How to Build Your Own Painting Board From Masonite

Masonite is the brand name of a type of dark brown hardboard invented in the mid-20th century. Masonite is primarily used for home construction, but it also makes a sturdy and durable canvas. Art stores sell Masonite, but you can purchase it much more cheaply from hardware stores or lumber yards. There are two types of Masonite: tempered and untempered. Untempered Masonite is the most suitable for painting. Once you have a suitable Masonite board, you must prepare it before it is ready for paint.

Pencil
Circular saw
Fine-grade sandpaper
Tack cloth
Gesso
Paintbrush
3-inch paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Cut your Masonite board down to size if necessary. Make you guide lines with a T-square or ruler and pencil. Then cut along those lines with a circular saw. Sand the cut edge lightly to remove any shavings. If you do not own a circular saw, the lumber yard where you purchased the Masonite will likely offer free cutting.
- 2
  Sand the smooth side of your Masonite board just enough to roughen it. This will help the gesso adhere. Wipe the sanded surface down with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
- 3
  Apply one layer of gesso to the Masonite. To achieve a smooth surface, paint a thick layer of the gesso on with a paint brush then roll it smooth with a small roller.
- 4
  Allow the gesso to dry for the manufacturer's recommended amount of time.
- 5
  Paint the back of the Masonite following Steps 3 and 4. This layer of gesso on the back of the Masonite will keep the board from warping.

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