- Gesso is used to protect the painting surface and also to provide a good base for the painting that will cover it. It is formulated for use in either acrylic or oil paintings, and can be used on canvas, wood, paper, or other porous surfaces. Most pre-stretched commercial canvases are already primed, and do not need further gesso.
- To prepare your painting surface, first vigorously shake the gesso in its container to mix it. Place your painting surface on a table or the floor. If you are using paper, tape it to a flat surface such as a board or piece of plywood. Put onto the painting surface enough gesso to cover a quarter of the area. If the gesso is liquid enough, you may pour it; otherwise, scoop it out of the container with a utensil. Dip your brush into some water and distribute the gesso evenly, using the brush to work the gesso into the surface. Repeat the above, applying more gesso as you need it until the entire surface is covered. You want a surface that is well coated but not heavily built up--just enough to seal the painting surface. Smooth over your surface using even strokes of the brush in one direction. When the surface is covered and smooth, clean around the edges with the brush, leaving a light layer of gesso. The gesso will dry in about an hour. Sand any remaining ridges until smooth. Your surface is now ready for your painting in oil or acrylic.
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