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For oil painters, the foundation of a captivating artwork is a well-primed surface. But with many gesso options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Fear not, aspiring Rembrandts! This guide delves into the key factors to consider and unveils the top contenders for the best gesso for oil painting.
Critical Considerations for Oil Painting Gesso:
- Surface Type: Gesso adheres differently to canvas, wood panels, and other surfaces. Opt for a gesso designed with explicitly chosen support.
- Tooth: “Tooth” refers to the surface texture. A toothy gesso offers more grip for oil paints, while a smoother gesso allows for finer details. Experiment to find your preference.
- Flexibility: Oil paintings endure slight flexing over time. A flexible gesso minimizes the risk of cracking, ensuring your artwork endures.
- Archival Quality: For longevity, select an archival-quality gesso formulated with lightfast materials to prevent color degradation.
Top Gesso Picks for Oil Painting:
- Liquitex Gesso: A popular and affordable choice, Liquitex gesso comes in various tooth levels and is known for its flexibility and archival quality.
- Golden Acrylic Gesso: Renowned for its archival quality and smooth finish, Golden Gesso is ideal for artists who favor detailed work.
- Lascaux Gesso: This professional-grade option offers excellent archival properties, flexibility, and a toothy texture favored by many oil painters.
- Golden GAC 100 Prime: This unique primer creates a non-absorbent surface, perfect for oil painting on unconventional surfaces like paper or wood panels.
Bonus Tip: Experiment with different gessos on scrap surfaces before committing to your final piece. This allows you to find your artistic vision’s ideal tooth and texture.
Remember: The “best” gesso depends on your individual preferences and painting style. Understanding the key factors and exploring these top choices allows you to select the perfect foundation for your next oil painting masterpiece.
Best Gesso for Oil Painting
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Best Gesso for Oil Painting Comparison
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Handy Art Student Acrylic Gallon, Black Gesso,440-104, 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Are you seeking a high-volume, student-friendly primer to kickstart your next acrylic project? The Handy Art Student Acrylic Gallon Black Gesso might be the perfect fit! This product offers a convenient way to prime large surfaces and has several features that make it ideal for aspiring artists.
Features:
- Large size: With a whopping 128 fluid ounces (one gallon), this gesso provides ample coverage for big projects, saving you money on multiple smaller containers.
- Matte finish: The gesso dries to a smooth, matte finish, creating the perfect base for acrylic paints. This helps colors appear more vibrant and reduces glare.
- Improved adhesion: Gesso primes your canvas or surface, allowing your acrylic paints to adhere better and preventing them from flaking or chipping over time.
- Easy cleanup: Soap and water are all you need to clean up any gesso spills, making it a breeze to maintain a tidy workspace.
- Non-toxic: This gesso is certified AP Non-Toxic, making it safe for students and artists of all ages.
Overall, the Handy Art Student Acrylic Black Gesso is a solid choice for artists looking for a large quantity of primer at an affordable price. While it has limitations in color and handling, its functionality and ease of use make it an excellent option for students and artists working on large-scale acrylic projects.
BOB ROSS Oil Gesso White 500 ml
You are calling all aspiring Bob Ross enthusiasts! The BOB ROSS Oil Gesso White in a convenient 500 ml size might be the perfect starting point for your happy little trees and fluffy clouds. This gesso is specifically formulated to complement the wet-on-wet technique Bob Ross popularised, allowing you to create those signature soft blends and layered effects.
Features:
- Water-based: Unlike traditional oil, an acryl makes cleaning up easier with soap and water.
- Thin, consistent that allows for smooth application and promotes even drying for the wet-on-wet technique.
- White color: The classic white color provides a bright base that makes your vibrant oil paints pop.
- Suitable for oil and acrylics: This gesso can be used for oil and acrylic painting, offering versatility for your artistic journey.
Endorsed by the Bob Ross Brand: Having the Bob Ross name attached gives you peace of mind that this gesso is designed to work seamlessly with his specific techniques.
