While browsing Facebook procrastinating, I came across this post in a group of arty creative types.
Who am I to resist such a challenge! I responded...
"When mummy puts on foundation, she uses a special primer first. This primer fills in the gaps and makes her skin ready to take foundation.That's what gesso does for paper, primes it for the layers. You can also use it as a white paint with a little texture"
Once the giggling had calmed, we had an interesting discussion about using gesso, how to use it, types and more.
I realised that so many of us, even now are clueless about this little gem of a product - I was one such person about 5 years ago. If this is you, let's crack open the tub and get some paint on the page!
Today, we'll cover some essential information and remove the mystery:
- Gesso; exactly what the fuck is it??
- Isn't it just white paint? (*SPOILER* Hell no)
- The Bugatti vs Volvo conundrum: what's best?
- It's like adding mayo: when to use it and when to avoid
- The gesso sandwich: Mixing gesso with other products
This isn't intended to be the most comprehensive guide, more a quick 101 for dummies kinda thing. If that's what you're after - read on.
WTF *IS* GESSO?
Gesso is an acrylic primer.
Sounds like gobbledegook? Let's break this down.
Gesso is a priming product with an acrylic base - like acrylic paint, but not actually acrylic paint. Think of it like the primer you use before putting on your foundation. Like primer, gesso prepares your surface to take the multiple layers of eyeshadow and contouring powder you're going to add. It stops the paper absorbing the paint, acts as a barrier.
Isn't it just white paint?!
No, nope and absolutely not.
It can be used like white paint but it isn't.
So what is it? You've heard about this magical product, maybe even bought some - but what the hell is it?!
The tecchi part;
Gesso is made up of 3 ingredients - the acrylic base/binder, grit and colour (or no colour in the case of clear gesso). The grit is what sets it apart from paint. The easiest way to see this is to paint a strip of standard acrylic paint and a strip of gesso next to one another. Visually, the gesso will be more matte. If you run a finger over it, the acrylic paint will be smoother than the gesso - that's the 'grit' I was talking about.
The Bugatti vs Volvo conundrum: what's best?
You've looked on amazon, checked out the art shops and suddenly found thousands of gesso's - different brands, colours, prices etc, etc... OVERWHELM!
There is a certain phrase that is relevant to art supplies - you get what you pay for. However, like a Bugatti and a Volvo, they are both cars and will get you from a-b regardless of the cost.
What I am saying is that while not all product are created equally, there is a sense that the higher the cost, the better the product. Like the car analogy - if you're a billionaire playgirl with no family, the Bugatti may be your car of choice. If you're a mother with 3 kids, that Bugatti is absolutely useless - it doesn't fit the multi-story carpark slots, costs a tonne to insure and you can't get the car seats in without some kind of jenga modification!
In short - IT'S TOTALLY PERSONAL!
Like the foundation that you prefer vs the one your bestie raves about. Just try one and go for it. Some have larger grit granules, others come in several colours, others come with an extra 000 on the end of the price. it is a personal thing. I don't like the larger granules, but that said, I don't like the super-smooth ones either. See what I mean - personal, like the dewy vs matte complexion debate.
It's like adding mayo: when to use it and when to avoid
Let's be clear - there is no rule that states you *must* use gesso. There is no art deity who is going to strike you down, nor will a plethora of art critics turn up on your doorstep and sigh 'if only you had used gesso'.
Sometimes you want it, sometimes you don't. Like mayo in a sandwich.
You may not like it, but this is totally trial and error. The only way to know what difference gesso could make is to use it. I often use it as white paint rather than a primer - it's multi-purpose and means I have one product rather than two to store in the limited space available.
There is a difference when you prime your surface. But it is up to you if you like the effect or not. Like mayo on a sandwich - you may want to have some on, other times you want butter!
The gesso sandwich: Mixing gesso with other products
Gesso is best used as part of a layering process - like a sandwich - except you allow the layer to dry first. This will give you the best results - more vibrant colours and no accidental pink when you wanted red.
When I say mix, I'm not referring to the wet mixing of paint, like blue and yellow to make green.
You're not confined to acrylic paint either - you could use inks, pastels, watercolours, pencils... The list goes on..
The best advice I can give you here is to LET IT DRY THOROUGHLY before you add another layer or more products. Funnily enough, like foundation - it needs to be set before you add more.
My final thoughts?
If you're not sure about buying it, you can always make your own (recipe below!) and give it a go that way (but it won't have as much staying power or waterproofing as a ready-mixed product)
Have fun and don't be afraid to give gesso a try - it has certainly been a boon to my creativity.
DIY: Make your own gesso.
This recipe is designed in ratios which allows you to work in any measurement system, scale up or scale down. I have played around with them to get quantities etc. Depending on your environment, you may get different results.
Also, different types of grit will provide different finishes. Again, I can only comment on the results I have had. The age of your ingredients and make-up can all play a part. Feel free to add or remove as you wish. Art supplies are personal to you - if you want a thicker gesso, add more grit, thinner? No problem, add water!
Hint: Mix in small quantities. Plaster will set so you will need to use that immediately, other grit options will keep for longer in airtight containers.
You're gonna need...
- Grit (you can use cornflour, plaster of paris or Talcum powder)
- Paint if creating a coloured gesso (for clear gesso use 100% water)
1 part PVA, 1 part grit, 1 part water/paint mix. Mix well.
I used 50g for my initial trials (so 50g glue, 50g grit, 50ml water) and worked well when I scaled up and down.
