Gesso, a word that originates from the Italian language, is a material that is commonly used by artists to prime canvases before painting on them. Essentially, gesso is a type of primer that is applied to raw canvas, which then becomes a surface that is suited for painting with oil colors.
In this article, we will discuss what gesso is, its origin, purpose, and benefits. We will also delve into the factors that affect the drying time of gesso, along with the importance of proper drying time to ensure a successful painting.
to Gesso
Definition and Origin of Gesso
Gesso is a material that has been used by painters for centuries to prime canvases, panels, and walls for painting. Gesso is derived from the Italian word “gesso,” which means “chalk,” and it can be made from a variety of materials, including chalk, gypsum, and glue.
Italian gesso is traditionally made by mixing gypsum, which is a white powder, with an animal glue such as rabbit skin glue. It is then applied to the surface and allowed to dry.
Purpose and Benefits of Gesso
The primary purpose of gesso is to provide a surface on which oil paint can be applied. Without gesso, oil paint would soak into the canvas, leaving the colors dull and the surface vulnerable to decay over time.
Gesso creates a relatively smooth surface with just the right amount of roughness, providing a suitable surface for the paint to adhere to. This roughness is also beneficial as it allows for the finer details of a painting to show through.
Moreover, using gesso on a canvas surface helps to protect the canvas from the corrosive nature of oil paints. Oil paints contain acids that can degrade the surface of a canvas over time.
Applying gesso to a canvas can act as a barrier between the oil paint and the canvas, thus protecting the canvas. Additionally, the rough surface created by gesso allows the painter to have more control over the paint application, achieving a more cohesive and detailed finished project.
Drying Time and
Factors Affecting Gesso Drying
Drying Time of Gesso
It is important to note that the drying time of gesso can vary depending on a variety of factors. Typically, gesso takes around 10-20 minutes to dry on a surface, but this process can take up to 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the coating, humidity, and air circulation.
For example, applying gesso in a humid room with no air circulation could significantly lengthen the drying process.
Additionally, some artists use a hot air blower to speed up the drying process, but this should be used with caution, as it can cause cracks to form in the gesso film.
Knowing and following the right application guidelines will help ensure that gesso will provide the best surface possible, resulting in a better painting output.
Factors Affecting Gesso Drying
Several factors can affect the drying time of gesso. Temperature plays an important role in drying time, as higher temperatures accelerate the drying process.
Humidity is another important factor to consider, as higher humidity makes the air around the gesso more saturated with moisture, slowing down the drying time. Proper air circulation is also essential to ensure that the applied gesso dries evenly across the surface and doesn’t cause any blemishes or uneven lines.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, gesso is an essential material for any artist who wants to achieve a high-quality painting. It serves as a protective layer for canvas surfaces and can provide better control over paint application while also enhancing the overall quality of the painting.
It is important to keep in mind the factors that can affect gesso’s drying time and to allow the proper time for it to do its job, creating a surface that primed and ready for oil paints of any artist’s choice. As an artist, if you have not used or applied gesso on your surfaces, it is highly recommended to incorporate it into your painting process and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.
Types and Variations of Gesso
Types of Gesso
While traditional white gesso is the most commonly used type of gesso, there are several other variations available. Clear gesso, also known as acrylic gesso, is a popular alternative to traditional gesso.
Clear gesso has a transparent finish that allows for the natural color and texture of the surface to show through. This is especially useful for artists who prefer to work on surfaces with unique textures and patterns.
Black gesso is another type of gesso that is used by some artists. It provides a dark background for painting, which is ideal for creating a dramatic and moody effect.
Colored gesso is yet another variation that offers a range of hues for artists to work with. They come in various colors such as red, blue, or even neon green.
Colored gesso is a versatile alternative to the traditional white gesso, and painters can use it to add a colorful base to their canvas.
Grades of Gesso
There are two grades of gesso available in the market: student-grade and artist-grade. Student-grade gesso is affordable and accessible for beginners or artists who use gesso infrequently.
It is an excellent choice for learners as it provides a high-quality surface for practice without spending too much. In contrast, artist-grade gesso is a premium product that is used by professionals or serious artists.
It is more expensive but offers a higher quality finish compared to student-grade gesso. Artist-grade gesso contains better-quality ingredients, which leads to greater adhesion and less shrinkage on the surface.
