Gesso primers

As a ground for acrylic paint, gesso can be coloured with acrylic paint in any proportion.

Both Gesso and acrylic paint are made on the basis of an acrylic, the big difference is in the recipe. Gesso is formulated so that the it always retains an open structure that is ideal for the adhesion of both oil and acrylic paints.

The fact that Gesso is visible on the reverse side is technically not a problem. It has to do with whether a fabric is tightly or loosely woven. In the latter case, it is more likely to occur. It is not so nice to see and can easily be remedied by first applying a layer of Amsterdam Acrylic Binder 005 before applying the Gesso. This seals the gaps in the canvas. Acrylic binder is completely transparent after drying.

Oil colours have a fat and smooth surface, on which the Gesso does not adhere properly.

Whether you need to prime before using acrylic paint depends on the surface you want to work on. Acrylic paint can be applied to virtually any surface, as long as it’s slightly absorbent and free of dirt and grease, including but not limited to paper, cardboard, universally prepared canvases and canvas boards, unprepared canvases, stone, wood, concrete and unglazed ceramics. To prevent thinner surfaces such as cardboard and wooden panels from warping, treat both sides with a primer (acrylic binder and/or gesso).

Acrylic paint will not adhere well to smooth surfaces such as glass or plastic. Because the paint does not adhere well, it is easy to peel or scratch off during transport or use. To make sure the paint can properly adhere to the surface you’re working on, it should be free of grease and dust and slightly absorbent. If the surface is too absorbent, use acrylic binder before adding gesso. If it’s not absorbent enough, you can just use gesso.