Gesso Your Canvas Before Painting
Whether you’re working in acrylic, oil, or mixed media, applying gesso to your canvas is a crucial step that can significantly impact the final result of your artwork. Here’s why:
What Is Gesso?
Gesso (pronounced “jess-o”) is a white acrylic-based primer made from a combination of chalk, pigment, and binder. It prepares and protects the canvas surface by:
- Creating a slightly textured “tooth” for paint adhesion
- Sealing the surface to prevent paint from soaking through
- Preventing degradation of the fabric or surface over time
Benefits of Priming with Gesso
1. Better Paint Adhesion
Raw canvas is absorbent and rough. Gesso smooths out the surface and creates a barrier that helps your paint sit on top rather than soak in, making colors more vibrant and your brushstrokes more controlled.
2. Increased Longevity
By sealing the fibers of the canvas, gesso protects against the corrosive effects of paint over time—especially with oil paints, which can rot untreated canvas.
3. Enhanced Texture Control
Gesso lets you build a consistent surface tailored to your technique. You can apply multiple coats and even sand between layers to create an ultra-smooth or heavily textured ground.
4. Uniform Absorption
A properly gessoed surface ensures that paint doesn’t behave unpredictably, especially with water-based media like acrylics or water-mixable oils.
When You Might Skip Gesso
If you’re working on a pre-primed canvas (which most store-bought canvases are), you might not need to gesso unless:
- You want a smoother or more customized surface
- You’re painting with oils and want a double-primed barrier
- You’re experimenting with special textures or techniques
Pro Tips
- Use acrylic gesso for both acrylic and oil paints.
- Apply 2–3 thin coats for best results, letting each dry completely.
- Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish (ideal for realism or fine detail).
Gesso is more than just a technical step—it’s the foundation of your artwork. By taking the time to properly prepare your surface, you’re ensuring that your colors sing, your brushstrokes glide, and your work stands the test of time.
