Preparing a hardboard painting surface with Fantasy Artist Jeff Miracola

[@Allie-ck2lj]

I watched this tonight and it's late. What an unexpected surprise to hear laughter! Good God, it was coming from me! I was laughing so hard that I had tears. I still don't know how to prepare a hardboard painting surface because I am afraid my laughter will wake my husband in the next room. These few minutes are priceless. Music, laughter & art, the universal languages. You got 2 out of 3 here. Thank you both so much.

[@ContainedFire]

The bloopers are absolutely hysterical!

[@richardcane3597]

One of the very better.....even best tooooootorials.....clear, thought thru and funny...good job.

[@dianehoweart6084]

Great video as usual and I love the bloopers :-) It sounds like you and your wife have lots of fun making them, so it makes it a more fun way to learn. Thank you to both of you. x

[@LeonVerhulst]

Great info and bloopers are great too

[@karottenknabe]

Invaluable knowledge and bloopers are the best combo. Thanks! Will rewatch more of your videos ;)

[@ellib2231]

Just the trick! I just got a load of cut hardboard pieces delivered cos I love the look of oil on hardboard, and wasn't sure how to prep them, so I'm really grateful for your info. Thank you.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

+Charleysays moouw Wonderful! Glad it was helpful for you :-)

[@KatieJohnsonlmp]

I really appreciated the valuable info and I was crying laughing at the unexpected outtakes!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Katie Johnson Very late reply, Katie. Sorry. Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. Also glad I could give you a good laugh with my bloopers :-) LOL

[@RaweEleganceArt]

Fuzzy underside !!lol. Yoyr videos are amazing and very helpful to me thank you for your time. The bloopers always crack me up as well.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks, Melissa!

[@mehida77]

the best advises or tips in art are from jeff, thanks so much for taking your time and share your knowledge from the deep of my heart thanks!!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@nelsonmorales8253]

Useful info even in 2018! Thanks for all your videos.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks, Nelson. Yeah, some info just never gets old :-)

[@justjustgord]

Bloopers were the best part, man... for years I've been sanding my boards clockwise, dammit.

[@peiluchoong]

😂

[@fabrizio483]

I love painting on wood. It's so much better than even Claessens' linen, specially for realism. Great video. Thanks.

[@stewarth]

YOU are a work of art!

[@JackHoward96]

"Deathkeeper" is easily in the top 5 coolest images ever made.

[@nemosthebandit]

Thank you for taking the time to spread the love of art and inspire creativity with these real world tutorials. Your paintings are sick dude. You rock!

[@GarnetLynne]

we like a gentle circular motion, thanks Jeff, I do this to all my surfaces for painting

[@CMVATutorials]

Thanks Jeff, hardboard prepared like this is also great for airbrush paintings. I've used it many times.

[@MrSirang]

Omg!,. I'm still cracking up at those bloopers!,.. " six is not shown on one hand",.. Lol!, as always great video Jeff .

[@corlenkruger464]

Hey Jeff , thanks for taking the time to make these great videos , they are a great help. Keep up the excellent work

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

You're welcome, Corlen. I appreciate the kind words.

[@Maxine_comics]

Best video for this topic I've found. Really appreciate you making the video.

[@PaintingStallion]

Watched this one just for the bloopers. And it delivered!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

LOL. Yep, I can always count on not getting it right the first, second, third, or fourth time :-)

[@PaintingStallion]

I'm glad you don't! I love that you put out great educational content, with a side of humor! I always look forward to seeing your videos in my feed.

[@dianehansma1725]

Do you frame these 1/8" panels? Ugggh, I like larger size, 30x40.....I should cradle it....but I am thinking of using a router to make a groove into wood frame then panel should slide into frame! I am thinking of using 1/4" thick panels from Home Depot and making them somewhat smaller, but I imagine they are crazy heavy! Not sure what to do! I would love your opinion on this! Thank you!

[@btnhnwa1996]

Really love watching your stuff as something to draw to, keep the vids coming they're awesome.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks Lebowski. Sorry about your rug.

[@btnhnwa1996]

Lol thanks, it turned out not to be the issue anyway.

[@craigiesnoop]

Funny video, all your videos are great!! Are you going to paint on that board, would love to see it?

[@mbkongalor]

Great video! I love the bloopers you guys do! FUZZY UNDERSIDE!

