How to Gesso an Oil Canvas

Oil painting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but not all surfaces take oil paint very well. Interestingly enough, one of these surfaces is also one of the most common surfaces used for oil painting. Linen canvas can deteriorate over time from the acids that are contained in oil paint. In order to prevent this, a protective layer must first be put on the canvas using special glues and a product known as gesso.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stretched linen canvas
• Canvas glue
• Gesso

How to Gesso an Oil Canvas

1. Before you can apply gesso to your canvas, you need to put a thin layer of glue on it first. The glue that you will need to use should be readily available from art supply stores, and should be applied uniformly over the canvas that you wish to paint on. This glue will serve as the main layer of protection for your canvas, and will prepare it for the gesso.

2. Allow the glue to dry and begin to apply your first layer of gesso. Mix in a small amount of water to thin it, then use smooth strokes in a single direction to apply the gesso. Make sure that you don't use too much, as you don't want a buildup of gesso and you will be applying at least one more layer. Let the gesso dry for an hour, then brush over it gently with a fine grit sandpaper.

3. Once your first layer of gesso has dried and you've sanded it, brush it off and begin applying a second layer by making brush strokes in the opposite direction of your first layer. Just like your first layer, make sure that this second layer is uniform and as smooth as you can get it. Leave the canvas to dry.

4. When the second layer of gesso has dried, check to see if the canvas has the texture that you desire. If you are happy with the canvas then no more gesso will be needed. If you would like a smoother surface to paint on, sand it again and apply a third thin coat of gesso to your canvas. Allow the gesso to dry again.

5. Check your canvas for any places that you might have missed, especially along the edges and sides. When you are satisfied with the coverage of your gesso, your canvas is ready for painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Many pre-stretched canvases have already been treated and primed so they will not require you to apply gesso to them. If there is any doubt as to whether the canvas you're wanting to use has been primed with gesso, go ahead and apply it so as to avoid premature canvas deterioration
• Clean your brushes after each layer of gesso, since once it dries it will be impossible to remove from your brush
• Be careful when thinning gesso, as if you thin it too much you aren't going to get good protection for your canvas