Starting your painting journey can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right materials to understanding what gesso is, it’s easy to get lost in the details. If you're here because you're unsure about priming your canvas or using gesso, I'm breaking it all down for you!
Before we dive in, if you're interested in a FREE 36 page eBook on acrylic painting that I've developed, you can download that here. It's been downloaded by over 12,000 artists, and I'd love for you to get a copy!
What is Gesso?
Gesso (pronounced JESS-oh) is a primer made of a binder mixed with chalk, gypsum, or other materials. It's essential for preparing surfaces like canvas or wood for painting. Think of it as a foundation for your artwork. While pre-primed canvases exist, I always prefer to apply a layer of artist-grade gesso for extra control over my painting’s foundation.
Why Use Gesso?
Priming your canvas is a must if it's not pre-primed. Even if your canvas comes pre-primed, I recommend adding an extra layer to make sure you’re starting with a smooth, customizable surface. Gesso helps your paint adhere better, prevents the canvas from absorbing your paint, and gives you a more reliable painting surface.
How to Apply Gesso to Your Canvas
Gesso straight from the bottle is thick, so I dilute it with a little water (about 25%) to make it easier to apply. My go-to method is using a Liquitex Professional squeeze bottle for easy dispensing. I mix the gesso with liquid acrylic paint (like yellow ochre or burnt umber) to tone the canvas before I apply it. This makes it easier to read values and adds a warmth to the surface.
I apply the mixture using a foam brush for a smooth, even finish. Don’t forget to run the brush around the edges of the canvas to avoid drips that can harden and be tough to remove once dry.
Sanding and Layering
Once the first layer is dry (about 1 hour), I lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (starting with 220 grit, finishing with 320). This makes the surface ultra-smooth, perfect for painting. I repeat this process for 2-3 layers for a beautifully primed canvas.
One of the things that sanding does is tone down the canvas tooth, which is the official name of the canvas texture. I find that painting on a canvas with smoother tooth allows me to achieve better blends, because my brushes can glide. Think of skating on smooth ice vs bumpy.
Pro Tip: Canvas Prep in Bulk
I admit it—canvas prep is one of my least favorite parts of painting, right up there with varnishing. But here's a tip: prep multiple canvases at once. If you're planning a series or have several commissions, get all the priming done in one go. It’ll save you time and effort in the long run!
Do You Really Need Gesso?
The short answer: No, but yes. You don’t have to prime your canvas with gesso, especially if it’s already pre-primed. But trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll notice a difference. The smooth, toned surface makes a world of difference for blending and achieving soft, realistic details.
In Conclusion
Using gesso is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you try it. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s well worth the effort. It improves the painting experience and gives your artwork a professional touch right from the start. So while it may feel like an extra step, it’s one you’ll be glad you took.
If you enjoyed this blog post, check out: 3 Tips for Painting Realistic Flowers in Acrylic
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