Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

The smaller size hardboards are a good value, but the larger sizes need WAY more bracing than they have. Those larger sizes MUST be stored flat.

I bought two 24" x 36" and two 18" x 36" cradled hardboard panels before I knew they had to be stored flat. The boards are rather flimsy for their area, so it's apparent that they would warp if stored otherwise.

So, before you buy the larger sizes (over 24"), make sure you have the space to store them flat before you use them, dry them flat during use and store your finished works flat. I don't have that much space, so ended up keeping them under one of my work tables with a barrier to keep me from kicking them! VERY inconvenient!

P.S. I bought the boards to make works for a competition and didn't have time to return them. They seemed o.k. once I framed the finished works, but we'll see how if they warp in the frame (sadly, my works weren't selected). I'm still considering adding some additional screws into the frame or additional bracing to make sure they don't warp, but what a hassle that would be!

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

I used these for mounting my photography to and they are the best find yet for finishing my work. The construction allows me to maintain the quality my clients are familiar with and the ease of use, price, and customization options (painted my edges) are much more expansive than what I would get in a finished standout print (too expensive for me to even consider)or even framing them.

My new go to.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

I used these boards to make a clutch purse for my Mother-In-Law and she was amazed that It was so well construstred and the materials so perfect, thanks without your products, I would not have been able to make it so nice. Good Job!!! And thank you for having the exact things I needed to pull this off, as it was not an easy project to complete and I would not have been able to it so well with out your company having such a great selection of the exact things I needed.
L.S.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

It says it's not supposed to warp, but mine did as soon as I put the Gesso on. About a half inch warping and the board is only 16 x 12 inches.Not using this no more.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

Used this product as a hard surface for a colored pencil class. Worked great.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

The board, including edges and back, must be fully gessoed. Check for pin size holes in gesso because it is essential that no oil ever come into contact with the board or it will eventually deteriorate the board. I found the full info at Ampersand under technical. It is also suggested that you sand the board before first coat of gesso. I use the 1/8 inch thick boards.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

I believe these boards are going to prove superior to others I had used. I'm storing the unused ones on their sides for months now, and they are flat as ever. The material seems very dense, and not overly heavy. The fine surface accepts the gesso very well.

Comments about Ampersand Hardbords:

These surfaces are really terrific to paint on. (I'm using the 1/8 thickness). They are very strong and one can easily tell they are crafted with care and precision. I have tried the ampersand gessobord and recognize it's wonderful quality, but prefer a less absorbent surface, so I coupled these hardbords with liquitex gesso (5-8 coats with sanding inbetween) and am very satisfied with the results. Always having bought pre done gesso boards before, I am now very glad to be finishing my own and getting the exact surface quality that I desire (very, very, smooth:) . And frankly, the time spent preparing them is minimal, and actually has become enjoyable to me. I also like the fact that they are archival and acid free...just one less thing to worry about. One pays about 7 -9 dollars for a 2 by 4 piece of mdf at [...], but this product for a few dollars more gives you piece of mind and a superior surface that you know is going to last. Very cool.