Gesso & Primers

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"What is gesso?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nGesso is a foundational primer that seals raw surfaces and prevents paint absorption. Without it, paint soaks into canvas weave — causing dull, uneven results. Pre-stretched canvases come primed, but often "},{"type":"text","value":"under-primed","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". Adding "},{"type":"text","value":"2–3 extra coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" dramatically improves vibrancy, adhesion, and longevity."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How to Apply Gesso for a Smooth Finish"}]},{"type":"list","listType":"ordered","children":[{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Apply thin layers","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" with a wide brush using even strokes."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Smooth edges","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" with a clean, dry brush before drying."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Let dry fully","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" (1–2 hrs per coat)."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Lightly sand","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" with fine-grit sandpaper between coats."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Repeat until desired smoothness (usually "},{"type":"text","value":"2–3 coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":")."}]}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Types of Gesso, Primer & Grounds"}]},{"type":"list","listType":"unordered","children":[{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"White Gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Classic primer for all media"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Clear Gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Maintains surface texture/colour"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Black Gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Dramatic dark grounds"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Coloured Gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Tinted bases (mix with acrylic)"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Watercolour Ground","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Enables watercolour on non-paper"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Absorbent/Non-Absorbent Grounds","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – For oil/acrylic flexibility"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Student vs Artist Grade","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" – Artist grade = higher pigment, better opacity; Student = more fillers, budget-friendly"}]}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Step-by-Step: Make Tinted Gesso"}]},{"type":"list","listType":"ordered","children":[{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Start with "},{"type":"text","value":"white or clear gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Mix in "},{"type":"text","value":"acrylic paint","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" (10–30% by volume)."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Stir thoroughly — avoid bubbles."}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Apply as usual. Creates custom-coloured grounds."}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can gesso be used on non-traditional surfaces?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — prime "},{"type":"text","value":"vinyl records","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", "},{"type":"text","value":"wood panels","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", "},{"type":"text","value":"MDF","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", "},{"type":"text","value":"cigar boxes","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", "},{"type":"text","value":"metal","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", "},{"type":"text","value":"glass","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", or "},{"type":"text","value":"plaster","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". Lightly sand non-absorbent surfaces first."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How to Use Gesso by Medium"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"For Acrylic:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nApply undiluted with brush/roller. "},{"type":"text","value":"2+ coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" recommended. Thin with water on raw canvas. Moisten canvas slightly for smoother spread."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"For Oil:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nUse "},{"type":"text","value":"oil or acrylic-based gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" — "},{"type":"text","value":"3 coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" ideal. Thin with water. Paint next day once moisture evaporates."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"For Watercolour:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nUse "},{"type":"text","value":"Watercolour Ground","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" straight from jar. "},{"type":"text","value":"1–2 coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". Cure "},{"type":"text","value":"24+ hours","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" before painting."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Gesso, Primer & Grounds FAQs"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"What does gesso primer do?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"text","value":"Gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" primes raw canvas, linen, or wood to prevent artist paint absorption. Creates a "},{"type":"text","value":"toothy, sealed surface","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" for better adhesion and vibrant colour."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"What is Non-Absorbent Primer?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nA flexible, highly pigmented ground for linen, wood, MDF. Suitable for "},{"type":"text","value":"acrylic and oil","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". No additional gesso needed — acts as a complete priming system."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is gesso necessary for acrylic painting?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — without "},{"type":"text","value":"gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":", paint sinks into canvas weave, dulling colour and weakening adhesion. Pre-primed canvases are often "},{"type":"text","value":"under-primed","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" — add "},{"type":"text","value":"2+ coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" for professional results."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Do you let gesso dry before painting?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — allow "},{"type":"text","value":"48 hours","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" full cure (especially thick layers). Touch-dry in 1–2 hrs; sandable after 30 mins."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"What is the difference between artist-grade and student-grade gesso?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"text","value":"Artist grade","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":": Higher pigment, thicker, more opaque, better coverage, available in colours.\n"},{"type":"text","value":"Student grade","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":": More fillers, thinner, budget-friendly, usually white only."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Do I need to gesso my canvas if it is pre-primed?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nNot required — but "},{"type":"text","value":"1–2 extra coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" enhance texture, absorbency, and colour vibrancy. Improves brush control and final appearance."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can I tint gesso?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — mix "},{"type":"text","value":"artist-grade gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" with acrylic paint for custom grounds. Start with 10% paint, adjust to preference."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How many coats of gesso should I apply?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"text","value":"2–3 thin coats","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" minimum. More for ultra-smooth or heavily textured surfaces. Sand lightly between coats."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can gesso be used as a final texture?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — build thick layers, impress patterns, or comb for "},{"type":"text","value":"textured grounds","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" before painting. Dries hard and permanent."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is gesso waterproof when dry?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — "},{"type":"text","value":"acrylic gesso","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" forms a durable, water-resistant barrier. Oil-based versions offer additional flexibility and longevity."}]}]}