Gesso Magic: Easy Hacks for Beginners

Fascinated by gesso but not sure how to use it or even what it is? Fear not! I've got you covered. In this quick how-to we'll demystify gesso and explore several easy ways you can start incorporating it into your art today.

Things to know:

• Main use: Primer

• Comes in white, black and clear.

• Safe for acrylic and oil paint.

• Acid free and non-yellowing.

• Flexible and non-cracking.

• Fast drying in thin layers.

• Soap and water clean up

Basically, it’s thinned paint with additives (chalk, gypsum, calcium carbonate) that give it a bit more texture and help it stick to most surfaces such as canvas, wood, paper, metal, hot glue, fabric, leaves, etc. You name it, it will probably work!

Gesso as a primer

Most commercial canvases come pre-primed with gesso. If you make your own canvases or use other surfaces, a layer of gesso is a great way to keep paint from soaking into the surface and make sure your paint will stick. Not only does it create a smooth and stable surface for painting, but it also helps to enhance the vibrancy and longevity of your artwork.

Creating Texture

You can also layer gesso for added texture before painting. Layering gesso is a fantastic way to add depth and texture to your painting, art journal or mixed media. Applying multiple coats of gesso and allowing them to dry before adding another, let’s you create rich surfaces that will enhance the final artwork. Experiment with different tools to create interesting textures, or use a variety of gesso colors to add even more dimension to your piece. Don't be afraid to get creative and play around with different techniques to achieve the desired effect. Layering gesso can truly take your painting to the next level and add a unique touch that will make your artwork stand out.

When used with a sponge, you can create soft or chunky texture, perfect for creating depth and dimension in your artwork. Using a brayer can create smooth even coverage or be used to create small '“crinkle” texture. A paint roller is handy for covering larger areas quickly but can also add interesting dimensional texture to your surface. A whole world of possibilities for intricate and precise designs opens up when used with stencils. Experimenting with these different tools and techniques can elevate your artistic process and unlock new avenues for self-expression.

Painting with Gesso

If you’re out of white paint gesso is a great substitution and is usually less expensive. Use it just like you would any other white paint. While we’re on the topic of substituting, gesso can also be added to other paint colors to soften them, just like white paint.

Watch my newest YouTube video to see some of these techniques in action.