[@artbycarlgookins]

Something of value....."Like a Teddy Bear's ass?" LOL. Love it Jeff. Thanks so much! Great teaching and entertaining too.

[@moosey62]

Hey Jeff. Thanks for this. Just what I was hoping to find. Cheers

[@bizzyrizzla8815]

Thanks for the videos, they're great. Love your style and your bloopers are hilarious. :)

[@jamesabell9494]

Thanks this is really useful, I want to do some big city works but the large canvases cost a lot. Your work is framed in glass, my work is abstract and will be built up a lot with flexible modelling paste etc. I guess the hardboard will still be ok once treated if it has no glass frame? I aim to mount the works on a floating frame. Best regards, James.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

That "magical" surface is the slurry of wet glue and wood fibers which have been "hot pressed" on one or both sides. It's a magical process, that leads to your magical results. It's also highly automated. Kinda like an orbital sander is... which can make that sanding job last only ten seconds. Really. Only ten seconds. Yup. And while we are talking ten seconds, let's talk foam weeny roller for applying gesso, in this case, 30 seconds... SO- your fifteen minute video, that actually took maybe two hours to make, would take me 30-40 minutes, because, blowdryer. Dude, your outtakes were hilarious! Thanks! Tune in next time, when I talk about PVA Primer, that cost less than a tenth the price of gesso, and comes in a five gallon buckets, can be tinted, and is sold in paint stores!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

In the time it took you to write all that, I gessoed 20 boards. Lol just kidding. I dig your response 😂😂😂

[@chrisgriffith1573]

@@jeffmiracolaartist I have been doing this for a LONG time, and I see a lot of videos that have only one perspective, and I know it all comes back to a matter of time for the research vs how busy they are... and exposure to materials that most artist will never cross paths with, who has time for experimentations? I have had the luck to have had a job that gave me insights into materials. I hope this helps! I have thought a lot about doing a video for technical depth about materials and process in preparation... if I could just find the time...

[@shawnlund]

The counter clockwise or clockwise, whatever comment made me laugh out loud. That was some funny and unexpected shit 😂

[@jessejamesnebraska]

would love to see more painting techinques...blending glazing layering etc. keep up the good work i enjoy ur vids!

[@lgvg1684]

By the way, I love your art work and I enjoy too much your videos, thanks for sharing

[@DrawWithAury]

Great Jeff !!!!!! I'm waiting you video's always week's !!! Big Hello from Italian artist !!! Aury

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks, Aury!

[@monkiemind1596]

Nice one Jeff! keep em coming, its a big help!

[@maldoori238]

Useful tips and advice. Many thanks

[@martyemmons1859]

I give you a "like" based on your t-shirt alone! I'm still in awe of Bruce Lee.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

LOL YES! Bruce Lee rocks! thx

[@martyemmons1859]

@@jeffmiracolaartist, I still use Bruce Lee's philosophy. Something he taught his students was to "honestly express yourself", using a system of liabilities and assets. He didn't invent the technique, but he taught it.

[@dougg1075]

Nice Frazetta like composition on that Magic the gathering painting

[@Dragon21Studios]

awesome video and very interesting on preparing a surface for painting. Love your videos and your bloopers xD

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks!

[@jessejzetteart5180]

So many funny scene behind it. Hahahaa.... Thank You for the video.

[@ivonlopez9999]

You should always wear a face mask when sanding MDF as it has formaldehyde in it.

[@BengtRosini13]

Yummy

[@kalbarry10]

Oh shit! I didn't know that... I've been doing it indoors as well

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Ivon, sanding without a powered tool, (lower than 600 rpms) will not produce particulate small enough to be a problem. Furthermore, MDF is not formulated with the same process that it was in the 60's. The boards are more ph stabile and do not tarnish the ground of paintings nearly as badly as they once did, I also think your assumption is based on a myth surrounding hardboard, not MDF or Masonite, which did in fact contain some nasty stuff before the 70's. As long as you are outside or wearing an N-95 mask, sanding with an orbital will be fine, for any type of wood product.

[@desembrey]

Masonite (as the first of these materials) simply came into existence from an accident of sawdust being subjected to steam and pressure. That 'coating' is in fact simply the shiny side from the the material being pressed down onto a smooth base as it is heated and pressured. It's a remarkable material given it's humble origins.

[@bradharper5397]

Nice and informative. I believe a shellac or oil based primer would also be a substitute for gesso.

