mahogany support

[Anonymous]

Has anyone used mahogany successfully as a support for traditional gesso and egg tempera? I have heard of it's greatness but it's coloring always seems to stain the gesso ground. Any remedies?

[JohnH]

I would think that if you give your initial rabbit skin glue size a few weeks to dry before you apply the chalk ground you should be able to limit any colour staining from the mahogany.

[Richard]

I have used mahagony with no problems of staining, did you use a layer of thin linen, or cotton, between your board and your gesso, after sealing the board with rabbit skin glue ? This may be what made the difference.
Regards Richard