Museum Series Claybord is made using 1/8" true artist hardboard and features Ampersand’s simply amazing kaolin clay ground formula similar in paintability to the clay gesso grounds used during the Renaissance.

The surface is sanded to an ultra smooth, highly absorbent finish so your paint colours remain true and brilliant. Work the surface by thinly applying paint or ink, then remove it, re-apply it, even scratch through it to add contrast, texture and fine details. Claybord is a favourite of both fine and graphic artists.

Only Ampersand builds their cradles by hand with premium grade 13-ply birch plywood for maximum stability and a clean, finished look from edge to edge. Cradles can easily be painted or stained to complement the artwork or primed with gesso to wrap the image around the edges. Choose from 3/4", 1.5" and 2" Deep, all made in the USA. For ideas on how to treat the edges of the cradle,consult this article on hanging and framing.

Every Claybord panel is protected by Ampersand's proprietary Archival-Seal barrier technology, the most advanced formula for sealing wood that prevents support induced discoloration. Ampersand uses true high-density hardboard made from US-grown renewable Aspen wood fibres. Claybord is archival, eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free and made by hand in the USA.

Apply paint and ink using brushes, sponges, palette knives, paper towels, airbrush, technical pens and painting tools. Claybord is also an excellent printing surface and can also be used for image transfers.

With Claybord, paints and inks can be manipulated to vary tonal value, create detail and to develop highlights and correct mistakes. Various artist tools can be used such as Ampersand scratchboard tools, hobby knives, razor blades, etching tools, sand paper, oil-free steel wool, and electric erasers. Claybord's clay coating allows for the use of sgraffito techniques to cut into the surface and re-expose the white clay ground. The coating is 7 to 1 dry-mils thick allowing for multiple cut-ins or erasers. The smooth finish and the absorbency of the clay ground allows the use of an abrasive like oil-free steel wool or sand paper to remove pigment without damaging the finish. Claybord’s inventor Charles Ewing demonstrates his process for using India inks in an additive and subtractive process here.

While Claybord allows the use of traditional materials, tools, and techniques, it is also an ideal surface for mixed media and experimentation. Details can be added, highlights created, and mistakes corrected.

Specifications:

• Great for use with ink, graphite, acrylic, gouache, collage, egg tempera, airbrush, and more!
• Unlimited Techniques — etching, erasing, reworking, adding color and scratching it away!
• Seal and frame without glass!
• Similar to chalk/gypsum gessoed panels of the Renaissance used for egg tempera and oils
• pH neutral, acid-free clay coating
• Sanded to an ultra-smooth and absorbent finish

More Resources from Ampersand on Using Claybord

• Using Claybord with Acrylics
• Using Claybord with an Airbrush
• Using Claybord with Casein
• Using Claybord with Egg Tempera
• Using Claybord with Inks
• Using Claybord with Oils
• Using Claybord with Printmaking
• Using Claybord with Graphic Media & Calligraphy
• Using Claybord with Graphite & Colored Pencils