[@phlinho1814]

meu caro amigo nossa fantástico suas pinturas (obras de artes ) adorei suas obras são lindos .....

[@ka8byrdie]

So . This was great . Question ... I did not use gesso but plaster / joint compound. I put that in the rough side ....? It warped ...now ...it’s dried flat??? So I’m good . But do you think it had something to do with putting in rough side ??? Any thoughts ?

[@ericnicholson870]

good hints - I will sand before applying gesso in future!

[@elizastar1973]

I was looking for info on how to prepare wood panels, found you, loved the video, was just going to thumb-up you and go my merry way, but then your bloopers came on and got me giggling, so I subscribed. lol

[@jetsonjoe]

funny and enjoyable...most a value to everyone..what...thanks

[@johnhedberg7911]

I hear you, no short cuts! Thank you for sharing. Thanks to you my pictures look a litle bit better now. Youre a great teacher. (You 2 seem like a good team ;D)

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thanks, Rob. Yeah, my wife is a special lady!

[@Lesleychill]

Awesome thanks Jeff - I'm going to have a go :)

[@FunWithPunko]

thank you so much, this really helped me to work on a big prop I'm building!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Excellent. Glad I could help :-) Good luck.

[@nyo1983]

Great video. I thing to add, always use dust mask while sanding. Hardwood dust is just irritating, but sanded gesso can damage your lungs (it did mine) and send you to bed for a week.

[@antifret]

good stuff man, this helps folks like me

[@snakemont]

Thank you so much for this vid! ThankS!

[@mickeyjackson4845]

Thanks for the info ! What about the backside? I've heard that you need to seal it with, say shellac to create a moisture barrier ?? Does that make sense, or is it not necessary? Have also heard that you should "seal" the front also, before you Gesso and sand ? Is the front sealing not necessary?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Never heard of that. I have never done that in my 25+ years. And I also have never heard of any other artists around me doing that. But hey, maybe my paintings will fall apart in 200 years. But I won't be around to care LOL

[@speckone53]

Thanks for including the bloopers funny!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Glad you enjoy me being an idiot. LOL

[@MalinLinneaCronholm]

What's the reason to use hardboards instead of canvases from the art store? Is it because it's more affordable or are there other reasons?

[@cathygarneau]

Great video! Thanks!

[@KalvinRosario]

I have a question, i bought Artist Panels from Hobby Lobby, they told me they were Masonite panels, they came with gesso already and i dont like the it takes the paint for an underpainting, could i sand it down to get a nicer smooth surface to paint on? & is it worth buying pre-gesso panels or should i just take my time and do it the way you demonstrated? thanks again for all the videos, looking forward to a new one :)

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Kalvin Rosario Pre-gessoed panels are okay. I've used them a few times. But yes, you could sand down the pre-gessoed panels if you feel the texture is too rough. Use a fine grit sandpaper so you don't end up making the board even more rough than it already is.

[@dybdal2001]

hello im from denmark, and im wondering what "gesso" is, just so i can find a product that does the same thing here in denmark :)

[@athenasword1]

I’ve saved this.its a lot easier THANKS

[@rojodosh]

Love the bloopers and your laugh! What if you primed the rough side amd then used gesso overthe primer? Would "bits" still come off?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

yes, bits would come off into the primer. I would never personally prime the rough side. It would be far too rough of a surface an again, all those little bits of fiber would mix into the primer. Wouldn't be fun to paint on for my purposes.

[@olgailjicz7450]

Thanks for your reply ,I usually use MDF which I sand because of its smooth surface and then treat with a substance called agua fond ,by the way I'm in Italy so I don't know exactly what this product contains.It seems to work but as I said some colours esp. yellow don't assorb and when you go over them come away, even if they're dry they won't take other paint.Maybe its something in that particular colour?

[@longhisketchcrawl]

Hi Jeff! can you talk about the preparing of illustration board? Thanks a lot, your videos are precius! Merry xmas! Cheers from Italy!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Andrea Longhi Andrea, I just uploaded a video today about creating an acrylic painting of a goblin. But in that video I show how I prepare my illustration boards :-) So hopefully that will help.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ope3dKOXrZd7f6s

[@athenasword1]

Can you tell me how/ why 5 coats of emulsion paint then the gesso work. Is it necessary?

[@DocFortyThree]

Thanks for this info.

