The Benefits of Priming Your Canvas with Gesso
As a professional painter, one of the most critical steps in preparing for a painting session is priming your canvas with gesso. Gesso serves as a foundation for your artwork, enhancing the durability and appearance of your final piece. Understanding the benefits of using gesso and knowing when and why to use it can significantly impact your painting process and outcome.
What is Gesso?
Gesso is a white paint mixture composed of a binder mixed with chalk, gypsum, pigment, or any combination of these. It is used to prepare or prime a surface (typically canvas) for painting. The purpose of gesso is to create a slightly textured surface that makes the paint adhere better.
Why Use Gesso?
Using gesso offers several advantages:
- Improved adhesion. Gesso creates a surface that grips the paint, preventing it from flaking or peeling. This is particularly important for acrylic and oil paints, which can have difficulty adhering to raw canvas.
- Surface texture. Gesso gives the canvas a slightly rough texture, which is beneficial for various painting techniques. This texture helps in achieving better brush control and allows for more detailed work.
- Enhanced color vibrancy. By priming the canvas with gesso, the colors of your paints appear more vibrant and true to their original hues. Gesso prevents the paint from soaking into the canvas fibers, which can dull the colors.
- Longevity and durability. A properly primed canvas is less likely to deteriorate over time. Gesso acts as a protective barrier between the paint and the canvas, reducing the risk of damage from environmental factors.
When to Use Gesso?
Gesso should be used whenever you are preparing a raw canvas for painting. Here are some specific situations where gesso is important:
- New canvas. Most new canvases come pre-primed, but it’s always good to apply an additional layer of gesso for extra protection and a smoother surface.
- Old or reused canvas. If you are repurposing an old canvas, sanding it down and applying a fresh coat of gesso will create a clean, even surface for your new painting.
- Different painting mediums. Whether you are working with acrylics, oils, or mixed media, using gesso ensures that your chosen medium adheres properly to the canvas.
How to Apply Gesso?
Applying gesso is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare your canvas. Make sure your canvas is clean and free from dust.
- Apply gesso. Use a wide, flat brush to apply the gesso in even strokes, covering the entire surface of the canvas. For a smoother finish, apply multiple thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
- Sand between layers. For an ultra-smooth surface, lightly sand the canvas between layers of gesso.
For more detailed instructions on priming a canvas, read here.
Using gesso to prime your canvas is a simple but crucial step in the painting process. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, incorporating gesso into your preparation routine can significantly impact the quality of your final piece.
Looking for Canvases for Painting?
A custom-size, professional canvas for painting is waiting for you at CanvasLot. Our canvases are made from 100% cotton canvas and doubled primed with acid-free acrylic gesso ready to be painted on. Order online or call us today at 1-512-910-7333 (Austin, TX), Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm (Central Time) and we’ll deliver your canvas right at your doorstep.