Ever stared at a blank canvas, brush in hand, and felt utterly lost? You’re not alone! That pristine white surface can be both exciting and intimidating. But before you even think about your first brushstroke of vibrant oil paint, there’s a crucial step: applying gesso.
Choosing the right gesso is more important than you think. It’s the foundation of your painting, the bridge between your canvas and your masterpiece. Picking the wrong one can lead to cracked paint, poor adhesion, and a whole lot of frustration. With so many brands and types out there, from student-grade to professional, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This is where we come in!
In this post, we’ll demystify the world of gesso. You’ll learn what gesso actually *is*, why it’s essential for oil painting, and how to select the best gesso for your needs. We’ll explore different types, their pros and cons, and how to apply them like a pro. By the end, you’ll be ready to prep your canvas with confidence and create paintings that will last for years to come. So, let’s dive in and get your canvas ready for some amazing art!
Our Top 5 Gesso For Oil Painting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gesso For Oil Painting Detailed Reviews
1. Mont Marte Premium Gesso Universal Primer 16.9oz (500ml)
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to prime your art projects with the Mont Marte Premium Gesso Universal Primer! This primer helps your art surfaces. It is suitable for many art mediums. You can use it with acrylics, oils, and more. This primer is a must-have for artists of all skill levels. It creates a great base for your artwork. It is a versatile product that will help your art shine.
What We Like:
- Prepares many surfaces for art.
- Works well with different paints like acrylics and oils.
- You can use it on canvas, paper, and wood.
- It can be used with an airbrush.
- It has an opaque white color.
What Could Be Improved:
- No major drawbacks.
The Mont Marte Premium Gesso is a great choice for artists. It is a versatile and easy-to-use product. It will help you create beautiful artwork!
2. Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to paint with the Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium! This white gesso is a great base for your artwork. It prepares your canvas, paper, or other surfaces. You can use it with acrylic and oil paints. The bottle holds 16 ounces (473ml) of gesso. It’s safe for schools and art classes. You can also mix it with other Liquitex products. It is a quality product that is easy to use.
What We Like:
- It is a good base coat primer.
- One coat of gesso is usually enough.
- It is a value acrylic gesso.
- This gesso prepares surfaces for painting.
- You can mix it with other Liquitex products.
- It is safe for kids to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some artists may prefer a professional-grade gesso for more advanced techniques.
This Liquitex BASICS gesso is a good choice for artists. It is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. It prepares surfaces well for painting.
3. Mont Marte Premium Gesso Universal Primer 64oz (1.89L)
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to create with the Mont Marte Premium Gesso Universal Primer! This primer helps you prepare your surfaces for art projects. It comes in a big 64oz (1.89L) bottle. You can use it with many art supplies like acrylics, oils, and more. It’s designed for different surfaces, too. You can use it on canvas, paper, wood, and even clay. It’s a great base for all your artwork.
What We Like:
- It prepares many surfaces for painting.
- It works with lots of different art materials.
- You can use it with acrylic, oil, and gouache paints.
- It is great for canvas, paper, and wood.
- It can be used with an airbrush.
- It has an opaque white color.
What Could Be Improved:
- None.
The Mont Marte Premium Gesso is a fantastic choice for artists. It is a versatile product that is easy to use. Start priming your surfaces and get creative!
4. U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer – 16.9oz (500ml) for Oil & Acrylic Paint – Superior Coverage
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to create beautiful art with the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer! This gesso is a great way to get your canvas ready for painting. It’s perfect for both oil and acrylic paints. The 16.9oz (500ml) bottle has enough gesso for many art projects. Artists of all levels can use this product to prepare their surfaces for painting.
What We Like:
- The gesso is easy to use and apply.
- It provides excellent coverage, often needing only one coat.
- It’s water-based, so cleanup is simple.
- You can mix it with other colors to make your own unique shades.
- It dries to a flexible and durable finish.
- It’s non-toxic and safe to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some artists might prefer a thicker consistency.
This U.S. Art Supply gesso is a fantastic choice for any artist. It offers great value and excellent results for your artwork. You will be happy with the quality of your paintings!