Overall, the BOB ROSS Oil Gesso White is an excellent choice for Bob Ross fans who want to recreate his wet-on-wet technique faithfully. However, if you’re looking for a larger size, broader color options, or a more traditional oil painting, you want to consider other gesso options.
The Crafter’s Workshop Gesso Medium, Surface Preparation and Primer, Sealer for Canvas, Paper, and Wood, Provides Sizing for Acrylic or Oils, Gesso, 8-oz, White.
Get ready to unleash your creativity with The Crafter’s Workshop Gesso Medium! This versatile primer comes in a handy 8-ounce bottle, perfect for priming various surfaces before diving into your next artistic adventure.
Features:
- All-in-one formula: This gesso acts as a surface prep, primer, sealer, and sizing, all rolled into one, simplifying your artistic process.
- Multi-surface application: Use it on canvas, paper, and even wood for various artistic projects.
- Provides tooth: The gesso creates a slightly textured surface (tooth) that helps acrylic or oil paints adhere better, preventing them from flaking or chipping.
- Fast drying: Get started painting sooner! The gesso dries quickly, allowing you to move from prepping to painting without long wait times.
- White color: The classic white gesso provides a bright base that makes your paints vibrantly pop.
Overall, The Crafter’s Workshop Gesso Medium is a convenient and user-friendly option for crafters and hobbyists who work on various surfaces and want a simple priming solution. However, you should explore a broader range of gesso options for larger projects, professional needs, or specific artistic effects.
U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub – 16.9 Ounces over a Pint
Enable your inner artist with the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Acrylic Medium! This versatile primer is a favorite among both beginners and seasoned painters for its ability to transform any surface into a canvas ready for acrylic or oil paints.
Here’s a quick rundown of what this gesso offers:
Features:
- Large Size: The 500ml tub provides generous gesso, perfect for covering multiple canvases or experimenting with techniques.
- Budget-Friendly: Compared to other brands, this gesso offers excellent value for the price.
- Prepares Various Surfaces: Apply it to canvas, wood, paper, or fabric to create unique mixed-media artworks.
- Water-Based and Easy Cleanup: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the water-based formula.
- Matte Finish: This creates a neutral, smooth surface that allows your paint colors to truly shine.
Whether you’re a budding artist or a seasoned pro, the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Acrylic Medium offers a dependable and affordable option to prime your creative journey!
Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 237ml (8.0 oz), Clear
Considering a clear base for your next artistic creation? Liquitex Professional Clear Gesso Surface Prep Medium might be a perfect choice! This versatile product acts as a primer, preparing your surface for acrylic and oil paints while offering several advantages. Let’s explore its key features, pros, and cons to see if it suits your artistic needs.
Features:
- Clear Formula: Unlike traditional white gesso, this version remains transparent, allowing your surface’s original texture and color to shine through.
- Multi-Surface Application: Use it on canvas, paper, wood, and other absorbent, non-oily surfaces.
- Toothy Texture: The gesso provides a slightly textured finish, ideal for mediums like pastels, charcoal, and even graphite.
- Acrylic Compatibility: Liquitex gesso integrates seamlessly with acrylic paints and mediums from the same brand.
- Tinting Option: Mix a small amount of transparent acrylic paint with the gesso to create custom-colored primers.
Considering these features, pros, and cons, you can determine if Liquitex Professional Clear Gesso is the ideal primer for your next artistic project.
Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 473ml (16-oz), Clear
Are you an artist seeking a transparent foundation for your masterpiece? Look no further than Liquitex Professional Clear Gesso Surface Prep Medium in the convenient 16-ounce bottle. This versatile primer offers a clear base, perfect for highlighting the natural texture of your chosen surface while preparing it for acrylic and oil paints. Let’s explore its key features and weigh the advantages and disadvantages to see if this gesso aligns with your artistic vision.
