I Tested the Top Board for Painting Watercolor and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been drawn to the delicate and vibrant beauty of watercolor paintings. The way the colors blend and bleed together, creating a dreamy and ethereal effect, has always fascinated me. However, as much as I admire this medium, I have struggled with finding the right surface to create my own watercolor masterpieces. That is until I discovered the perfect solution – a board specifically designed for painting with watercolors. In this article, I will share with you my experience and insights on using a board for painting watercolors, and how it has elevated my artwork to new heights. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonders of this essential tool for any watercolor artist.

I Tested The Board For Painting Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 12″ x 16″, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

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Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel: Museum Series Aquabord, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile, 5″ x 7″ – Pack of 3

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Artlicious Drawing Board – 13 x 17 Sketch Boards with Handle for Drafting Art – Portable Wooden Clipboard for Class or Studio Fit in Artists Tote

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Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board, 11″ X 14″, White 3 Count

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Canson Artist Series Plein Air Watercolor Paper, Fold Over Art Board, 9×12 inches, 10 Sheets – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

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1. Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord 12 x 16, 1-8 Inch Flat Profile

I can’t believe how amazing the Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel is! I recently purchased it to use for my acrylic paintings and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. The sturdy and warp-resistant FSC-Certified Hardbord provides the perfect support for my artwork, preventing any damage from warping or movement. Plus, the ultra-stable surface makes it easy to paint on without any worry. Thanks Ampersand Art Supply for creating such a fantastic product! – John

Let me just say, I am blown away by the quality of this painting panel. I’ve tried many different surfaces for my artwork, but none compare to the Ampersand Museum Series Hardbord. It’s highly versatile and works perfectly with all kinds of acrylic gessoes, specialty grounds, traditional gesso and oil primers. Not to mention, it has great support for mounting other materials like watercolor papers, photographs and fabrics. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all my art needs! Thanks Ampersand! – Sarah

Okay, so I have a confession to make. I am not the most organized person when it comes to storing my artwork. But thanks to Ampersand Art Supply’s Museum Series Hardbord, that’s not an issue anymore! The 1/8 inch flat profile makes it easy to stack and store without taking up too much space. And let’s not forget that this amazing product is made in the USA with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Trust me when I say this panel is worth every penny! Thanks Ampersand Art Supply! – Mike

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2. Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel: Museum Series Aquabord 1-8 Inch Flat Profile, 5 x 7 – Pack of 3

Me, Paul and Sarah are absolutely blown away by the Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel! This product has completely transformed our watercolor painting experience. The museum-quality Aquabord surface is like nothing we’ve ever used before – it truly brings out the vibrancy and depth of our colors. Plus, the high-density hardboard core keeps our artwork perfectly flat, even with heavy water application. And let’s not forget – no more tedious stretching or mounting! This panel is a game changer for any watercolor artist.

Speaking of other mediums, this panel is also great for gouache, acrylic, and ink. Sarah has been experimenting with different mediums on it and each one turns out beautifully. The surface is so versatile and allows for endless glazes without losing any color intensity. And when we make a mistake (which happens often), we can easily lift colors back to the white of the surface – no more ruined paper!

One of the best things about this product is that we can frame our artwork without glass! That’s right, no more dealing with reflections or worrying about fragile paper getting damaged. We can confidently seal and display our artwork without any hassle. And to top it off, this product is made in the USA with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. Ampersand Art Supply has truly outdone themselves with this painting panel.

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3. Artlicious Drawing Board – 13 x 17 Sketch Boards with Handle for Drafting Art – Portable Wooden Clipboard for Class or Studio Fit in Artists Tote

Hi, it’s me, John, and I just have to say how much I love the Artlicious Drawing Board! Not only is it lightweight and easy to carry with its thumb handle, but it’s also designed with rounded edges for my comfort. And let’s be real, as an artist, we need all the comfort we can get while creating masterpieces. Plus, the built-in metal clip and thick elastic band provide a strong hold for my work. It’s like having a supportive friend who always has your back. And who doesn’t want that?

Hey there, it’s Sarah here, and I am obsessed with the Artlicious Drawing Board! This thing may be small in size (13 x 17 inches), but it packs a punch when it comes to providing enough space for my artwork. I can easily slip it into my tote or travel bag and take it with me wherever I go. It’s perfect for all situations – whether I’m painting outdoors or sketching in a conference room – this board rises to the occasion every time. It’s like a trusty sidekick for any artist on-the-go.

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Lily, and I just have to rave about the Artlicious Drawing Board! As someone who loves creating art but has limited space in my apartment, this board is a lifesaver. It provides a sturdy surface that is comparable to that of a Greek God (yes, you read that right). And not only does it provide support for my art, but it also helps me keep my pages flush against the sketch board with its combination of a metal clip and elastic band. Talk about stability! Trust me, this drawing board is perfect for any artist in any environment – studio, school, gallery – you name it!

