Cradled Wood Panels - SanAntonio Art Supplies, Fine Art Materials & Picture Frames For The Visual Arts

Q1 : Do you offer any other thicknesses?
At this moment we have 8 depths: 1/2 inch to 5 inch. Please contact us if you need other thicknesses.

Q2 : Is it possible to get a custom size panel?
Yes, you can order from 4x4 inch up to 120x60 inch with 1/4 inch increment.

Q3 : Is there a minimum amount to order custom-made panels?
Not anymore.

Q4 : Are the stocked wood panels and custom-made ones have the same quality?
Yes, both types are made using the same exact material and process. The only differences are custom-made ones are more expensive and the turnaround time for production is longer.

Q5 : What is birch plywood made from?
Baltic birch is a type of plywood in cabinet and furniture making and is known for its durability. It's naturally stronger and more durable than other types of plywood and often has an attractive, uniform face.

Q6 : Do you offer pre-Cut Baltic Birch Boards?
Yes, you can order 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch thickness Birch Boards here

Q7 : Do you offer ready-made artist Wood Panels?
Yes, you can order 15/16 inch or 1-5/8 inch thickness artist painting wood panels here

Q8 : What is a cradled wood panel?
A cradled wood panel is a flat wooden surface typically used as a sturdy support for creating artwork. It consists of a wooden panel with a frame, or "cradle," attached to the back, which provides stability and prevents warping.

Q9 : What is the unique feature of cradled wood panel?
Cradled wood panels are wooden panels that have an additional frame, or "cradle," attached to the back. The cradle can be made of the same wood as the panel or a different type of wood, and it provides additional support and stability to the panel.

The unique feature of cradled wood panels is that they are less likely to warp or bend over time compared to uncradled panels. This is because the cradle helps to distribute the weight of the panel evenly, reducing the amount of stress placed on the panel itself. Cradled panels are also easier to hang and display, as the cradle provides a built-in support system that can be used to attach hanging hardware or display stands.

Cradled wood panels are a popular choice for artists who work with painting, drawing, printmaking, and mixed media. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and can be made from a range of woods, including birch, maple, and poplar. Additionally, the cradle can be left unfinished or painted or stained to complement or contrast with the panel surface.

Q10 : What are the advantages of using cradled wood panels for artwork?
Cradled wood panels offer several advantages:

They provide a rigid surface that resists warping or bending.

The cradle provides additional support, making the panel less prone to damage.

They can be easily hung on a wall without the need for framing.
Cradled wood panels are suitable for various mediums, including acrylics, oils, and mixed media.

Q11 : How do I prepare a cradled wood panel for painting?
To prepare a cradled wood panel for painting, follow these steps:

Sand the surface to create a smooth texture.

Apply a suitable primer or gesso to seal the wood and provide a suitable surface for paint adhesion.

Let it dry completely before starting your artwork.

Q12 : How do I prepare a cradled wood panel for painting?
To prepare a cradled wood panel for painting, follow these steps:

Sand the surface to create a smooth texture.

Apply a suitable primer or gesso to seal the wood and provide a suitable surface for paint adhesion.

Let it dry completely before starting your artwork.

Q13 : Can I paint directly on a cradled wood panel without priming it?
While it's possible to paint directly on a cradled wood panel without priming it, it's generally recommended to apply a layer of primer or gesso. Priming helps seal the wood, improves paint adhesion, and prevents the paint from soaking into the panel.

Q14 : How do I hang a cradled wood panel on a wall?
Hanging a cradled wood panel is relatively simple. You have a few options:

D-rings or Sawtooth Hangers: Attach D-rings or sawtooth hangers to the back of the cradle using screws. These can be easily hung on nails or hooks on the wall.

Wire Hanging: Another option is to attach a wire or cord between two eye screws on the back of the cradle. This allows you to hang the panel using a single hook on the wall.

Q15 : Can I use cradled wood panels for watercolor paintings?
Yes, you can use cradled wood panels for watercolor paintings. However, since watercolor works best on a surface that can absorb the water, it's recommended to apply a layer of watercolor ground or gesso to the panel before painting. This prepares the surface to accept the watercolor pigments and allows for better control and blending of colors.