It is designed to stand the test of time and enhance the performance of your paints.
Applying Gesso
Steps to Apply Gesso
First, choose a brush of your preferred size (between 2-4 inches) depending on the size of the surface, and the type of paint you intend to use. It’s essential to stir the gesso well before use.
Dip the brush and gently tap off the excess before applying the gesso to the surface in long, even strokes, working in one direction. It’s essential to maintain a consistent pressure to ensure an even distribution of the gesso over the entire surface.
Another option is using spray paint as an alternative to applying gesso with a brush. Gesso spray paint is commonly found in aerosol cans and can provide an even coat of gesso over intricate surfaces such as uneven texture(s).
Allow the gesso to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Depending on the humidity, and air circulation, this can take anywhere between 20 minutes to several hours.
If applied too thickly, gesso can crack as it dries, leaving spots or clumps. If this occurs, sandpaper can be employed to remove the excess and resolve any imperfections that arose during the application process.
Lastly, if a surface requires multiple layers of gesso, it is essential to allow each layer to dry completely before adding another layer. Over-layering may cause cracking of lower layers, leading to an uneven surface that won’t provide proper adhesion for applied paints or any other medium that requires an adequately primed surface.
Preparing Canvas and Drying Times Between Gesso Layers
If applying gesso to a pre-primed canvas, it is essential to clean the surface with a dry cloth or brush before starting the gesso application. Since the usage of pre-primed canvases serves as a better base, fewer gesso layers are needed to achieve an optimal primed surface.
Conversely, with untreated canvas, a minimum of two layers is recommended to provide a stable surface and prevent the oil paint from seeping through the surface of the canvas. Regarding drying times between layers, it is recommended to wait a minimum of 24 hours between each coat to ensure an evenly dried and bonded surface.
Gesso must dry correctly before applying subsequent layers. If applied too soon, the risk of creating clumps or cracks on the surface increases.
Conversely, apply another coat if the surface appears uneven or porous. Conclusion:
From the traditional white gesso to the newer colored and clear gesso, gesso has become a versatile medium for artists worldwide.
Artists can choose from a range of types and grades to work with, depending on their preferences and requirements. While applying gesso to a surface may seem straightforward, taking the time to prepare the surface adequately and allowing each layer to dry correctly before adding another layer will provide a stable and well-prepared surface.
Adapting these critical aspects of gesso application can help artists maximize their productivity by providing a surface that’s deserving of their creative talent.
Gesso with Different Painting Mediums
Using Gesso with Acrylics
Acrylics are a popular choice for artists due to their relatively short drying time and versatility as a medium. Gesso serves as an ideal surface primer for acrylic-based paints, providing excellent adhesion and giving the paint a nice, even surface to adhere to.
When using gesso with acrylics, it’s essential to note that gesso must be entirely dry to the touch- which typically takes about 24 hours -before applying acrylic paint. Additionally, gesso with its white opaqueness and ability to levels out imperfections helps to boost the vibrancy of acrylic color when applied on primed surfaces.
Gesso can also be tinted to create subtle variations in the final colors applied on its surface by mixing the paint pigments with the gesso. This helps in creating dynamic color compositions in artwork on surfaces primed with gesso.
Using Gesso with Oil-based Paints
Oil paints have been popular with artists for centuries due to their long drying time, providing artists with the ability to work on their piece for longer periods. As oil paint is an oil-based medium, it has a long drying time and can take days, even weeks to dry completely.
This makes it essential to have a surface primer that provides excellent adhesion and prevents paint seepage through the substrate. Applying gesso to a surface before applying oil paint provides such essential adhesion and prevents the oil paint from seeping into the canvas.
Gesso also provides a suitable surface for the oil paint to adhere to, creating a stable surface that will allow the paint to dry evenly. While gesso plays an essential role in creating a stable surface for oil-based paints, oil paints will take a longer time to dry on gesso compared to other primers used for the type of painting medium.
Making Your Own Gesso
DIY Gesso Recipe
Making gesso at home is a simple process, requiring easily accessible materials such as Talcum Powder, white acrylic-based paint, white craft glue, and tap water. Begin by mixing 1 3/4 cups of white acrylic paint with 2-3 cups of Talcum Powder in a container.