5. Handy Art Little Masters Economy Acrylic Gallon
Rating: 9.0/10
The Handy Art Little Masters Economy Acrylic Gallon White Gesso is a great primer. It’s a good choice for young artists. This gesso helps prepare canvases and other surfaces for painting. It comes in a large 128 fl oz container. This pack of one is perfect for schools or home use. It is a cost-effective option for anyone wanting to start painting. This product is made in the USA and is safe for kids. It is non-toxic, which means it won’t harm them.
What We Like:
- Fine quality gesso.
- Economical and affordable.
- Perfect for beginner artists.
- Easy to use as an undercoating or primer.
- Certified AP Non-Toxic, safe for kids.
- Made in the USA.
- Free of common allergens like latex, dairy, and nuts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might be too much for some small projects.
This white gesso is a safe and useful product. It’s a good choice for young artists and teachers. We recommend it for anyone looking for a quality and affordable primer.
Gesso for Oil Painting: Your Guide to a Great Start
Painting with oils can be super fun! But before you start, you need a good base. That’s where gesso comes in. Gesso is like a primer for your canvas or painting surface. It helps the oil paint stick and makes your artwork last longer. Here’s what you need to know before buying gesso.
Key Features to Look For
You want gesso that works well. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Coverage: Good gesso covers the surface evenly. It should hide the texture of your canvas.
- Tooth: “Tooth” means the surface has some grip. It allows the oil paint to grab onto the canvas. You want a little tooth, but not too much.
- Sanding: Some gesso needs sanding. This smooths the surface. This makes it perfect for fine details.
- Color: Most gesso is white. But you can find it in black or clear. White is most common. Black is great for dramatic paintings. Clear lets the canvas show through.
- Drying Time: Consider how fast the gesso dries. Fast-drying gesso is quick. Slow-drying gesso gives you more time to work.
Important Materials
Gesso is made of a few important things:
- Binder: This is like the glue. It holds everything together. Acrylic polymers are common binders.
- Pigment: Usually, the pigment is titanium dioxide. This makes the gesso white.
- Filler: Fillers help give the gesso its texture. They also help it cover the surface.
- Canvas or Surface: You’ll usually put gesso on canvas. You can also use it on wood, paper, or other surfaces.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of gesso affects your painting. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ingredients: High-quality gesso uses good ingredients. Look for gesso with a good binder.
- Consistency: The gesso should be smooth. It shouldn’t be too thick or too thin.
- Application: How easy is it to apply? Good gesso spreads easily.
- Durability: Does the gesso last? It needs to protect your painting over time.
- Price: You get what you pay for. But don’t always buy the most expensive gesso. Read reviews!
User Experience and Use Cases
Using gesso is pretty simple:
- Preparation: Make sure your surface is clean. Some surfaces need a light sanding before gesso.
- Application: Apply the gesso with a brush or a roller. You usually need two or three coats. Let each coat dry.
- Sanding (If Needed): Some gesso needs sanding after it dries. This makes the surface smoother.
- Painting: Once the gesso is dry, you can start painting with oil paints!
- Use Cases: Gesso is used for all kinds of oil paintings. Portraits, landscapes, and abstract art all start with gesso!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is gesso, exactly?
A: Gesso is a primer. You put it on your canvas before you paint with oil paints. It helps the paint stick and protects your artwork.
Q: Why do I need gesso?
A: Gesso helps the oil paint stick to the canvas. It also protects the canvas from the oil. This makes your artwork last longer.
Q: How do I apply gesso?
A: You can use a brush or a roller. Apply thin, even coats. Let each coat dry before adding another.
Q: How many coats of gesso do I need?
A: Usually, you need two or three coats. This depends on the gesso and the canvas.
Q: Does gesso need to be sanded?
A: Some gesso needs to be sanded. This makes the surface smoother and helps the paint stick better. Check the instructions on your gesso.
Q: Can I use gesso on any surface?
A: You can use gesso on canvas, wood, paper, and other surfaces. Make sure the surface is clean.
Q: What color gesso should I use?
A: White gesso is most common. You can also use black or clear gesso. Choose the color that works best for your painting.
Q: How long does gesso take to dry?
A: Drying time varies. Check the label. It can take a few hours or a day.
Q: Can I use gesso for acrylic painting?
A: Yes, you can use gesso for acrylic painting. It works great as a primer for acrylics too.
Q: Where can I buy gesso?
A: You can buy gesso at art supply stores, online, and sometimes at craft stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.