Wooden Boards

Discover a whole new world of Wooden Boards with ArtStore Online.

At ArtStore Online, whether you are an avid painter, illustrator, or complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after!

We strive to bring you the best Wooden Board brands available, and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world, including Artitude and Jasart!

What are wooden boards used for in arts & crafts?

Wooden boards are versatile materials used in arts and crafts for a variety of projects due to their sturdy and durable nature. Here are some common uses:

Painting Surfaces

Alternative to Canvas: Wooden boards provide a solid, rigid surface for painting, especially suitable for acrylic, oil, and mixed media works.

Panel Painting: Historically used for panel paintings before canvas became popular. They offer a smooth, firm surface that supports detailed work.

Sign Making

Decorative Signs: Wooden boards are ideal for making decorative signs for homes, businesses, and events. They can be painted, stained, and adorned with various embellishments.

Lettering and Graphics: The solid surface supports detailed lettering and graphic designs.

Mixed Media Art

Collages and Assemblages: Wooden boards can serve as a sturdy base for mixed media projects, allowing artists to attach various materials like fabric, paper, metal, and found objects.

Texture and Layers: The rigidity of wood supports the addition of heavy textures and multiple layers of materials.

Craft Projects

DIY Home Decor: Wooden boards are used in numerous DIY home decor projects, such as shelves, picture frames, and decorative plaques.

Seasonal Crafts: Popular for creating seasonal decorations like Halloween, Christmas, or Easter ornaments and signs.

Sculpture Bases

Supporting Structure: Wooden boards are often used as bases for sculptures, providing a solid and stable foundation.

Display Platforms: They can also serve as display platforms for smaller sculptural works.

Mounting and Framing

Artwork Backing: Wooden boards can be used as backing for mounting and framing artworks, photographs, and prints.

Shadow Boxes: They are ideal for creating shadow boxes where objects are displayed in a framed, three-dimensional space.

Printmaking

Relief Printing: Wooden boards can be carved into relief prints, where the carved areas hold ink and are pressed onto paper or fabric to create prints.

Block Printing: Used as a base for block printing techniques, supporting the carving of detailed designs.

Educational Projects

School Projects: Used in educational settings for various school projects, such as model building, dioramas, and craft demonstrations.

Learning Tools: Serve as sturdy materials for creating teaching aids and interactive learning tools.

Why do artists use wooden boards in their art & craft projects?

Artists use wooden boards in their art and craft projects for their unique properties and advantages, such as sturdiness and durability, providing a rigid, stable surface ideal for heavy media applications and ensuring longevity for artworks. The smooth surface allows for fine detail work and consistent texture, making wooden boards suitable for various techniques, including painting, woodburning, carving, and printmaking. Historically significant, these boards offer a classical appeal and can be prepared and customised through sanding, priming, and cutting to specific shapes and sizes. They provide firm support, preventing the flexing seen in canvas, which ensures consistent media application, especially under pressure. Wooden boards also enhance the aesthetic with their natural grain and texture, offering a professional finish suitable for high-end displays. Additionally, they are robust for large-scale works and can be a cost-effective alternative to high-quality canvases, particularly for larger or experimental projects.

What materials can be used on wooden boards?

Wooden boards offer a versatile surface that can accommodate a wide range of materials, making them ideal for various art and craft projects. Here are some materials that can be used on wooden boards:

Paints

Acrylic Paints: Highly versatile and quick-drying, suitable for a variety of techniques and finishes.

Oil Paints: Offer rich colours and long drying times, allowing for blending and detailed work.

Watercolours: Can be used on primed wooden boards, especially if you desire unique textural effects.

Gouache: Similar to watercolour but with an opaque finish, good for vibrant and detailed artwork.

Drawing Media

Pencils: Graphite and coloured pencils work well on prepared wooden surfaces.

Charcoal: Provides deep, rich blacks and is suitable for expressive drawings.

Pastels: Both oil and chalk pastels can be used for vibrant and textured effects.

Markers and Pens: Suitable for detailed line work and illustrations.

Inks

India Ink: Ideal for bold, permanent lines and washes.

Acrylic Ink: Offers vibrant colours and is water-resistant once dry.

Alcohol-Based Inks: Provide bright, transparent colours and interesting blending effects.

Collage Materials

Paper: Can be glued to wooden boards to create collages or mixed media pieces.

Fabric: Adds texture and dimension to artworks.

Photographs: Can be adhered to the board and incorporated into mixed media works.

Adhesives

Glue: White glue, wood glue, and glue sticks can attach various materials to the board.

Mod Podge: A versatile adhesive that also works as a sealant and finish.

Gel Medium: Can be used to adhere heavier materials and create texture.

Sculptural Materials

Modelling Paste: Used to build up texture and create three-dimensional effects.

Clay: Air-dry or polymer clay can be sculpted and adhered to the board.

Wood: Additional wood pieces can be attached to create reliefs or sculptures.

Texture and Additives

Sand and Grit: Mixed with paint or medium to create textured surfaces.

Found Objects: Incorporating objects like buttons, beads, or natural elements can add dimension and interest.

Sealants and Finishes

Varnish: Protects the finished artwork and can add a gloss, satin, or matte finish.

Resin: Creates a high-gloss, durable finish and can encase objects in a clear layer.

Tips for Working with Wooden Boards

Surface Preparation: Sand the wood to smooth any rough areas and apply a primer like gesso to prepare the surface for painting or drawing.

Layering: Wooden boards can support multiple layers of materials, so feel free to experiment with layering different media.

Fixatives: Use appropriate fixatives to set drawing media like charcoal and pastels to prevent smudging.

Sealing: Apply a final sealant to protect your work from dust, moisture, and UV light.