Ampersand Gessobord – Smooth & Archival Panels for Professional Painting
Upgrade your painting surface with Ampersand Gessobord - museum-quality panels that keep your colors bold and lasting. Shop now.

If you’re an artist searching for a high-quality, versatile surface to bring your creative visions to life, you’ve likely come across Ampersand Gessobord. Renowned for its durability and exceptional performance, this product is a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. Let’s see what makes this gessobord a top choice and how it can elevate your artistic endeavors.
What is Ampersand Gessobord?
Ampersand Gessobord is a museum-quality panel designed for artists working in various mediums such as acrylic, oil, and mixed media. The surface is pre-coated with professional-grade acrylic gesso, ensuring a perfectly prepared surface right out of the box. This eliminates the hassle of priming, saving you time and effort.
Key Features
- Archival Quality: Made with a rigid, warp-resistant Hardbord base.
- Ultra-Smooth Finish: Perfect for detailed work and precise brush strokes.
- Ready-to-Use: Pre-primed with acid-free gesso.
- Versatile: Compatible with acrylic, oil paints, and even dry media like charcoal.
Why Choose Ampersand Gessobord?
Here are some reasons why Gessobord stands out in a crowded market:
1. Unmatched Durability
Unlike traditional stretched canvas, this gessobord doesn’t sag or warp over time. The solid Hardbord base provides a stable surface that maintains its integrity for years, making it ideal for professional artists aiming to create gallery-worthy pieces.
2. Superior Absorption
The high-quality gesso allows for even absorption of paint, ensuring consistent application and vibrant colors. This feature is particularly beneficial for techniques that require layering or glazing.
3. Eco-Friendly and Safe
Ampersand prides itself on producing eco-friendly products. Their panels are made from FSC-certified wood and are formaldehyde-free, ensuring both quality and sustainability. Learn more about their environmental commitment here.
4. Ideal for Detail-Oriented Work
The smooth surface of Gessobord is perfect for artists who focus on fine details. Whether you’re creating intricate portraits or hyper-realistic still lifes, this panel will support your precision.
Who Should Use Ampersand Gessobord?
This versatile product is suitable for a wide range of artists:
- Professional Painters: Seeking a reliable, high-quality surface for their work.
- Hobbyists: Looking for an easy-to-use, pre-primed option to experiment with.
- Mixed Media Artists: Needing a surface that can handle different techniques and materials.
How to Use the Gessobord?
Getting started with Gessobord is simple. Here are a few tips to maximize your results:
Prep the Surface (Optional)
While the Ampersand Gessobord is ready to use, some artists prefer to sand the surface lightly for an ultra-smooth finish.
Choose Your Medium
Gessobord works beautifully with acrylics, oils, and water-based paints. You can also use charcoal, graphite, or even collage materials.
Seal Your Work
Once your artwork is complete, use a high-quality varnish to protect the surface and enhance its vibrancy.
Where to Buy Ampersand Gessobord?
Blick Art Materials offers the full range of Ampersand panels, including sizes from small 5" × 7" boards to large studio formats. Available in both flat and cradled styles, these panels come pre-primed with a professional-grade gesso, ready for oil, acrylic, and mixed media.
Amazon carries a variety of options, from individual panels to multi-packs, with both thin and deep cradles available. Shoppers can find competitive pricing, quick delivery through Prime, and access to popular sizes for both studio and plein air painting.
Final Words
If you’re serious about your art and want a surface that enhances your technique while standing the test of time, Ampersand Gessobord is an excellent choice. Its durability, versatility, and artist-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main benefit of using Ampersand Gessobord?
The gessobord offers a durable, warp-resistant surface with an ultra-smooth finish, perfect for detailed and professional-grade artwork.
2. Can I use watercolor on this Gessobord?
While it’s primarily designed for acrylics and oils, you can experiment with watercolors by sealing the surface first to prevent excessive absorption.
3. Is the Gessobord eco-friendly?
Yes, it is made from FSC-certified wood and is formaldehyde-free, making it an environmentally conscious choice.