Primes surfaces and adds a high level of tooth for maximum color adhesion and stability
Gives a transparent matte finish which allows the original surface to show through and 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 suitable 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 like this 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 (avoiding overbrushing) 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 a transparent/semi-opaque acrylic color for a custom sheer tint - Soft Body Acrylic is the optimum consistency
You may have overworked the formula - this can come from it being overshaken, overbrushed or applied too thickly - lots of thick layers can cause a semi-opaque finish.
We only make an uncolored Clear Gesso but you can tint it with a transparent color from our Acrylic Ink or Soft Body ranges.
Size the canvas with one layer of Matte Medium, and then coat with one or two layers of Liquitex gesso - choose from traditional white, neutral gray or black gesso, Clear Gesso or Super Heavy Gesso.
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