How to Prep Wood to Be Painted on

APRIL 2019 UPDATE - *SEAL WITH GAC 100 BEFORE GESSO*
Since uploading this video, I’ve learned that an extra step could be included in this process. I got a few comments saying I’m doing this wrong. Although some were rude comments, they weren’t entirely wrong. I did more research and agreed that there needs to be an extra step before applying gesso. Please apply a coat of an acrylic primer like GAC 100 to seal the wood and protect it from acids, especially if you're painting with oils.

According to this link goldenpaints.com/technicalinfo_prepsupp ,
using opaque acrylics like I have been with a gesso-only technique has been fine. But if you’re looking to use other mediums like oils or transparent paints, a primer/size needs to be applied.

Gesso-only prep has worked well for me all the years I’ve been using the technique, and I’ve gotten to visit some old pieces that looked great! But I’m always looking to improve, and I’ve added GAC 100 to my routine for even more insurance that my art will last long.

My apologies on a missing step and I always hope this information helps.

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Hi everyone! Welcome to my first tutorial video :)

This is my process for priming wood panels with gesso before I paint on them with acrylic. I've been doing this for about 6 years now
and it has served me well. If you have further questions, please ask away and I'll be happy to answer them in the comments. I hope this is a helpful video for you!

● MATERIALS ●

• WOOD •
- Ampersand Panels
bit.ly/2imST6G

- Blick Studio Panels
bit.ly/2iSkk4E

- For Michael’s Craft store wood, its better to visit the store in person. The wood tends to have a lot of knots in it, so you’ll need to sort through it.

• GESSO •
bit.ly/2iSlw82

• BRUSHES •
- The dusting brush was just a household paintbrush similar to these:
low.es/2ja8p39
You can get them at just about any hardware or art store

- The foam brush
bit.ly/1tm6nB1

• SANDPAPER •
low.es/2iuXfHB

Song: The Losers "Gotta Keep Moving