Prepping hardboard panels (masonite) for oil or acrylic painting

Lightly sand the panel, whether using the smooth side or the textured weave side. I personally like the weave side of the panel. 

After sanding, wipe down the board with denatured alcohol to remove any sanding debris. Then coat the surface with Kilz (latex stain blocking primer) to make sure nothing bleeds through the gesso.

Apply gesso in horizontal strokes across the panel using a 2” brush or use a small roller to give an even stippled effect.

 

Allow to dry and lightly sand if you want a smooth surface. Apply a second layer of gesso panel at a right angle to the first coat.  This will make a slight weave pattern to the surface.  Again you can use a roller. Allow to dry and sand.

 

Make sure you use at least 2 coats of gesso because masonite is highly absorbent and the paints will sink otherwise.

To prevent warping of larger panels you can gesso both sides. For larger panels I suggest that you glue a wooden support frame on the back.

I will be starting a new oil painting on a panel I just prepared.I will post progress shots along with some close up detailed pics.