How to Make Your Painting With Gesso

Gesso is a liquid primer used to prepare a canvas for the application of paint. You can find gesso in a variety of colors for your painting needs, but the most commonly used color is white. If you want to paint on an unusual surface or need to prime a canvas, you will need gesso to ensure the paint stays in place and your colors show up as vibrantly as possible. Preparing a surface with gesso is a relatively simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas
• Wide paintbrush
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Shake the gesso container to ensure it is evenly mixed.

2. Apply some gesso to your paintbrush.

3. Coat the canvas or painting surface with a thin layer of gesso. Try to apply gesso as evenly as possible across the entire surface of the medium.

4. Coat the canvas or painting surface with a thin layer of gesso. Try to apply gesso as evenly as possible across the entire surface of the medium.

5. Apply a second or third coat of gesso depending on your desires. One coat is usually enough, but some painters may opt for several coats to ensure the deepest, most even tone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to create an extra-smooth painting surface, use sandpaper on each layer of dried gesso to rub out any bumps or lumps.

References

• Art is Fun: What is Gesso?
• Aisling: Gesso - What it is and How to Use it.