Gesso is an essential primer that creates a smooth and non-absorbent surface for painting. Whether you’re an artist on a budget or enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own art supplies, making DIY gesso at home can be a rewarding option. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make gesso using various methods.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to make your own gesso primer at home.
- Save money with DIY gesso and customize it to your needs.
- Follow step-by-step instructions for making acrylic and traditional oil gesso.
- Discover tips and alternatives for making gesso.
- Understand the pros and cons of homemade gesso compared to store-bought gesso.
Acrylic Gesso Recipe
When it comes to priming surfaces for painting, acrylic gesso is a popular choice. Its versatility and ease of use make it a go-to option for many artists. If you’re interested in making your own acrylic gesso at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
- Acrylic Polymer Gloss Medium: This is the base of the gesso and provides the necessary adhesion and durability.
- Titanium White Acrylic Paint: The white pigment in the paint ensures opacity and brightness in the gesso.
- Whiting Chalk or Calcium Carbonate: This ingredient adds texture and absorbency to the gesso.
To make the acrylic gesso, simply combine equal parts of acrylic polymer gloss medium, titanium white acrylic paint, and whiting chalk or calcium carbonate. Dissolve the whiting chalk or calcium carbonate in water before mixing it with the other ingredients. This recipe allows you to create a smooth and non-absorbent surface for your acrylic paintings.
Here’s the recipe at a glance:
Gesso Ingredients | Proportions |
---|---|
Acrylic Polymer Gloss Medium | 1 part |
Titanium White Acrylic Paint | 1 part |
Whiting Chalk or Calcium Carbonate | 1 part |
Remember to dissolve the whiting chalk or calcium carbonate in water before mixing everything together for the best results. Once the gesso is ready, you can apply it to various surfaces, such as canvas, raw linen, paper, or wood, to prepare them for acrylic painting.
Traditional Oil Gesso Recipe
When it comes to oil painting, traditional oil gesso provides a more traditional and absorbent surface, allowing the paint to adhere better and creating a rich texture. If you prefer this approach, here is a simple recipe for making your own traditional oil gesso at home.
- First, gather the following ingredients:
- dried animal glue
- water
- whiting chalk or calcium carbonate
- optional titanium white pigment
By following this recipe, you can create a traditional oil gesso that provides the perfect surface for your oil paintings, giving them an authentic and timeless look.
Method 1: Acrylic Gesso Recipe
Creating your own gesso at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to prepare surfaces for painting with acrylics. The first method we will explore involves using a combination of simple ingredients to make your own acrylic gesso.
Gather the following materials:
- Whiting chalk
- Water
- Acrylic polymer gloss medium
- White paint
Step-by-step instructions:
- Dissolve the whiting chalk in water to create a smooth paste.
- Add equal parts of acrylic polymer gloss medium and white paint to the paste.
- Mix the chalk paste, acrylic polymer gloss medium, and white paint together until you achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
- Using a brush, apply the homemade gesso over the surface you wish to paint with acrylics.
- Allow the gesso to dry completely before starting your acrylic painting.
Making your own acrylic gesso gives you the flexibility to customize the texture and coverage according to your preferences. Experiment with different ratios of chalk, medium, and paint to achieve the desired results.
Pro Tip: Adding small amounts of water to your gesso mixture can help adjust the consistency to your liking. Remember to mix well after each addition.
Now that you know how to make your own acrylic gesso, you can easily prime surfaces for your acrylic paintings without the need for store-bought gesso. It’s a simple and rewarding DIY project that allows you to unleash your creativity.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cost-effective | Potential variations in texture |
Customizable to your preferences | May require additional coats for coverage |
Satisfaction of creating your own art supplies |
Method 2: Traditional Oil Gesso Recipe
If you prefer a more traditional and absorbent surface for your oil paintings, then this method of making homemade gesso is perfect for you. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating traditional oil gesso:
- Soak dried animal glue in water until it softens.
- Once softened, heat the glue solution in a double boiler.
- Allow the glue solution to cool down, and then measure its weight.
- Weigh an equal amount of whiting chalk or calcium carbonate.
- Stir the whiting chalk or calcium carbonate into the glue solution until smooth.
- Strain the gesso mixture to remove any lumps.
- Your homemade traditional oil gesso is now ready to use for priming rigid materials.
By following this method, you can create a high-quality traditional oil gesso that provides the perfect surface for your oil paintings. The absorbent nature of traditional oil gesso allows the paint to adhere better, giving your artwork a professional finish.
If you need visual reference to guide you through the process, refer to the helpful table below:
Traditional Oil Gesso Recipe |
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Tips for Making Gesso
When it comes to making gesso, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results for your art projects. Whether you’re using acrylic gesso or traditional oil gesso, these tips will help you achieve a smooth and professional finish.
Care for Leftover Acrylic Gesso
If you have leftover acrylic gesso, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its quality. Simply cover the container tightly and keep it at room temperature. This will help prevent the gesso from drying out or becoming unusable over time.
