Hello all!

I'm wanting to try painting with acrylic on wood, preferably wood that has already been used and is rough, textured, paint splattered, and messy. I have seen some wood panels lying about the city unused. Would I be able to use any wood to paint on, and would I have to gesso prime it first?
Also, I have wanted to try a technique called "oil washing", to fade background and give a old time feel, does anyone know what type of paint/oil this is?
Best regards

Grant

I'm not familiar with oil washing, so I can't help there...

But you can paint with acrylic on wood very easily. If you are looking for texture, just paint without covering it with gesso first. Gesso first and you will lose the underlying uniqueness of the grain, color inconsistencies and different absorption qualities of the wood.

Wood is really fun to paint on as is, but if you want a more consistent opacity from your acrylic paints, and a more even texture, you would need to gesso it first. Just depends on what look you are going for!

Have fun!