Painting on Wood

[RainySea]

Hello,

I am new to attempting large works on any surface. . . mostly I've done oil pastels on gessoed masonite or colorfix and watercolors on paper and a few acrylics on canvas. But none larger than 11 x 14

I have a large piece of wood sized perfectly to fit over my bed which I want to paint and hang there above it. BUT I have no experience in painting on wood.

So I am wondering if I should use gesso as a basecoat on the wood or some other form of primer? The paints I plan to use are acrylics.

Thank you very much in advanced for any thoughts or advice.

[VicDiPilato]

I've painted on several flat paneled doors. I always prime them first with Kilz primer and then several layers of acrylic gesso. The Kilz will prevent any chemicals in the wood from leaching out

[OddballAnn]

Yeah, it's better if you gesso or primer the board first. Painting directly on the board makes it very slippery and streaky.