[@christophersolis3552]

Jeff, what if you want to mount linen on the borad,do you still need to put gesso on the panel before glueing the linen ?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

No, you do not need gesso on the board in that case. Just mount your linen to the board and then gesso your linen.

[@glennhardy6071]

Hello Mr. Miracola, I bought white hardboard and I'm going through the steps of gessoing the board, but I'm afraid it wouldn't come out the same since it's not the brown hardboard.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Glenn, I have never used the white hardboard. I have to assume the white portion is pre-painted onto the board. And I'd imagine it is rather smooth. Using gesso adds a bit of texture or tooth for your acrylic or oil paints to hold on to. That's not to say that the board won't work just the way you have it. But since I haven't used it before, I can't give you a solid answer. The best thing to do is to use a smaller piece of it to do an experimental painting on.

[@TheDemethar]

Wow it has been 4 years. I have a question though. After all that time, do you see oil seep through some of your paintings? Because most of the time gesso alone isnt enough to keep oil from penetrating. Most of my sloppily prepared carboard, hardboard sketches show small blobs of yellowed oil behind them. I'm guessing you will have the same issue. Since you don't seal the board with pva or acrylic resin (like golden gac100 or 400)

[@graphitedesigns1]

Hi Jeff, I saw the video and applied the gesso also did sanding 3 times. still, I see the rough surface & brush strokes. how to make the board smoother for oil painting?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Without knowing exactly the thickness of the gesso you applied, what brand of gesso you used, or what kind of surface you're working on, it is difficult for me to say. But if the surface is still too rough for you after each coat and sanding, then your only option is to do a very serious sanding of that final surface. And that may require multiple sandpaper grits. Start with a very coarse sandpaper with a grit somewhere around 100-200. Then smooth everything out with a finer grit sandpaper like 800-1000 or even higher.

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

Thank you for share the video Jeff mairacola and if your uncomfortable with the word valuable then say tips for paint on surface.

[@parassharmaarts3190]

This video realy help me my friend ☺☺☺👍🙋

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

6 coats, wow!

[@mollymuzette5860]

Hi Jeff, I'm wondering if you ever have issues with surface induced discoloration since you don't seal the boards before applying gesso? Thanks!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Alena Freeman never had a problem with that in all my years preparing boards. And I’ve prepared both tempered and untempered boards. Maybe I’ve been lucky :-)

[@doggonnit5835]

Hi Jeff. I want to paint on a 1/8” x 16 x 20 mdf panel with acrylics. Do I need to seal the back to prevent warping? Great video, love the bloopers.

[@doggonnit5835]

I bought the panel from an art store not a hardware store, if that matters.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Hi Jesse. No you do not need to coat the back of the panel with gesso. It won’t warp unless you put many, many coats of gesso on the front of the board. glad my painful bloopers could bring you some joy LOL

[@Nhoxiz]

loved the bloopers lol Sooo funny :)

[@enriquemejia4802]

Thanks you sir ,,I like you beautiful video. Study made flame. Or flat wood board paint ing oil painting,, artwork shop,,,

[@lizhamilton5934]

Thanks, I needed a good laugh! I did learn something too!

[@NintendoWizard24]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Thank you.

[@jonweber.8.756]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the vids they are rad! Just wondering how you go about deciding whether to use hardboard or illustration board for your pictures? Are there any particular reasons?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Jonathan, Honestly it all depends on my mood. However, I will say that it takes a little longer for the paint to build up on the hardboard surface to the point where it is fun to work on a do the detail work I want to do. I can get much faster to that stage on illustration board. Dying time is a little faster on the hardboard, too.

[@Sky.Lukewalker]

I spray the surface with a primer, lightly sand and start painting. Seems to work fine. Should I stop doing it this way??

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

I guess it depends on what kind of primer you are talking about. If you're using standard house paint primer, you will want to consider switching to acrylic gesso. If your method is working for you, stick with it, but you'll want to keep in mind the long term effects. House primers aren't meant to last for more than 10-25 years. But more importantly, gesso has sand or pumice mixed into it which gives oil paints in particular something to adhere to. Without that extra "tooth", the paint has nothing to cling on to and the surface can become unstable, chipping away easily. Acrylic gesso also has flexibility, which is important over time as painting surfaces like canvas can expand or retract with temperature changes. Acrylic gesso is more expensive, but if you're at all concerned about the longevity of your paintings, you'll want to use all the proper materials.

