Best Gessoboard of 2025

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Gessoboard is a popular choice for artists who want a smooth and sturdy surface for their paintings. Made with a hardboard panel and a layer of gesso, these boards provide an excellent base for acrylics, oils, and other mediums. They come in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different preferences and styles. Gessoboard is also lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for both studio and outdoor use. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, Gessoboard can help you create beautiful and long-lasting artworks.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

PHOENIX Gesso Boards 11x14 - 4 Pack Cover #TOP 1
PHOENIX Gesso Boards 11x14 - 4 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel Cover #TOP 2
Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel Cover #TOP 3
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Gessoboard

#TOP 1

PHOENIX Gesso Boards 11x14 - 4 Pack

PGBF19-4PK-11X14IN
11"x14"
PHOENIX Gesso Boards 11x14 - 4 Pack Cover
PHOENIX Gesso Boards for Painting - 11x14 Inch / 4 Pack - Smooth Surface 3/4 Inch Cradled Wood Panels for Oil & Acrylic Paints, Crafts & Pouring Art

The PHOENIX Gesso Boards are pre-primed wood panels that save you time and effort by eliminating the need for applying and sanding gesso yourself. Made from high-density pinewood, these panels provide a rigid support that holds up under heavy layers and detailed work. Their cradled design prevents warping, allowing for a smooth surface that can be customized or hung directly on the wall. With options for both fine and coarse textures, these boards are versatile enough for various mediums, making them ideal for your next creative project.

What We Like
Pre-primed for convenience
Durable pinewood construction
Cradled design prevents warping
Versatile for mixed media
#TOP 2

Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel

GBS08
1/8" Flat Profile
8" x 10"
Ampersand Gesso Wood Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Gesso Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Gessobord, 8" x 10", 1/8" Flat Profile

The Ampersand Gesso Panel is designed for artists who want a premium surface for their creative work. Its museum-quality hardboard is treated with Archiva-Seal and features a professional-grade, acid-free acrylic gesso, providing a smooth and even texture that's perfect for your painting needs. Whether you're working with oil, acrylic, or mixed media, this panel helps to enhance your artwork's vibrancy. The high-density hardboard core ensures that your creations are well-supported, preventing any warping or bowing. With its strength and durability, this panel is ideal for heavy applications, allowing you to layer your materials without worry.

What We Like
Museum-quality surface
Warp-resistant hardboard
Supports vibrant colors
Durable for heavy applications

Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel

APS1114
1/8" Flat Profile
11" x 14"
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Artist Painting Panel: Primed Smooth, 11" x 14", 1/8" Flat Profile

Ampersand Gesso Panel is an ultra-smooth, ready-to-paint art wood panel that is perfect for various art mediums. This panel is primed and coated with acid-free acrylic gesso on the top and sides, ensuring a smooth surface for your artwork. The high density fiber core provides strength and prevents warping, making it durable for long-lasting use. Whether you're painting with oil or acrylic, using ink or graphite, creating collages, mounting artwork, or even pouring paint, this panel is ideal. Its fully primed sides allow your artwork to carry over, and the stable surface can handle heavy paint applications. With over 25 years of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, Ampersand Art Supply has established itself as a leader in painting panels.

What We Like
Primed smooth surface
High density fiber core
Ideal for multiple art mediums
#TOP 4

Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel

HB09
9" x 12"
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 9" x 12", 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

The Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel is a museum-quality, versatile painting surface that provides unparalleled support for your artwork. Made from premium, warp-resistant, FSC-Certified Hardbord, this panel prevents damage from warping. It is compatible with all acrylic gessoes, specialty grounds, traditional gesso, and oil primers. Additionally, it can be used as a support to mount various materials. This hardboard is ultra-stable and is the choice substrate for all Ampersand Museum Series coated panels. Made in the USA, it is the perfect choice for artists who want to deliver quality and craftsmanship in their artwork.

