How to Use Gesso in Acrylic Painting

Gesso is a type of primer that artists use to cover a surface, usually a canvas, prior to painting.  But did you know that gesso can be used in many different ways?  This versatile product is a fun and useful tool to have in your studio.

Gesso as a primer

The traditional way of using gesso is to prep a canvas for painting.  Applying 2-3 layers will provide a textured absorbent foundation for the paint.  It prevents the paint from seeping into the fibers of the canvas and will give the paint more vibrancy as well as increase the longevity of the painting.  If paint is absorbed directly into the fibers of canvas, the paint will cause the fibers to breakdown over time and ruin the painting.

-If you don’t want a textured foundation; just sand it smooth.

Gesso as a mask

Masking is the process of covering up a portion of a painting.  The mask can be opaque or  transparent.  If the mask is opaque then its possible to paint directly over that portion of the painting.  If the mask is  transparent, the masked portion is still visible but appears to be in the background, which creates depth. This is used quite frequently in acrylic paintings.

Example of a opaque white gesso mask

Example of adding color to dried opaque gesso mask; notice the texture created by the gesso

Example of a transparent white gesso mask; add water to gesso to create a thinner consistency

Example of how the painting will appear after other elements are painted on the dried transparent gesso mask

Gesso as a paint additive

Traditional white gesso is made with Titanium white pigment, chalk and a binder.  Because of these ingredients many artists enjoy using it as a paint additive.  When added to acrylic paint it lightens the paint and causes it to become matte and slightly textured.  There are also colored gesso and clear gesso. I use clear gesso very often as a paint additive. It creates a matte and textured paint without changing the color.

Example of white gesso used as a paint additive. The top is acrylic paint; the bottom is the acrylic paint with gesso added

Gesso for paper

This versatile medium is great to use on paper.  As an example, apply two coats of gesso to the pages of a journal or sketchbook, let it dry.  Now you can use paint, markers, and ink without the worry of it bleeding through the pages.  Also, try applying gesso to watercolor paper.  It creates a very thick “canvas like” paper that can now be used for acrylic paintings.

These are just a few ways that gesso can be used. Try them and continue to experiment with gesso in your work.

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Until next time,

Tamara