How to Prepare a Masonsite Panel for Oil Paint
- 1). Choose a primer to work with. Acrylic gesso is widely available in art supply stores and large online retailers, and has become the most commonly used priming material for oil painting. You can also use rabbit skin glue, a material that was popular during the Italian Renaissance, but this material requires additional preparation. (Consult the first resource for instructions on using rabbit skin glue.)
- 2). Stir the primer with a large wooden or plastic spoon or stirring rod to loosen the material. Consult the primer's container to see if dilution is necessary and, if it is, pour some of the primer into a separate plastic container and add a small amount of water.
- 3). Dampen your gesso brush with water and then use the brush to spread the primer evenly over one side of the masonite panel. Consult the primer's container to see how many coats are required to create an opaque surface. Let each coat dry thoroughly before adding the next one.
- 4). Allow the primer to dry and then cover the panel's other side with the same number of coats. This will prevent the panel from bending as it continues to absorb the primer into its surface.
- 5). Allow primer to dry completely on both sides of the panel before you begin painting.
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