What We Like
Museum-quality, stable substrate
Versatile surface compatible with various mediums
Can be used as a support for mounting materials
Ultra-stable for long-lasting use
Proudly made in the USA
#TOP 5

Da Vinci Ultra Smooth Gesso Panel

DaVinci Wood Panel
PGBU19-1212
Single
12x12"
Da Vinci Ultra Smooth Gesso Panel Cover
Da Vinci Pro Ultra Smooth Gesso Panels - Silky Smooth Surface for Caseins, Egg Tempera, Trompe L'Oeil, Graphite, Colored Pencil, Acrylic, Gouache - [Single 3/4" Gesso Panel - 12x12"]

The Da Vinci Gesso Panel is designed for artists who need a smooth surface for their detailed work. Whether you're using egg tempera, caseins, or other brittle media, this panel provides an ideal backdrop for your creative expression. Its buffed finish allows for easy application of various mediums, including colored pencils and graphite, giving you the flexibility to explore different techniques. Additionally, the white acrylic polymer gesso ensures that your colors pop, making it perfect for high-detailed portraiture and trompe l'oeil art. This panel is a reliable choice for achieving the precise results you desire in your artwork.

What We Like
Silky smooth surface
Ideal for detailed artwork
Compatible with various media
High-quality archival finish
#TOP 6

GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, Set of 10

ICIMCP810
white
8"x10"
GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, Set of 10 Cover
GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

The GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards set includes 10pcs of 8x10" inch canvas panels, each primed with 8 oz. of acid-free acrylic gesso. The 100% cotton canvas panels are suitable for various artist media and are perfect for creating school projects, parties, and home decorations. The medium grain of the cotton surface holds the paint without absorbing it and has excellent tinting strength and touching sense. It is a high-quality and archival set.

What We Like
Primed with acid-free acrylic gesso
Suitable for various artist media
Medium grain holds paint without absorbing it
#TOP 7

Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Art Painting Panel

APC151114
11"x14"
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Art Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Wood Gesso Art Painting Panel: Canvas Texture, 1.5 Inch Cradle, 11" x 14"

Ampersand Gesso Panel is a canvas texture wood panel that is ready-to-paint. It is coated with acid-free acrylic gesso, making it ideal for oil and acrylic painting. The 1-1/2" premium birch plywood cradles provide extra support to protect your art and prevent warping. With the familiar feel of canvas texture, this panel is perfect for arts, crafts, and hobbies. It offers a strong and stable surface that can withstand heavy paint applications and rigorous palette knife work. Ampersand Art Supply has been a leader in painting panels for over 25 years, ensuring unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.

What We Like
Primed canvas texture
1.5 inch cradle
Canvas texture coating

Arteza Wooden Canvas Board Pack

ARTZ-8723
White
10x10 Inch
Arteza Wooden Canvas Board Pack Cover
ARTEZA Wood Canvas Boards, 10 x 10 Inches, Pack of 5, Birch Wood, Wooden Panels for Acrylic and Oil Painting, Wood Burning, Crafting

Arteza Wood Panels are versatile and uniform in size, suitable for various art techniques like oil painting, acrylic pouring, wood burning, and mixed media. The convenient bulk pack of 5 saves you time and money. Each panel has a smooth and sturdy surface with sanded edges, providing a reinforced surface ready for display. Designed by artists, these panels aim to inspire creativity and make art supplies accessible to all. Arteza cares about its customers, ensuring a great experience and addressing any issues promptly.

