What’s a good Gesso to start with? Here’s 5 to try…

What’s a Good Gesso to Start With?
Here’s 5 to Try…

Gesso serves as the fundamental primer for both acrylic and oil painters, transforming raw canvas into a workable surface ready to embrace paint. Understanding the variety and application of gesso can profoundly affect your creative journey. Here’s a guide to five highly recommended gessos, complete with tips on how to use them effectively, and insights into how their color and thickness can influence your art and canvas preparation.

1. Liquitex Acrylic Gesso

Price Range: $12.05 – $86.44
Features: This gesso is flexible, non-cracking, and suitable for various surfaces including canvas, paper, and wood. It dries to a matte surface that provides excellent adhesion for acrylic and oil paints.
Why It’s Great: Liquitex is a trusted brand renowned for its quality. This gesso provides excellent coverage and dries quickly, making it ideal for artists eager to start painting sooner rather than later.
Tips: For a smoother surface, apply Liquitex Gesso with a wide, flat brush in thin layers, sanding lightly between coats for the best results. This method helps avoid brush strokes and provides a solid base for your artwork.

2. Golden Acrylic Gesso

Price Range: $13.64 – $82.24
Features: Golden Acrylic Gesso is known for its high opacity and excellent tooth, offering a flexible and non-yellowing surface that enhances paint adhesion.
Why It’s Great: This professional-grade gesso has a high pigment load, ensuring that even a single coat provides substantial coverage, reducing the need for multiple layers.
Tips: If the gesso feels too thick, try adding a bit of water to achieve a smoother application. This gesso is particularly good for building up textures, making it ideal for artists who enjoy working with impasto techniques.

3. Blick Artists’ Acrylic Gesso

Price Range: $8.78 – $50.36
Features: This gesso offers a smooth consistency and good coverage, making it a versatile choice for both students and professionals.
Why It’s Great: Blick Artists’ Acrylic Gesso strikes a balance between quality and affordability. It provides a reliable base for your paintings without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for artists at any stage of their career.
Tips: Apply in thin layers with a broad brush to ensure even coverage. If you prefer a bit of texture, use a sponge or a textured roller to create interesting effects on your canvas.

4. Utrecht Artists’ Acrylic Gesso

Price Range: $9.34 – $67.70
Features: Utrecht’s gesso features a high pigment load and smooth application, ideal for artists looking for professional-grade quality at a reasonable price.
Why It’s Great: This gesso offers high coverage and flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of surfaces. It is perfect for artists who demand quality and consistency in their work.
Tips: For best results, apply Utrecht Artists’ Acrylic Gesso in multiple thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This technique ensures a robust and even surface for painting.

5. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Gesso

Price Range: $7.67 – $41.23
Features: This is an economical option that provides good coverage and dries to a flexible, non-yellowing surface.
Why It’s Great: Liquitex Basics Acrylic Gesso is perfect for beginners or those looking for a cost-effective gesso that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Tips: Use this gesso when preparing large canvases where budget constraints might be a concern. It works well for initial layers and can be built up with more expensive gesso for final preparations.

Choosing the Right Gesso for Your Needs

Color Variations:

White Gesso: Standard for most applications, providing a bright, neutral base that enhances the vibrancy of your paints.
Black Gesso: Creates a dark ground, which can add depth and contrast to your paintings. It’s particularly useful for achieving dramatic effects in your compositions.
Colored Gesso: Offers a tinted base that can influence the mood and tone of your artwork from the start. Colored gesso can save time if you frequently paint with a specific color palette.

Thickness and Texture:

Thicker Gesso: Ideal for creating texture on the canvas. Use thicker gesso if you want to add physical depth to your paintings or plan to work with heavy-bodied paints.
Thinner Gesso: Better for smooth, detailed work. Thin gesso allows for multiple layers without obscuring fine details in your drawing or underpainting.

Tips for Working with Gesso

Layering: Applying gesso in thin, even coats is crucial. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next to avoid cracking.
Sanding: Lightly sand between coats to create a smoother surface, especially if you plan to do detailed work.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and types of gesso. Each gesso has unique properties that can bring a new dimension to your art.
Proper Storage: Keep your gesso in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality. Stir well before each use to ensure an even consistency.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gesso can significantly enhance your painting experience, providing a reliable foundation for your creative process. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your technique, the gessos listed here offer a range of options to suit various needs and preferences. Happy painting!