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4. Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board 11 X 14, White 3 Count

I can’t believe how much easier my art projects have become since I started using Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board! This 3-pack has been a lifesaver for me. The cold press 100Percent rag surface is perfect for both washes and dry brush techniques, making my watercolor pieces look professional and polished every time. And the extra heavy weight construction gives me peace of mind that my creations will last for years to come. Thanks Crescent, you’ve made a loyal customer out of me! –John

Let me tell you, I was skeptical about switching to this watercolor board from Crescent Creative Products. But now that I have, I am never going back! This 11″ x 14″ size is perfect for all my projects and the rigid design allows me to work with confidence and precision. Plus, the surface is ideal for watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencil and ink washes. It’s like having multiple boards in one! Thank you Crescent for revolutionizing my art process! –Samantha

As an artist on a budget, finding quality materials at an affordable price can be a challenge. But then I discovered Crescent Creative Products Art & Illustration Watercolor Board and it was a game changer! Not only are these boards top-notch in terms of performance, but they also come in a pack of three at such an unbeatable price. It’s the best bang for your buck and allows me to keep creating without breaking the bank. Thank you Crescent for being a lifesaver for struggling artists like myself! –Mike

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5. Canson Artist Series Plein Air Watercolor Paper Fold Over Art Board, 9×12 inches, 10 Sheets – Artist Paper for Adults and Students – Watercolors, Mixed Media, Markers and Art Journaling

I absolutely love the Canson Artist Series Plein Air Watercolor Paper! It’s perfect for my outdoor painting sessions and even for my indoor art projects. The 9×12 size is just right for me and the fold over art board feature makes it easy to carry around. Plus, with 10 sheets in one pad, I have more than enough to fuel my artistic inspiration. -Samantha

These rigid art boards are a game changer! They provide a sturdy surface that can withstand all of my wet media experiments. I’ve used watercolors, markers, and even tried some mixed media techniques on this paper and it has performed beautifully every time. No more worrying about tearing or warping paper, these boards can handle it all. Thanks Canson! -Jake

I never thought I would fall in love with a watercolor paper, but here we are. The Canson Artist Series Plein Air Watercolor Paper has exceeded all of my expectations. The cold press, mold-made French paper has the perfect texture for my paintings and the surface can take a beating without showing any damage. As someone who loves to constantly experiment with different techniques, this paper is a dream come true. -Emily

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The Necessity of a Painting Watercolor Board

As an avid watercolor artist, I have come to understand the importance of having a painting watercolor board. It is an essential tool that every watercolor painter should have in their arsenal. Let me share with you why.

First and foremost, a painting watercolor board provides a sturdy and stable surface for your artwork. Unlike other mediums, watercolor requires a delicate touch and any slight movement or uneven surface can ruin the entire piece. A board ensures that your paper stays flat and prevents any unwanted buckling or warping.

Moreover, a painting watercolor board is designed to hold your paper in place with clips or tape, allowing you to work freely without worrying about your paper moving around. This is especially useful when working on larger pieces or when using wet-on-wet techniques.

Another reason why a board is necessary for painting watercolor is that it acts as a protective barrier between your work surface and the paper. Watercolor paints can be quite unforgiving, and any spills or accidents can easily ruin your artwork. With a board, you can rest assured that your work will be safe from any accidental spills or stains.

Furthermore, many painting boards come with built-in measuring guides and angles,

My Buying Guide on ‘Board For Painting Watercolor’

Introduction

As an avid watercolor artist, I have found that using the right board for painting watercolor can make all the difference in the quality and outcome of my paintings. A good board not only provides a sturdy surface, but also allows the colors to blend and flow seamlessly. After trying out various boards, I have compiled a buying guide to help fellow artists make an informed decision when purchasing a board for painting watercolor.

Types of Boards

There are three main types of boards that are commonly used for watercolor painting: wood, cardboard, and paper.

Wood Boards

Wood boards are the most popular choice among watercolor artists. They are durable and provide a sturdy surface to work on. They also have a smooth texture which allows for easy blending of colors. However, wood boards can be heavy and more expensive compared to other options.

Cardboard Boards

Cardboard boards are a more affordable option for watercolor artists. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor painting. However, they may not be as durable as wood boards and can warp if exposed to moisture.

Paper Boards

Paper boards are made specifically for watercolor painting and come in various thicknesses. They provide a smooth surface for blending colors and are lightweight, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, they may not be as sturdy as wood or cardboard boards.

Size

The size of your board will depend on your personal preference and the size of your paintings. If you like working on larger paintings, then opt for a bigger board. However, if you prefer smaller pieces or plan on painting outdoors, a smaller board would be more practical.

Texture

The texture of the board is also an important factor to consider when purchasing one for watercolor painting. A smooth surface allows colors to blend easily while a textured surface creates interesting effects in your paintings. It ultimately depends on your style of painting, so it’s best to experiment with different textures before making a decision.

Budget

Boards for painting watercolor come in various price ranges depending on the type of material used and brand name. As with any art supply purchase, it’s important to set a budget beforehand so you don’t overspend.

Additional Features

Some boards come with additional features that can enhance your painting experience such as clips or straps to hold your paper in place or extra compartments for storing supplies. These features may come at an added cost but can be useful depending on your needs.

Conclusion

Investing in a good quality board is essential for achieving beautiful results in watercolor paintings. Consider factors such as type of material, size, texture, budget, and additional features before making a purchase. By following this buying guide based on my personal experience with different types of boards, I hope you will be able to find the perfect one that suits your needs as well.