[@Doug-e]

some of the companies use Linseed oil to make that smooth surface on the hard wood.

[@jessdycus2563]

Thank you for sharing this! Just wondering, what do you use to cut the hardboard? I've read people use x-acto knives to circular saws. Sorry if this has been asked already.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

I use a circular saw to cut my hardboard. It would take forever with an X-acto knife. Your hand would start to hurt from having to do too many passes to cut through the board. And you risk cutting yourself, too.

[@jessdycus2563]

jeffmiracola . Okay thank you! I was skeptical about the X-acto knife, they said they didn't cut all the way through but snapped it at a certain point. Doesn't seem like it would leave a clean enough edge to me, and they just make me nervous in general even with cutting paper. I was considering a hand saw, but looking at prices, circular saws aren't that bad and seem like they would be more efficient in the long run. Thanks again!

[@ilarisilander]

Haha, I wish I could work with you guys, seems like you are having a good time there :) It actually feels like that method is cheaper than canvas, and also it feels like it gives the painting a sense of higher quality somehow.

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Yes, the hardboard is cheaper than canvas. Especially if you buy a huge sheet of it and cut it up into smaller pieces. Painting on hardboard definitely gives a different finished surface than canvas. It is more glossy for sure.

[@FrankMakesMovies]

"Teddy Bear's ass"!! I Love It!!! Haha!!

[@marianaelenis1344]

really great big thank you!

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

You're very welcome ;-)

[@olgailjicz7450]

Can I use tempere paint on this surface . I work for schools sometimes and paint on large surfaces but sometimes the paint seems to come away when I go over the same part ,is it due to the quality of the paint? Acrilics are too expensive as its for schools

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Yes, you can use this surface for Tempera paintings. In my limited experience with Tempera paint, it is a very brittle paint and does chip off or lift off easily. If you're going to use masonite as the painting surface, I suggest you don't sand too much after you apply the gesso or even sand it at all. That way the surface has more texture or tooth and can grip the tempera paint better.

[@KaustavMukherjeeFineArt]

Hi Jeff, do you put gesso on both sides if you are preparing MDFs?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

I paint on 1/4" thick MDF, so there is no need to put gesso on the backside. If you are going to paint on 1/8" thick MDF, and the board is 18"x24" or larger, then you may need to put some gesso on the backside. But for smaller boards, I have never put any gesso on the back and never had any warping.

[@KaustavMukherjeeFineArt]

Thanks very much for your comments!

[@kitkat12326]

I love your videos! :)

[@kaydenc9428]

You made my day with that teddy bears ass comment haha

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Kayden C LOL. Glad you liked that :-)

[@rustyfenceford8724]

Thanks for the info,Jeff!:-)

[@TheGothicsun]

lol I definitely learned something of value!!! =) Now, do you need as many coats of gesso for acrylics? (it's Shay btw - so I had to ask!!)

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Hi Shay, I use so many coats of gesso because I am trying to get the board as white as possible so I don't have areas of brown showing through. I want the surface to be as evenly coated as possible.

[@TheGothicsun]

ah ok, so the extra coats are strictly to create the white surface and don't really have anything to do with the oil or acrylics, correct?

[@naniunina]

your videos make my day :')

[@maryjazzini3642]

Can I apply gesso on laminated board to be used for artistic work?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

