I painted a masonite board with QOR watercolor ground which allows me to paint on a surface that, untreated, will not absorb the watercolor pigments. After an under painting of watercolor, I filled in shading and detail with casein, a more durable water media.  Usually I use 140 or 300# watercolor paper. Comparing the hardboard ground to paper, I like the masonite a lot as and alternative. I can frame this without a mat or glass and still have a perfectly displayable watercolor. I may add a semi-gloss coat after the painting dries or gently buff the surface for  dull shine,