Once combined, add 1 cup of white craft glue and stir thoroughly until smooth. Gradually mix in water, adding about 1/2 cup at a time and keep stirring until the final mix a paint-like smooth consistency.
Utilizing a DIY recipe provides an alternative for artists seeking cohesiveness in their creative approach. Benefits and Considerations of Making Your Own Gesso
The most significant benefit of making your gesso is authenticity.
It also allows you to customize your gesso to your preferences by adjusting the mix of ingredients to achieve a thicker or thinner consistency. However, the convenience of store-bought gesso cannot be ignored.
Making your gesso takes time, trial, and error can be frustrating. In case of a mistake, it can also result in a waste of materials and in some cases, spending more than a commercial brand’s cost in creating their homemade gesso.
While making your gesso is an excellent option for artists who prefer complete control over their materials, store-bought gesso offers consistency with quality results and is cost-effective. It’s essential to make a choice between what works best for your approach as a beginner or professional artist.
Conclusion:
Gesso serves as the foundation for most works of art, providing a stable and primed surface for artists to work with. Artists can choose the types of gesso that fit their medium and create the best possible working surface.
Although making homemade gesso can bring a sense of authenticity and control, designed to suit preference, finding quality-prepared gesso that is affordable can offer consistent results coupled with efficiency in design and execution time needed for their art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying Gesso Smoothly
A common concern when applying gesso is achieving a smooth and even surface. While using a brush is the traditional method, gesso spray paint can also be used as an alternative for a smoother application.
When using a brush, it’s important to apply the gesso in one direction, such as horizontally or vertically, to ensure a consistent texture. Avoid brushing back and forth, as this can create streaks or uneven patches.
If desired, you can apply a second coat in the opposite direction to further smooth out the surface.
Drying Time and Number of Gesso Layers
The drying time of gesso depends on various factors, such as humidity and thickness of the applied layers. It’s important to allow each layer to dry completely before applying another layer.
Generally, it takes about 24 hours for gesso to dry, but this can vary based on the conditions. For optimal coverage and a well-primed surface, it is recommended to apply two or more layers of gesso.
This will ensure proper adhesion and result in a more durable and stable surface for your artwork.
Difference Between Gesso and Mod Podge
Gesso and Mod Podge are commonly used in arts and crafts, but they serve different purposes. Gesso is a primer used to prepare surfaces for painting.
It provides a stable and absorbent surface for paint adhesion. On the other hand, Mod Podge is a product used for sealing and adhering various materials in craft projects.
It acts as an adhesive, sealer, and finish all in one. Mod Podge is not designed to be a traditional primer for painting and may not provide the same level of adhesion or surface preparation as gesso.
Gesso on Different Surfaces
Gesso is primarily used on canvas but can also be used on a variety of surfaces. When applying gesso to wood, it helps create a smooth and non-porous surface for painting.
On glass, plastic, or metal surfaces, gesso provides better adhesion for paint and prevents flaking or chipping. However, it’s important to note that gesso may not adhere well to very smooth or non-porous surfaces, and additional surface preparation may be required, such as sanding or using an appropriate primer for that specific material.
For porous surfaces like raw plaster or fabric, gesso can be used to seal the surface and create a more stable base for painting. Conclusion:
Understanding the various aspects of applying gesso, such as achieving a smooth surface, allowing adequate drying time between layers, distinguishing between gesso and Mod Podge, and using gesso on different surfaces, helps artists navigate the world of gesso with greater confidence.
Whether working with traditional gesso, experimenting with colored or clear gesso, or exploring DIY recipes, artists can embrace the benefits and versatility of this essential primer. By addressing frequently asked questions, artists can cultivate a stronger foundation and create art with a better understanding of how to best utilize gesso to enhance their creative endeavors.
In conclusion, gesso plays a vital role in the world of art, serving as a primer that prepares surfaces for painting. Understanding the various types and variations of gesso, as well as its application with different painting mediums, enables artists to create a stable and well-prepared surface.
Whether choosing store-bought gesso or making your own, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Additionally, addressing frequently asked questions provides artists with valuable insights and solutions to common concerns.
With gesso, artists can enhance their artwork, achieve better adhesion, and protect their surfaces. So, embrace the power of gesso and unlock the full potential of your artistic endeavors.