Q16 : Why is Baltic birch plywood popular among artists?
Baltic birch plywood is popular among artists for several reasons:

Stability: Baltic birch plywood is less prone to warping or bending compared to other plywood or wooden panels. This stability makes it ideal for artwork that requires a flat, rigid surface.

Strength: The multiple layers of birch veneer and the cross-bonding technique used in Baltic birch plywood contribute to its exceptional

strength. It can withstand heavy paint applications and resist damage.

Smooth Surface: Baltic birch plywood typically has a smooth surface that is suitable for a variety of artistic techniques, including painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Customizability: Baltic birch plywood panels can be easily customized in terms of size and shape to fit the artist's specific needs.

Q17 : What types of artwork are well-suited for Baltic birch plywood panels?
Baltic birch plywood panels are versatile and can be used for various artistic mediums, including but not limited to:

Painting: Acrylics, oils, and other paint mediums adhere well to Baltic birch plywood.

Drawing: The smooth surface of the plywood is suitable for drawing techniques using pencils, pens, and markers.

Woodburning: Baltic birch plywood is a popular choice for woodburning or pyrography due to its stability and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Collage and Mixed Media: The durability and strength of Baltic birch plywood make it ideal for incorporating various materials and techniques in collage and mixed media artwork.

Q18 : Can Baltic birch plywood panels be framed?
Yes, Baltic birch plywood panels can be framed if desired. Framing adds a decorative element and provides additional protection to the artwork. It can be done using standard framing techniques, or you can opt for floating frames that showcase the edges of the plywood.
Please note that in standard picture frames, approximately 1/4" of the artwork surface will be covered on each side. Conversely, in canvas floaters, no part of the image is covered. Also note that the main function of the gap provided by canvas floaters is to separate the frame from the artwork (similar to matboards in traditional picture framing).

Q19 : What are the advantages of using laser-cut Baltic birch panels?
Using laser-cut Baltic birch panels offers several advantages:

Precision: Laser cutting provides high levels of precision, allowing for intricate and detailed designs to be cut into the plywood.

Versatility: The laser cutting process can create a wide range of shapes, patterns, and designs, providing artists with diverse options for their artwork.

Speed and Efficiency: Laser cutting is a fast and efficient process, enabling quick production of multiple panels with consistent results.

Clean Edges: Laser cutting produces clean and precise edges, eliminating the need for additional sanding or finishing.

Q20 : Why you use Basswood for cradles?
Basswood is a versatile and prized wood in woodworking. It is known for its softness, making it ideal for carving intricate details. Its fine texture allows for precise cuts and smooth finishes. Basswood is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to handle and durable in finished projects. It has excellent gluing and finishing properties, and its neutral color accepts various finishes well. Basswood is affordable, widely available, and used in carving, cabinetry, musical instruments, and architectural elements. Overall, it is a favored choice for its workability and wide range of applications in woodworking.

Q21 : What are cradled wood panels?
Cradled wood panels are a type of art surface made from a solid wooden panel attached to a wooden frame, or cradle, on the back. This construction prevents warping and provides a sturdy surface for painting, drawing, and other art techniques.

Q22 : What are the advantages of using cradled wood panels over traditional canvases?
Answer: Cradled wood panels offer several advantages over traditional canvases, including greater stability and durability, a smooth surface for detailed work, and the ability to support a variety of media, including heavy applications like impasto and collage.

Q23 : Can cradled wood panels be used for both painting and drawing?
Yes, cradled wood panels are suitable for both painting and drawing. The smooth surface is ideal for detailed pencil or ink work, and it can also be primed for painting with oils, acrylics, or other media.

It is recommended to prime cradled wood panels before painting to create a smooth, sealed surface. Gesso is commonly used as a primer, but other primers may be suitable depending on the chosen medium.

To prepare a cradled wood panel, lightly sand the surface to remove any rough spots, then apply several coats of gesso, sanding lightly between coats to achieve a smooth finish. Allow the gesso to dry completely before starting to paint.

Q24 : Are cradled wood panels suitable for outdoor use?
Answer: Cradled wood panels are generally not recommended for outdoor use unless they are properly sealed with a weather-resistant varnish. Even then, prolonged exposure to the elements can cause damage over time.

To seal a finished piece, apply a clear varnish or protective coating suitable for the type of paint used. This will protect the artwork from dust, UV light, and other environmental factors. Make sure the varnish is compatible with the medium.

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