Paper sometimes gets a bad rap as a painting surface because it’s less durable and can warp when paint is applied. However, there are specially made papers (like Arches Oil paper) that are strong and handle paint really well. They actually offer a different, enjoyable painting experience compared to canvas or wooden panels.

Personally, I love painting on Arches Oil paper. It has a soft texture that absorbs oil beautifully, and it pairs perfectly with oil paint and cold wax, allowing for rich layers and delicate details.

Still, paper can tear or fold easily. You could frame it behind glass, but that sometimes takes away from the immediate impact of the artwork.

Mounting paper artwork on a wood panel solves that issue. If you use a cradled panel (which has a depth of 1–2 inches), you can even skip framing altogether for a modern, gallery-like presentation.

The best part? It's easy to do, and the process can be really satisfying! Here’s how to do it yourself.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything I use for mounting paper artwork. A downloadable PDF with instructions and resource links is also available here. Enter your email address and click on the button.

• Paper artwork

• Wood panel – I’ve used cradled panels and 1/2-inch birch panels. If you're not using a cradled panel, be sure to use one that’s at least 1/2 inch thick to avoid warping. Your panel should be about 1/2 inch smaller than your artwork on all sides, so the paper hangs off the edges and can be trimmed flush with the panel.

• Craft knife

• Metal straight edge

• Cutting mat

• Sealant – This prevents the wood from warping and stops any tannins from the wood seeping into your artwork. Apply two coats on both the front and back of the panel.

• Adhesive – My go-to adhesive is Miracle Muck. It’s tricky to find but well worth it!

• Foam roller - For applying the adhesive.

• Brayer – For smoothing out the artwork.

• Sandpaper (optional) – I always use sandpaper (120 grit) to smooth the panel’s corners and edges to avoid splinters.

• Sealer/varnish (optional) – To protect the finished artwork.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Wood Panel

• Sand the surface of the wood panel so it’s smooth.

• Wipe away dust with a lint-free cloth.

• Apply two coats of sealant, lightly sanding between coats.

2. Prep the Artwork

• Make sure your artwork is clean and flat.

• Place it on your cutting mat and, using a craft knife and straight edge, trim the paper so there’s about 1/4 inch overhang on all sides. This helps center the panel more easily.

3. Apply the Adhesive

• Lay down some cardboard or protective paper to keep your work area clean.

• Place your artwork face down.

• Pour adhesive onto the wood panel and use the foam roller to spread it evenly, especially near the edges and corners to avoid air bubbles.

• Do the same for the back of your artwork. A little extra glue on the panel can be rolled onto the artwork if needed. (Note - in the image below, I got carried away with the glue. It was too much.)

• Try to avoid getting any adhesive on the front of the artwork.

4. Mount the Artwork

• Carefully center the panel on the artwork.

• Flip the whole thing over so the artwork is facing up.

• Place a piece of wax paper or tissue over the artwork and use the brayer to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles, working from the center outward. Pay extra attention to the edges and corners.

5. Let It Dry

• Let the panel dry flat to avoid warping. You can place a heavier board or some books on top for even pressure.

• Resist the urge to trim the edges for at least 24 hours!

6. Trim the Edges

• Once everything is dry, lay the panel artwork-side down on your cutting mat. Use your craft knife to trim off the excess paper, using the edges of the panel as your guide.

7. Seal and Protect (Optional)

• If you want extra protection, apply a varnish or sealer once the adhesive is fully dry. This can also give your artwork a polished finish.

A Few Extra Tips

Oh, one more thing! Whether you plan to frame your artwork in a floater frame or leave it unframed, it’s a good idea to paint the sides of the panel before mounting your paper. You can still do it afterward, but you’ll need to be super careful not to get paint on your art. Trust me—I’ve forgotten this step more times than I’d like to admit!

I really hope you give this method a try with your paper artwork. It might feel a bit tricky the first couple of times, but once you get the hang of it, it’s totally worth it.

To make things easier, I’ve put together a downloadable guide that lists all the steps and includes links to most of the supplies I mentioned. You can grab it here. Just enter your email address and click on the button.