Wood has proven over time that it is an excellent surface for oil paints. However, can you just use any type of wood, or are there certain types of wood that are best?
Birch and maple woods are preferred as oil paints on wood because they are hardwoods. The surface of hardwood is rigid and, therefore, the paint will not crack as it dries.
Many artists prefer using the gessobord instead of the claybord, as it is a lot less absorbent, and it needs no preparation before you can use it. Gessobord is specially designed for oil as well as acrylic paints.
The oil-based primers are effective with latex as well as oil paints, which make them very versatile, and they can also be applied to several different types of surfaces.
Latex wood primers are ideal for covering stains like lipstick, crayon, and smoke but are not very effective in covering stains like oil-based primers.
Shellac primers have been used for hundreds of years to seal and protect wood surfaces, and are the best stain blockers on the market, sealing the smell of water and smoke damage.
The wood surface you are going to paint must be clean and smooth. Make use of fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Then, seal and prime your wood.