Avoid Using Joint Compound or Baking Soda
While there are various recipes and methods for making gesso, it’s important to avoid using joint compound or baking soda as substitutes for the main ingredients. These alternatives may not provide the same quality results as the traditional ingredients, compromising the effectiveness of your gesso.
Consider Gesso Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to gesso, there are other primers and surface preparation options available. Experiment with different materials to find what works best for your specific needs. Some alternatives include using clear gesso, matte medium, or even preparing the surface with acrylic paint for a similar effect.
Friendly Reminder: It’s always a good idea to test any alternative primers or surface preparations on a small, inconspicuous area before applying them to your entire artwork.
Pros and Cons of Gesso Alternatives
Gesso Alternatives | Pros | Cons |
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Clear Gesso |
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Matte Medium |
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Preparing with Acrylic Paint |
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By following these tips and exploring alternative primers, you can find the approach that best suits your artistic style and preferences. Remember to always experiment and adapt techniques to create personalized results that enhance your artwork.
Using Homemade Gesso
Homemade gesso is a versatile primer that can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, raw linen, cotton, paper, fiberboard, or wood. Applying gesso before painting with acrylics helps create a smooth and non-absorbent base for your artwork.
When using homemade gesso, it’s essential to let each layer dry completely before adding additional coats. This ensures proper adhesion and prevents cracking or peeling. Following the recommended drying time guidelines provided by the manufacturer is crucial for achieving the best results.
However, it’s important to note that acrylic gesso should not be used on old oil paintings. The compatibility between different painting mediums can lead to undesirable effects on the artwork’s surface and longevity.
Explore the possibilities of homemade gesso and experiment with different application techniques to achieve the desired texture and coverage for your art.
Surface | Application Technique |
---|---|
Canvas | Apply gesso using a broad brush, ensuring even coverage |
Raw Linen | Apply gesso using a brush or a roller, working from one edge to another |
Cotton | Apply gesso using a brush, paying attention to any raised fibers |
Paper | Apply gesso using a wide brush or a foam roller, allowing it to penetrate the paper fibers |
Fiberboard | Apply gesso using a brush, focusing on any rough areas or imperfections |
Wood | Apply gesso using a brush or a foam roller, following the wood grain for optimal coverage |
Experiment with homemade gesso and discover its unique qualities and how they enhance your painting process. Remember to let your creativity and personal preferences guide you as you explore the world of gesso application!
Comparison with Store-Bought Gesso
When it comes to gesso, there are two options you can consider: homemade gesso or store-bought gesso. Each has its own characteristics and qualities that may influence your decision. Let’s compare the two to help you make an informed choice.
Texture and Finish
- Homemade Gesso: Homemade gesso often has a more textured and chalky feel compared to its store-bought counterpart. This can add an interesting and unique touch to your artwork.
- Store-Bought Gesso: Store-bought gesso tends to have a smoother finish, providing a more polished look to your paintings.
Coverage and Opacity
- Homemade Gesso: Homemade gesso may require additional coats to achieve optimal coverage and opacity. Depending on your desired outcome, this may be seen as an opportunity for layering and experimentation.
- Store-Bought Gesso: Store-bought gesso typically offers better coverage and opacity in fewer coats, providing a more consistent and uniform base for your artwork.
Ultimately, the choice between homemade gesso and store-bought gesso depends on your personal preferences and artistic goals. If you enjoy the process of creating your own supplies and want to explore a more textured finish, homemade gesso can be a great option. On the other hand, if you prioritize convenience and a smoother finish, store-bought gesso may be the better choice for you.
Pros and Cons of Homemade Gesso
Making your own gesso at home has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this DIY approach to art supplies.
Pros of Homemade Gesso
- Cost-effectiveness: Homemade gesso can be significantly cheaper than store-bought options, allowing you to save money on your art supplies.
- Customization options: When you make your own gesso, you have the freedom to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different ingredients and proportions to achieve the desired texture and coverage.
- Satisfaction of creation: Making your own gesso can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. It allows you to take control of the creative process, from preparing the surface to the final brushstroke.
Cons of Homemade Gesso
- Quality and texture variations: Homemade gesso may not always provide consistent quality and texture compared to store-bought options. Factors such as ingredient quality, measurement accuracy, and mixing technique can affect the final result.
When deciding whether to make your own gesso or purchase it, consider your specific needs and preferences. As with any DIY project, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
Conclusion
Making your own gesso can be a rewarding and cost-effective option for preparing surfaces for painting. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can create a smooth and non-absorbent base for your artwork. Whether you choose to make acrylic gesso or traditional oil gesso, the DIY methods outlined here offer you the flexibility to customize your gesso to suit your artistic needs.
Experimenting with homemade gesso and store-bought gesso can help you determine which option works best for you. Homemade gesso allows for greater customization and can be more budget-friendly, while store-bought gesso offers a smoother finish and may save you time. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and the specific requirements of your artistic projects.
Now that you have learned how to make your own gesso, you can confidently move forward in your artistic journey. Happy painting!