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Richard Budig · 08-11-2005, 02:31 PM

I've been using Masonite panels for awhile now, especially for quick stuff and the not-so-important. I've always used the smooth side, which I rough up with course sandpaper, and then apply gesso. It usually take two -- sometimes, three -- coats to get it sifficiently isolated from the fiber panel.

I recently decided to try using the rough, dimpled side of the Masonite panel, and was surprised at how much gesso this side of the panel drinks, and continues to drink.

I got to wondering if it would be wise to size the rough side before putting on the gesso. I used to keep some animal glue, but lost it, or threw it out several years ago. Don't want to buy a big batch for a small experiment. I'm not sure I'll want to paint on the rough side, anyway.

I was wondering if something like dilute Elmer's Glue would work as a size for the rough side of Masonite.

Any ideas?

08-11-2005, 02:31 PM	#1
Richard Budig Juried Member Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 260	Do you size Masonite? I've been using Masonite panels for awhile now, especially for quick stuff and the not-so-important. I've always used the smooth side, which I rough up with course sandpaper, and then apply gesso. It usually take two -- sometimes, three -- coats to get it sifficiently isolated from the fiber panel. I recently decided to try using the rough, dimpled side of the Masonite panel, and was surprised at how much gesso this side of the panel drinks, and continues to drink. I got to wondering if it would be wise to size the rough side before putting on the gesso. I used to keep some animal glue, but lost it, or threw it out several years ago. Don't want to buy a big batch for a small experiment. I'm not sure I'll want to paint on the rough side, anyway. I was wondering if something like dilute Elmer's Glue would work as a size for the rough side of Masonite. Any ideas?