Wooden Painting Boards(6)
Our wooden painting boards are great for all kinds of art projects! You can use a wide selection of mediums on them, and they look great when hung on the wall without any need for a frame. We’ve got a variety of different sizes and shapes in our collection of wooden painting boards, so you can find the perfect setting for your next masterpiece with this carefully crafted collection.
Wooden Painting Boards Online Australia
Riot Art & Craft stocks a wide range of wooden painting boards online in Australia, covering birch panels, MDF boards, cradled art boards, and round shapes in primed and unprimed finishes. If you are working in oils, acrylics, resin art, or mixed media, a wooden board offers a rigid, archival-quality surface that canvas simply can't replicate. Free metro shipping on orders over $80.
Discover the difference a quality surface makes. Shop wooden painting boards exclusively at Riot Art & Craft with free metro shipping on orders over $80.
Primed vs Unprimed — Which Wooden Board Is Right for Your Project?
The choice between primed and unprimed comes down to how much prep work you want to do and what medium you're working in.
Primed boards come ready to paint. They save preparation time and are the right choice for most oil and acrylic painters who want to get straight into the work. The primed surface prevents paint from soaking into the wood grain and improves adhesion and colour vibrancy.
Unprimed boards give you full control over surface preparation. Artists working in resin art typically prefer an unprimed or lightly sanded surface for better resin adhesion. Unprimed boards are also the preferred starting point if you want to apply a custom ground, tinted gesso, or texture paste before painting.
If you want to explore the full range of rigid painting surfaces, browse all of our painting canvases and canvas panel collections alongside our wooden board range.
What Can You Paint on a Wooden Board? Oils, Acrylics, resin art, and Watercolour
Wooden art boards work across a wider range of mediums than most surfaces. Oils benefit from the rigid base which eliminates the flex that causes cracking over time. Acrylics bond strongly to both primed and unprimed wood, and resin self-levels and cures evenly on the hard, flat surface without warping. For alcohol ink work specifically, see our dedicated alcohol ink boards collection.
How to Prepare a Wooden Painting Board
Preparation depends on the medium you're using and whether your board is primed or unprimed.
For oils and acrylics on an unprimed board, apply two to three coats of gesso, sanding lightly between each coat with fine-grit sandpaper. This seals the wood, prevents oil absorption, and creates a consistent painting surface.
For resin art, lightly sand the surface and wipe clean before pouring. Sealing the edges with tape prevents resin from dripping underneath the board during curing.
For watercolour, apply an absorbent watercolour ground in thin, even coats until the surface accepts water and pigment without beading. Two coats is typically sufficient.
Pre-primed boards require no preparation beyond a light inspection for dust or surface irregularities before painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between birch, MDF, and basswood painting boards?
Birch is lightweight, strong, and archival, making it the top choice for oils and acrylics. MDF is denser with an ultra-smooth surface, ideal for resin art and detailed work. Basswood is softer and lighter, suited to craft projects and decorative painting.
Do I need to prime a wooden painting board before I paint on it?
For oils and acrylics, yes. Apply two to three coats of gesso on unprimed boards to seal the wood and improve paint adhesion. For resin art, priming is not required. Pre-primed boards are ready to use straight away.
Can I use a wooden painting board for resin art?
Yes, wooden boards are one of the best surfaces for resin. The rigid, flat base allows resin to self-level and cure evenly without warping. Lightly sand and clean the surface before pouring for the best result.
What is the difference between a wooden painting board and a canvas?
Wooden boards are rigid and stable, making them better for heavy texture, resin art, and oils where surface flex can cause cracking over time. Canvas is lighter and more portable, which suits large-scale work and artists who need to travel with their pieces.