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Question asked 2021-10-26 07:55:55 ...
Most recent comment 2021-11-11 20:49:30
Rigid Supports
We recently got a question on the use of eucaboard instead of the (currently often) unavailable standard (untempered) Masonite. It seems to be a new material that we are not familiar with. From our research, it appears to be a eucalyptus-based alternative, similar to Masonite, so one may need to consider using a SID blocker on top of the Eucaboard before painting with acrylics. Do you have experience with this product or any hints on its long-term stability?
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Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
I have not personally used this type of hardboard. I have sent your question to a few other moderators.
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Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
Hi. Sorry for the later response but I only just now received the following response from Elaine Salazar at Ampersand Art Supply
We did a bit of research on the Eucaboard mentioned in the Mitra
comments and wanted to provide some information that may be helpful to
your readers. First remember that the key for using any wood substrate
for artwork is to a) determine
its dimensional stability and stiffness as you want your work to remain
flat and to weather the transition through different ambient climates,
and b) to use the proper methods for sealing and finishing the wood
substate to protect your artwork over time. One
of the most important characteristics of the mentioned Eucaboard is
that it is an S1S (smooth one side), which means that only one side is
tempered and smooth and the back side has a screen back. This perhaps is
the major reason that we would not recommend
use of this surface for a painting. These screen back boards are highly
susceptible to moisture penetration as the screen backs have exposed
fibers that can accept a lot of moisture, leading to excessive warping.
It is also difficult to “seal off” these screen
backed boards whether Eucaboard or any other type of hardboard. The
difference between the smooth surface on one side and the screen-back
surface on the other is that it creates an unbalanced substrate. When
applying the sealing gesso or polymer to prepare
the surface for painting, these boards tend to warp more than an S2S
(smooth two sides) panel. We also found that based on the technical
specifications provided by the manufacturer, the dimensional stability
of these panels has a much lower rating than other
options available in the marketplace. We always recommend that artists
look carefully at the technical data sheets and specifically look at the
densities of the substrates that are being used for painting. Density
translates into moisture and warp resistance
when working with wood substrates. The lower density boards like MDF as
compared to HDF (high density fiberboard) experience much more warping
and movement. While Eucaboard is listed as a high-density fiberboard,
upon further review of their technical sheets
we found that the density (as measured by lbs./sf) is closer to 49
lbs./sf as compared to an S2S (smooth two sides) tempered hardboard
which is typically 65 lbs. /sf. Also, Modulus of Rupture (MOR) is
important because it measures the strength of the substrate.
This characteristic is measured by psi (pounds per square inch). The
Eucaboard has an MOR of 4480 psi as compared to an S2S hardboard that
has a 6500-7000 psi MOR. Finally, just a note about the Eucaboard and
its wood source. Eucaboard is produced in Brazil
by Eucatex. The wood pulp for the Eucaboard comes from fast growing
Eucaplytus trees. There is some controversy on the environmental impact
of this ‘cash crop’ around the world and its impact on forests.”
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