Are primer and gesso the same? (2023)

Can you use gesso instead of primer?

Gesso, pronounced 'jesso', was traditionally used to prepare or prime a surface so Oil paint would adhere to it. Gesso is the same as a primer, as in 'pre-primed canvas'. It is made from a combination of paint pigment, chalk and binder.

Gesso is very similar to white acrylic paint, only thinner. It dries hard, making the surface more stiff. Gesso prepares (or "primes") the surface for painting, making the surface slightly textured and ready to accept acrylic paint. Without gesso, the paint would soak into the weave of the canvas.

Multiple Coats

It is recommended to apply at least two coats of Gesso to any surface, but especially when painting on canvas or linen. The first coat will penetrate the support and reduce the likelihood of paint de-lamination. The second coat bonds with the first layer and begins to even out the surface.

Is One Layer of Gesso Enough? When working with acrylics, one layer of gesso should be fine. However, the recommended number of layers is two for acrylics and three or more for oil paints.

Aloe Vera Gel + Moisturizer

Mix a teaspoon or two of moisturizer (depending on how oily your skin is) to a dollop of pure aloe vera gel and apply all over your face as a primer. Aloe vera gel will soothe redness and the moisturizer combination is a great way to maintain a dewy finish without looking oily.

Technically, you don't. It provides you with a nice, slightly more absorbent surface to work on, especially if your working on board or raw canvas, but for a pre-primed canvas it's unnecessary. Don't forget your pre-primed canvas from the art store already has a layer of gesso on it.

Can't I just use white paint? Sorry, but no. While it might look similar, white paint has a different texture and makeup than gesso. White paint will not render your work surface archival.

As with mediums, Gesso also dries quickly. Allow the first coat of Gesso to dry for at least one hour to be sure it will not lift when the next layers are applied.

Most types of gesso should be mixed with a little water to enable a couple of thin coats and a smooth finish. One thick coat can be applied if you want a bit more texture on your canvas. To thin your gesso, scoop some into a clean container and add a little bit of water.

Once the gesso is dry to the touch, you can begin painting with acrylics. It is possible, however, that the gesso has not completely dried and may lift off as you paint, so we recommend setting the gesso canvas aside till it has dried over 24 hours.

Do you wet the brush before gesso?

Priming Instructions

Wipe down your surface with a light, damp cloth, or rubbing alcohol. Make sure your cloth is NOT soaking wet as it will take longer to dry. Step 2 – Pour the gesso in a bowl or shallow container and dip in your wide brush. Make sure to close the bottle of white gesso to avoid drying it out.

In terms of isolating and protecting painting supports, Clear Gesso performs as well as white gesso of comparable quality, and it does include ingredients to give texture and absorbency.

Can you use Modge podge instead of gesso? Contrary to popular belief, you should not use Modge podge instead of Gesso. Modge podge is a sealer as well as sticky adhesive.

While most acrylic paint dries to a glossy finish, gesso dries to a matte finish. When you add gesso to your acrylic paint, you'll achieve a matte or, depending on the ratio of acrylic paint to gesso, a satin finish.

If your gesso or paint layer is powdery or unstable, you've probably added water to them somewhere along the way. Water spreads the acrylic binder, leaving it less able to firmly lock the pigment into place on the painting surface – thus causing flaking, cracking or a powdery feel.

A dab of Vaseline on your wrists and neck can work like a fragrance primer, cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson says, because it prevents scent molecules from evaporating as quickly as they would on bare skin.

Most projects where you're going over a previously-painted surface do not require the use of a primer. In many cases all you'll need to do is spot-prime any bare areas that need to be addressed before applying your finish.

The most popular surfaces for painting with acrylics are canvas, wood, or paper. But once primed with gesso, acrylics can be painted on almost any surface, such as fabric, clay, or even your old vinyl records!

Make sure that the gesso is not too thick, as you don't want it so opaque that you can't easily see your pencil lines! Also make sure that the gesso is not too watery and runny, otherwise the pencil marks will streak too much.

What do you paint first on a canvas?

Canvases need to be “primed” before you start painting, which is when you apply a layer of material that creates a smooth barrier between the canvas and paint. Priming makes it easier for the canvas to grip paint, keep the pigments bright, and stay rigid and usable as it gets wet.

Brush paint directly on unprimed -- no gesso applied -- canvas with acrylic artist's colors. While oil paint will have a detrimental effect on raw canvas, acrylic paint, which is plastic-based, will not cause cotton and linen fibers to rot.

First, mix the cornstarch and baking soda together, breaking up any lumps in the mixture. Then, mix in your glue and acrylic paint. Finally, add water a little bit at a time until you have the right consistency. For a thicker "texture paste", add less water.

Apply the primer and let it dry out completely. When the primer is dry, you can apply the acrylic paint, then leave it to dry.

Priming your canvas by applying a layer or two of gesso to the surface will help the colours in your work really stand out. If the canvas is poorly primed when using oil colour, the oil may sink into the canvas, leaving dull patches on the surface of your painting.