Support for painting a standing screen

[Joan Breckwoldt]

I am thinking about painting a standing screen, made of 3 panels. The three panels would be hinged together. I am planning on making it about 4 feet tall, each of the three panels would be 4 feet tall by about 12 or 14 inches wide.

Finally here is my questions: does anyone have a recommendation for the support I should paint on and how it should be prepared? My concern is that the darn thing will just get too heavy. I think for a finished look each panel should be 'finished out' with some kind of simple molding or border. I'll have a carpenter do this part.

It seems like plywood or masonite might be too heavy. Though maybe I could use a thin plywood. There is no specific reason it can't be heavy, I just don't want it to be some unweildy thing that can't be moved. I will paint some kind of pastural scene, soft fields with people and sheep. At least that is my vision! I intend for it to be used as a decoration in the corner of a room.

If I do use plywood, what would I use to make this surface smooth? The acrylic gesso that I use is so thin, but maybe that would work.

I like preparing my own linen canvases so maybe that would work. Certainly that would be lightweight.

If anybody has any experience or ideas, please let me know. Thank you!

Joan

[Tom Martinez]

It seems to be pretty obvious to me, Joan. You seem to be answering your own question. I'm not experienced in this. But, it appears that no one is willing to give you a reply. So, here goes my two cents worth. I'd use 1/4" masonite, sandwiched with an edging of 1"x 2" s, primed with a gesso on both sides. You can add a moulding to the front side to dress it up, then paint it as you see fit. Masonite and plywood will weigh approximately the same. So, the choice would be a toss up as to what to use. True, it will have some weight. But, it will need that weight to be stable.

[Chris Saper]

Likewise, Joan, you could adhere linen to the painting side of the masonite. I agree that it should be braced on the reverse side as Tom suggests.

[Karin Wells]

Is there any reason why you cannot construct 3 sturdy wooden frames and stretch a heavy cotton duck canvas over each of them before hinging together?