Artist Surfaces - Panels
Panels
Panels have been used by artists for hundreds of years – many surviving art works from as far back as the 13th century were painted on wooden panels. Indeed Mona Lisa herself was painted on a wooden panel by Leonardo da Vinci some four hundred years ago.
The key benefit of panels is their rigidness. Paintings can crack as a result of movement within the support or the flexing of paint films. However, as with work on canvas, it is still extremely important to ensure the work is not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, so as to prevent the risk of the board cracking or distorting.
Wooden Panels
Our traditional choices of wooden panels are produced from a high quality Birch Ply, Gaboon (Redwood Ply) or a Low Emission Ecologique MDF face with tulip wood supports.
Birch & Mahogany Sheets are available in a variety of thicknesses and can be supplied with plain or rounded corners.
Low Emission Ecologique MDF Panels
Many artists opt for MDF as a cost efficient solution that still provides a rigid, smooth surface to work on. However recent conservation tests have shown MDF to contain a large amount of Formaldehyde, a substance that releases emissions which react with paint chemicals, yellowing the surface of artwork. Formaldehyde is naturally contained in all MDF, so the amount present cannot be controlled.
In our search for a safer material, we have sourced a new product which is lower in emissions but still has all the benefits of MDF, just without the added Formaldehyde, so a far lesser chance of the paint layer yellowing. It looks and feels like MDF, weighs the same and has the same level of absorbency. It is also very similar in price.
Low Emission Ecologique MDF sheets can be made in depths of 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8” and 3/4”. An optional sub frame can also be attached in various depths
We can make any of the above panels with rounded corners and can also wrap any of the panels with our extensive choice of canvases and linens.
Panels can also be made to circular or elliptical specification using a Low Emission Ecologique MDF subframe.
Welded Aluminium Panels
An Aluminium Panel is different to canvas, in that it is rigid, light weight and ultra-smooth. The panels can be etch-primed, providing a slight tooth for paint to grip to, which is solvent based and incredibly durable. The primer is naturally white in colour and slightly absorbent; a really nice surface to work on for both oil and acrylic. If you prefer a bright white finish, we can add a coat of oil or acrylic primer to the etched surfaces. Alternatively enamel paint can be applied directly to the raw aluminium. This is a slippery surface, which is good if you like to move the paint around. It also looks great if areas are left exposed, as it won’t tarnish, due to its resistance to oxidation.
We can make aluminium panels up to 4 x 2 metres to depths of ¾”, 1", 1 ½”, 2" or 4" (although 4" deep panels are heavier). As with the stretchers the aluminium panels are lightweight and will not warp or change in any way. We can also make aluminium panels in a variety of unusual or bespoke shapes.
Floating Aluminium Panels
A Floating Aluminium Support is similar to an aluminium panel, however the sub-frame is set back from the edge of the aluminium sheet - so when mounted on a wall, the surface appears to float. This has all the same qualities as a panel, but looks more delicate. We can also cut aluminium sheets in virtually any shape.
Gesso Panels
A Traditional Gesso is a mixture of Rabbit Skin Glue and Whiting applied to give a soft and slightly more absorbent surface than acrylic primers due to its chalky quality. Gesso is the ideal surface for wooden panels as it dries as a hard layer which can be built up to your desired finish.
We can achieve a beautifully smooth finish in our spray booth by applying two layers of gesso over a layer of sealer which means no brush marks and a soft consistent finish.
We can make gesso prepared surfaces on two types of support; the Gesso tablet is 5/8” Ecologique Low Emission MDF sheet with slightly rounded edges which sits flush on the wall with pre drilled keyhole slots for hanging.
The second type of gesso panel is ideal for working to larger sizes and uses a thinner sheet of Ecologique Low Emission MDF, Birch Ply or Gaboon (red wood Ply) typically ¼” which is then supported with a more substantial tulip wood subframe. This method is recommended on sizes over 30”.
Paper Panels
We can mount any type of paper onto a variety of panel surfaces of different thicknesses.
Our paper panels consist of three elements:
1. Substrate
The panels we use consist of a paper honeycomb core, faced with acid free buffered paper to produce a lightweight and rigid panel. Buffering with Calcium Carbonate raises the Ph level in the material, enabling it to last much longer before succumbing to airborne pollutants. Honeycomb board is favoured by professional artists working on a large scale as it is extremely lightweight, has archival qualities and is ideal for providing a sturdy, rigid support to work on.
2. Drymounting Process
We use a pressure sensitive archival film to mount the selected paper to the front of the panel. This is a water based acrylic adhesive, coated on both sides of a 0.5mm polyester film providing a permanent bond.
3. Drawing Surface
As picture framers, we have a close relationship with leading international paper mills and have access to a range of the very best 100% cotton paper. We have a strong knowledge of archival papers and processes and can advise according to your specific requirements.
All of our paper surfaces are buffered with Calcium Carbonate to help protect finished pieces of work from discolouration caused by acids present in pollution. The surface is also coated in gelatine making it strong and resilient.
