Linda, I haven't painted on a panel in over 20 years... so am not sure if I'll like the feel of it or not! Guess I'm looking for a 'ready-to-paint' surface that is of consistent quality, archival, reasonably priced, and easy to frame. (Not to hard to please am I
) I just don't want to be spending time prepping canvases any more, or worrying about the canvas losing tautness or bouncing around once the painting is on it. Looking for something more stable.... I've ordered the Dibond panels from NT, but I'm curious about your comment regarding putting masking tape on the edges -- is the canvas not wrapped around the support?
Mary, there
is a very large difference in price for the RealGesso cradles. I was also concerned about how heavy the ones with cradles might be...? On their website forum
(here) , they recommend the cradling for the linen panels for anything larger than 16x20, to prevent cupping they say.... and they say that the cradling won't interfere with framing. Someone asked,
here , wouldn't the frame serve as a cradle, and they responded, yes if it was properly framed.
I'm still a little apprehensive myself about ordering larger than the 16x20 because am thinking that must be very heavy with the cradles.... The samples I ordered (for both the realgesso and the New Traditions were 12x16... so didn't get into the cradling thing). If anyone has used the cradles would love to hear about your experience?
Chris - have you, or would you feel comfortable, using the gator board panels for commissioned work?