What We Like
Versatile for various art techniques
Convenient bulk pack
Smooth and sturdy surface
#TOP 9

Da Vinci Pro Resist-Grip Gesso Panel 18x24"

White
18x24"
Da Vinci Pro Resist-Grip Gesso Panel 18x24" Cover
Da Vinci Pro Resist-Grip Textured Gesso 2"" Panel (Single) 18x24"" - 4 Pack

The Da Vinci Gesso Panel is an excellent choice for artists working with acrylics, encaustics, and more. Its textured surface provides a strong grip for heavy-bodied acrylics, allowing you to create multiple layers without worrying about peeling. This unique panel also features a toothy primer that holds pastels and colored pencils securely, making blending and layering effortless. Additionally, the warp-resistant design ensures durability, while the kiln-dried New Zealand Pine cradles can easily accept various finishes, enhancing your artwork's presentation. Enjoy a hassle-free painting experience with this versatile panel.

What We Like
Strong grip for heavy mediums
Durable, warp-resistant design
Easy blending with pastels
Suitable for multiple art styles
#TOP 10

Centurion Oil Primed Linen Panels

Centurion
E5331OPCP0912X6
White
9x12 - 6 Pack
Centurion Oil Primed Linen Panels Cover
Centurion Deluxe Professional Oil Primed Archival Linen Panels - Enhanced Oil Priming for Superb Performance & Color Retention - [6 Pack - 9x12"]

The Centurion Linen Panels are designed for artists of all levels, featuring acid-free and archival-quality linen that ensures durability and longevity. The exclusive oil priming enhances color retention, allowing your artwork to maintain its vibrancy over time. With a medium weight and texture, these panels provide a stable surface for oil and alkyd painting. Additionally, their compact size makes them easy to transport, perfect for artists on the go or for those who want to paint outdoors. You can easily store them without taking up much space, making them a convenient choice for your artistic endeavors.

What We Like
Enhanced color retention
Compact and portable
Archival-quality materials
Stable painting surface
Suitable for all skill levels
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is gesso board used for?

Gesso board is a popular choice for professional artists working with oils and acrylics. It provides a superior quality acrylic gesso ground that doesn't dull colors and offers excellent brush control for fine detail. Gessobord is suitable for plein air, palette knife work, heavy impasto, wipe-out, and glazing techniques.

2. Should I gesso wood before painting?

Yes, it is recommended to apply a layer of primer or gesso on wood before painting on it. This preparation step creates a barrier layer that protects the wood and prevents the paint from sinking into the surface and appearing matte or uneven in spots.

3. Can you use acrylic paint on gesso board?

Absolutely! Gesso board is an excellent choice for acrylic painting. Unlike traditional gesso, Gessobord is ready to use, eliminating the need for applying and sanding multiple layers of gesso. It provides a suitable surface for acrylic paint without any additional preparation.

4. Can you paint on a gesso board?

Yes, gesso board is specifically designed for oil and acrylic painting. It comes ready to use straight out of the packaging, allowing you to start painting immediately. The acrylic gesso coating on Gessobord offers the right level of absorbency, enabling you to blend oil colors and maintain their slower drying time.

5. Does a canvas panel need gesso?

Yes, gesso is necessary for preparing the surface of a canvas panel for painting. It creates a slightly textured surface that accepts acrylic paint well. Without gesso, the paint would seep into the weave of the canvas, resulting in a less desirable finish.

6. What happens if you paint without gesso?

Painting without gesso can cause the wet paint to seep directly into the fibers of a canvas or other absorbent surface. Gesso provides a protective barrier between the paint and the surface, ensuring better adhesion and preventing the paint from soaking in too much. It also helps create a smoother surface for painting.

7. Can I paint directly on gesso?

While you can paint directly on a gesso layer, it's important to note that if you apply oil paint directly on top of a completely dry acrylic gesso layer, the absorbency can cause brushstrokes to drag and break during the initial application. This is a common challenge when painting over acrylics with oils on a newly gessoed support.

Editor's Notes

During our gessoboard research, we found 24 gessoboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,500 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gessoboard list. We found that most customers choose gessoboard with an average price of $14.42.

The gessoboard are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gessoboard, including PHOENIX, Ampersand Art Supply, DaVinci Wood Panel, GOTIDEAL, ARTEZA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 246 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.