Rethink Raw: Why Baltic Birch Panels Might Be Your New Favorite Surface
Wood panels are often pigeonholed as “just for oil painters.” But the truth? With the right prep, Trekell’s raw Baltic Birch panels can be transformed into the perfect canvas for almost any medium—even ones that usually live on paper. Let’s break that boundary.
What Makes Trekell’s Baltic Birch Special?
- B/BB-grade Baltic Birch — flawless on the front side
- Light in tone and grain — a clean, neutral base
- Classic and custom shapes — round, ovals, gothic arches, and limited-edition drops
- Warp-resistant thickness — especially our ½" panels
They're smooth, sturdy, and strong enough to carry your vision—whatever that looks like.
Before You Begin: Always Seal It
No matter your medium, sealing is step one. We recommend Golden’s GAC100, but other artist-grade sealants work too. This clear barrier:
- Prevents oil, ground, or moisture from seeping into the wood
- Enhances longevity
- Creates a stable surface for priming
Sealing the sides is optional—some artists love a clean, polished look; others let the edge stay raw.
Prep for Anything: A Medium-by-Medium Breakdown
🎨 Oil Painting
After sealing:
- Apply oil ground (like Gamblin’s) or acrylic gesso
- Or adhere linen with your preferred archival adhesive
🖌️ Acrylic Painting
After sealing:
- Prime with white, black, clear, or tinted gesso
- Or adhere gesso-primed linen for a fabric texture with your preferred archival adhesive
💧 Watercolor
After sealing:
- Apply Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground
- Or rough-sand the surface and adhere your favorite watercolor paper with a pH-neutral adhesive
✏️ Drawing (Pencil, Graphite, etc.)
After sealing:
- Sand lightly for a smooth surface
- Apply Golden Drawing Ground, then sand again if desired
- Or adhere drawing paper directly to the panel
🌸 Pastel
After sealing:
- Apply a Golden Pastel Ground
- Or adhere pastel paper with a pH-neutral adhesive
🔥 Pyrography
No sealing needed. The raw Baltic Birch surface is clean and smooth—perfect for burning detailed designs with precision.
🕯️ Encaustic
After sealing:
- Lightly sand the surface to add tooth
- Apply a dedicated encaustic gesso (like R&F)
Note: Do not use standard acrylic gesso. It’s not porous enough for proper wax adhesion.
Storage Tips for Long-Term Use
- Store panels flat or upright with good airflow
- Avoid environments with extreme heat or moisture
- Sealing helps—but our ½" thick panels are extra sturdy
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Get Experimental
Your surface shouldn’t limit your creativity—it should support it. Trekell’s Baltic Birch panels are built to adapt. Whether you’re layering translucent watercolor, burning designs, or building up thick encaustic textures, these boards give you the strength and flexibility to create with confidence.
👉 Shop Trekell Panels and find your new favorite surface today.
