Your Guide to Ampersand Gessobord, Pastelbord, and Aquabord

Listen, I’ve been there—standing in the art supply store, staring at a wall of panels, wondering if I’m about to blow my budget on something that’ll ruin my next masterpiece. Spoiler alert: I once cheaped out on a big box brand board, and my oil paint wouldn't stick right - I swear it pulled into weird piles in spots...it was like it just wanted to recoil from the quality of the board! Anyway....

That’s why I LOVE Ampersand panels. These babies—Gessobord, Pastelbord, and Aquabord—are like the holy trinity of painting surfaces for artists who want quality.  Let’s dive into the most common questions about these game-changers and why they’re worth every penny.

P.S. we sell these at Huntsville Art Supplies and they were one of the reasons Stephanie opened the store, (she used to order her panels from a big box store and they came damaged and she got tired of the excuses!  So, here at Huntsville Art Supplies, you get to hold and carry your own panels knowing they are in perfect condition for your work because that is how they are shipped here—no pressure, just transparency!

Why Ampersand Panels Are Fantastic

Before we get to the FAQs, let’s set the stage. Ampersand has been crafting archival, eco-friendly panels for over 25 years, made from US-grown, FSC-certified wood with their fancy Archiva-Seal™ technology to prevent yellowing (aka support-induced discoloration, or SID and provides an acid-free seal!). These panels are pH-neutral, formaldehyde-free, and built to last longer than your last art supply obsession. Whether you’re slinging oils, pastels, or watercolors, Ampersand’s got your back. Now, let’s tackle the questions I get asked all the time by my artist community.

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FAQs About Ampersand Gessobord, Pastelbord, and Aquabord

What’s the Deal with Gessobord, and Why Should I Care?

Gessobord is your go-to for oils, acrylics, and mixed media. It’s a hardboard panel pre-coated with a lightly textured acrylic gesso that’s ready to paint on—no tedious priming required. The surface is smooth but not too smooth, giving you just enough tooth for brush control without feeling like you’re painting on sandpaper. I love it because it doesn’t dull my colors, and the absorbency is just right for blending oils without them drying too fast. Artists like Scott Gellatly use it for plein air work because it’s sturdy and won’t warp, even in humid conditions.

Pro Tip: Available in sizes up to 48x72 that Huntsville Art Supplies can special order for you and depths like 1/8” flat or 2” cradled, it’s perfect for everything from tiny studies to massive murals. Try it with Rosemary & Co. brushes for precision (affiliate link—thank me later).

Is Pastelbord Better Than Pastel Paper?

Pastelbord is like pastel paper’s cooler, tougher cousin. It’s a hardboard coated with a clay, gesso, and marble dust mix that creates a gritty, toothy surface perfect for layering pastels—soft, hard, or oil—without needing buckets of fixative. Unlike paper, it won’t buckle under wet techniques, so you can slap on thin washes of watercolor or acrylic to tone it first. It comes in four colors (grey, green, sand, white), which is great for setting the mood of your piece. One artist on Reddit swore it’s smoother than Colourfix but still grabs layers like a dream, making it ideal for detailed pet portraits.

Pro Tip: Use PanPastels for underpainting and pastel pencils for fine details like fur. Get a small 5x7 board to test it out before committing to bigger sizes.  

Why Would I Use Aquabord for Watercolors Instead of Paper?

Aquabord is a watercolorist’s fever dream. It’s a clay-coated hardboard with a texture similar to cold-press watercolor paper, but it’s way more forgiving. You can paint as wet as you like without cockling, and—get this—you can lift colors back to white for highlights! No more crying over mistakes!  Lowe Mill's artist resident watercolor artist Jennifer Redstreake loves it so much she became a Brand Ambassador for Ampersand and has taught hundreds of watercolor students who have come to love Aquabord too! Plus, once varnished/waxed, you can display your watercolor without glass. It’s a game-changer for artists who hate framing hassles.

Pro Tip: Pair it with QoR watercolors for insane vibrancy (available at Huntsville Art Supplies). Start with a small cradled panel to experiment with lifting techniques.

Which Panel Should I Choose for Mixed Media?

If you’re a mixed-media artist, all three panels can handle what you put on it, but here’s the breakdown: Gessobord is best for heavy paint and collage, Pastelbord shines with dry media like colored pencils or charcoal, and Aquabord is your pick for anything involving inks or water-based paints. The key? They’re all archival and won’t yellow, so your masterpiece won’t look like it aged in a dumpster. I once layered acrylic, ink, gold foil, and collage on Gessobord THEN added oil paint! and it held up like a champ—no cracking, no peeling.

Pro Tip: Seal unprimed panels with Golden GAC100 before going wild with mixed media to avoid discoloration.

Your Starter Shopping List for Ampersand Panels

Ready to ditch flimsy surfaces? Here’s a beginner-friendly kit to get you started:

Gessobord: Grab a 9x12, 1/8” flat panel for oils or acrylics. Affordable and versatile (want to really experience luxury - try it with Williamsburg oil paints - also available at Huntsville Art Supplies)

Pastelbord: Try a 5x7 grey or sand panel for pastel experiments. Perfect for layering.

Aquabord: Get an 8x10 cradled panel for watercolors. Test lifting techniques with a cheap brush first.

Extras: Rosemary & Co. brushes and Golden GAC100 for sealing if you’re feeling fancy (available at Huntsville Art Supplies) .

Stick to small sizes to test the waters, and always come to Huntsville Art Supplies to grab a small one and when you are ready we have the big ones too!

Keep Shining, Artists!

Ampersand panels are like the best art supply investment you’ll ever make—no more warped canvases or fading colors. Whether you’re vibing with Gessobord’s smooth reliability, Pastelbord’s toothy grip, or Aquabord’s watercolor magic, these panels will level up your work. Let’s keep creating art that lasts longer than our coffee addiction!

Until next time, stay safe, happy and healthy AND happy creating!!