I've never done that. Mainly because laminated board is super smooth. There isn't anything for the gesso to "grip" on to. I suppose the only way it might work is if you first sand the laminated board so you create a textured surface that will give the gesso something to cling to. But again, I haven't done this so I can't speak to the how long a painting might last on that kind of surface. The paint could chip off easily over time.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Modern hardboard is sawdust and resin/glue under pressure. There are many types and grades. The cheapest is the type with one smooth surface and the back with a rough texture that looks at if window screen was laid on it and mashed in. The better quality is smooth both sides. The original DURON was very stiff and tough and smooth. It cam in 4X8 sheets and in two widths, 1/8 th and 1/4. There were three facilities in he US that made it for 3M. All three are closed. First in Oregon (where I live), next in Michigan and then in Georgia. All gone. For some time there was no substitute . As I will not use the one side textured product, ( I do not compromise) I had to scramble. First I bought the product with one side in a sprayed on white finish and scuffed and repainted that side. Then other companies started making a smooth on both side product, ok but not DURON. As there was no alternative, I stopped using the 1/8th as it crumbles and will separate with your fingernail. I went to 1/4.. better but it or nothing. Did I mention I bought out every lumber yard withing 100 miles of their remaining DURON.? Alas the well went dry. But I still have 8 sheets I save for "special" projects, museum pieces, private collections such as the Alfa Romeo Museum in Australia, the Global President of Ford Motor Co. and friends . There is now a very slight slim to none availability of "artists hardboard" ( as the art supply places call it.. and some at a couple local lumber yards. "Cabinet" ( as in sloppy American version of cabinets not the professional stuff made in Europe.. we don't have but a few real cabinet makers.. the rest are push pull click click get the job get it done get the money hacks) makers used this product for cabinet backs and bottoms and sometimes sliders. But for all you aspirants.. there is a "new" product called " Eucaboard" ... you guessed it, made from eucalyptus trees. Still made with sawdust glue.resin under pressure. There are 2 thicknesses, somewhere near and 1/8th and some where near a 1/4 minus... the thicknesses are actually metric, but who's counting. It is available from a few box stores such as Home Creepo and Blowes) There is a slight texture to the backside, but not as rough or unsightly as the hardboard you usually find. Prices between $15 and $20 a 4x8 sheet.. Good luck. Sanding.. Two points. 1. In this video there is a disgraceful demonstration of whacking a sheet of sandpaper...crude and wasteful and useless. First fold it in half to make two roughly 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 sheets. I'll stop here.. go to youtube and put in the professional way to cut a piece of sandpaper. 2. 100 grit is too rough it will tear the snot out of hardboard. and cut you precious surface. 400 is too fine. Get some 220 and be done with it to prep with gesso or acrylic primer..yes they are different unless you get acrylic gesso. (which is a misnomer) 3. Get a proper palm or small orbital sander..I used Porter Cable ( professional) but there are other makes get one with a rectangular platen(sp) to accept your properly folded and torn/cut sandpaper. Use your 220. You can consider 400 for sanding in between layers of gesso. As to coating both sides of your board. Yes, that is the way professionals would do it. There is another product called MDF... Medium Density Fiberboard. as mentioned.. However look for MEDITE.. thinnest is 1/4 inch.... it is the Mercedes-Benz of MDF.... I would say Cadillac but since the 70s they are complete junk. Yes I was in the car biz for 25 years, then a furniture maker/folk artist for 20 years , then an artist full time for the last 10 yrs, more if you count I was doing this on and off since the mid fifties when I was a little kid. No I do not believe in modest ,, it is a bullspit affectation. I delight in saying I cannot keep up with orders, and I do not advertise nor have a you tube account. Far too busy.

[@HodajuciParadoks]

Do you use sand paper after the last coat of geso?

[@popculturechameleon5100]

What size board do you normally use for your painting submissions

[@jessdycus2563]

Another Question. Have you ever tried Kinsser or Kilz oil based primer sealer instead of gesso? I read on a thread on wetcanvas that some people prefer it to gesso, and wondered if you had any thoughts on it. ( www.wetcanvas.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-940348.html )

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Jess, I have not tried it, no. Maybe when I get the time I'll experiment with it. Thanks :-)

[@LarsLeonhard]

Love your videos and just bought the 6,5 oil painting video the other day... One question: What thickness mdf do you recommend? Is 3 mm or 6 mm better?

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

With most of my paintings on masonite I use the thicker 6mm (1/4" thick) MDF. But if the painting is small enough I have used the 3mm thick board, too. I have used the 3mm thick MDF for paintings under 16 inches x 20 inches. But if you are worried about the MDF warping at all, just always get the 6mm thickness.

[@LarsLeonhard]

Thanks. Good to know! Continue the great work and thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@LarsLeonhard]

Sorry, one final question. I found some mdf locally in a place not too far away and where the cost is good and they cut them for decent prices too. However it says raw MDF and untreated surface. Does it have to have one blank or treated surface that you use? If I can bother you to take a look I would be very grateful.. www.silvan.dk/raw-standard-mdf-plade-1220-mm-2440-mm-6-mm?id=4220-9583461

[@jeffmiracolaartist]

Lars Leonhard actually, untreated MDF is more ideal. Then you don't have any chemicals potentially leeching into your paints. So try it out and see how you like it :-)

[@LarsLeonhard]

Thanks Jeff :-)