When does a panel need cradling?

Thin panels (6mm and under) always need cradling. Larger panels (over 600mm) benefit from cradling regardless of thickness. Cradles prevent warping.

What wood is best for painting panels?

Birch plywood is the preferred choice - stable, smooth and warp-resistant. MDF is affordable but heavy. Avoid chipboard and OSB.

Yes, especially for oil painting. Seal the back and edges with gesso or PVA to prevent moisture absorption that causes warping.

Work out wood panel dimensions and cradling requirements for rigid painting surfaces.

Panel Width

Panel Height

Thickness

Cradling is recommended when panel thickness is 6mm or less, or longest side exceeds 600mm.

Number of cradles = ceil(longest side / 300mm) + 1

Calculate canvas dimensions including wrap-around allowance for gallery wrap and stapling edges. Free online calculator, no signup required.

Work out stretcher bar lengths, cross braces and corner keys needed for your canvas. Includes brace spacing for large canvases.

Calculate the total area of canvas fabric needed including overlap for stapling. Works for single canvases or cutting multiples.

Calculate how much gesso primer you need for your canvas or wood panel based on surface area, absorbency and number of coats applied.

Estimate the total material cost of canvas fabric, stretcher bars, gesso and staples for building your own stretched canvases.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.