage 12e- GESSO (optional)
12:15- FINISHED panel

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COST: 1 Panel = $3 / €2.80 (can be done for half the price by not using linen)

FULL EQUIPMENT LIST:

- 1 x work bench
- 1 x Round saw (aka circular saw)
- 1 x sanding machine and sandpaper
- 1 x Metal or wood guide for round saw
- 2 x clamps
- 1 x measuring tape
- 1 x pencil
- Safety gear for power tools: eye, ear, breathing

- 1 x sheet of masonite hardboard
- 1 x Golden GAC100 primer (or other sizing solution)
- 1 x Golden Soft Gel Gloss (or other archival glue)
- 1 x Liquitex S Matte Gesso (optional)
- 1 x Spray bottle
- 1 x Scissors
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Jar
- 1 x Wood piece (for smoothing down linen)
- Protective layer for bench

- TIME: About 10 minutes per panel

So I hope you enjoy this DIY guide on how to make good quality and cheap painting panels.

If you have any QUESTIONS, please leave them in the comments below and I'll get back to you. And likewise, if you have any TIPS of your own when making panels, please share them!

Enjoy!

Daniel