Gesso

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What it does

Primes surfaces and adds a high level of tooth for maximum color adhesion and stability
Gives a matte white, opaque finish which provides a professional standard, archival base to help maintain the longevity of your work
Stiffens your canvases and creates the optimum absorbency for paint application
Establishes a good surface for preliminary charcoal or pencil drawings
Always use a quality artist's gesso if you want a lasting, archival base - a low-cost ground will flake and separate from your support, taking your work with it. With proper application and under the right conditions, a professional gesso will last generations

How to use it

Fully intermixable with all Liquitex products
Use undiluted or thin with up to 25% water - when thinning more than 25%, use an equal mixture of water and Liquitex Matte Medium
Sand hard or shiny surfaces first, apply a thin coat to support with a wide, flat brush and leave to dry for at least 24 hours before starting to paint
To create a smoother base, sand the surface and reapply gesso
If using as a base for oils, apply 2-4 coats and sand between applications
Add acrylic color for a custom tint - Soft Body Acrylic is the optimum consistency

Gesso FAQs

Show more FAQs

Raw canvas	check
Hardboard & paper	check
Wood & non-oily, porous supports	check

Lightfast & archival	check
Permanent	check
Non-yellowing	check
Flexible & non-cracking	check
Water-resistant when dry	check
Intermixable with all Liquitex materials	check