Features:
- Crystal Clear Formula: Forget opaque primers! This gesso dries completely transparent, allowing the original texture and color of your surface to peek through.
- Multi-Surface Application: Breathe life into various artistic backdrops! Use it on canvas, wood panels, and even absorbent paper for a versatile priming solution.
- Enhanced Tooth: The gesso provides a slightly textured finish, offering excellent grip for mediums like pastels, charcoal, and even graphite drawings.
- Acrylic Compatibility: Liquitex gesso integrates seamlessly with acrylic paints and mediums from the same brand, ensuring a smooth workflow.
- Large Size: The 16-ounce bottle offers ample quantity for covering larger surfaces or for frequent use.
By carefully considering these features and their pros and cons, you can decide whether Liquitex Professional Clear Gesso (16 oz) is the ideal primer for elevating your next artistic creation.
Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium, 1.89L (64-oz) Tub, White
Starting a new artistic project often involves preparing your canvas. Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium, available in a budget-friendly 64-ounce tub, offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for priming your canvases before diving into acrylic or oil paints. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s explore its key features, along with the advantages and disadvantages, to help you decide.
Features:
- White Opaque Formula: This gesso provides a solid white base, effectively covering imperfections and creating a clean slate for your artwork.
- Multi-Surface Application: Breathe life into various artistic backdrops! Use it on canvas, wood panels, and even absorbent paper for a versatile priming solution.
- Excellent Coverage: Thanks to its thick consistency, a single coat is often enough to achieve a smooth, even white surface.
- Acrylic Based: Formulated with acrylic resin, this gesso integrates seamlessly with acrylic paints and mediums from the same brand.
- Large Size: The 64-ounce tub offers exceptional value for money, perfect for artists who frequently prime large canvases or work on multiple projects simultaneously.
By weighing the features, pros, and cons of Liquitex BASICS Gesso, you can determine if it aligns with your artistic needs and budget. If you’re a frequent artist working on large canvases and prefer a white, opaque base, this gesso might be the perfect choice!
Bob Ross R62GESSO-50 White Gesso 16 fl. oz. (473ml)
You are calling all aspiring Bob Ross enthusiasts! The Bob Ross R62Gesso-50 offers a white primer specifically designed to bring the “happy little trees” and serene landscapes to life. This 16-fluid-ounce bottle caters to fans of the iconic painter’s wet-on-wet technique. But is it the right gesso for you? Let’s explore its features, along with the upsides and downsides, to help you decide.
Features:
- High-Quality White Formula: This formula achieves a clean, bright white base perfect for Bob Ross’s signature style of bold colors and contrasting light and shadow.
- Wet-on-Wet Compatibility: Specially formulated for the wet-on-wet technique, allowing layers of paint to blend seamlessly for those dreamy landscapes.
- Multi-Surface Application: Use it on canvas, wood panels, and even absorbent paper for a versatile priming solution.
- Trusted Bob Ross Brand: Embrace the spirit of the iconic artist with a product directly associated with his artistic method.
- Convenient Size: The 16-ounce bottle is a good starting point for beginners or artists who work on smaller canvases.
By considering these features, pros, and cons, you can determine if the Bob Ross R62 Gesso is the right choice for your artistic journey. If you’re a Bob Ross devotee or a beginner wanting to explore his wet-on-wet technique, this gesso might be a great starting point!
Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Medium, Clear Gesso, 225ml (7.6-oz)
Winsor & Newton’s Professional Acrylic Medium, Clear Gesso, is a popular choice among artists for preparing surfaces before acrylic painting. This versatile primer offers several advantages, but it’s also important to consider some potential drawbacks before adding it to your art supply kit. Let’s take a closer look at the key features, pros, and cons of this clear gesso.
Features:
- Clear Finish: Dries completely transparent, allowing the natural texture of your support to show through.
- Makes Custom Gesso: This can be mixed with acrylic paints to create colored primers for specific effects.
- Balanced Absorbency: Provides a good balance between paint adhesion and absorbency for optimal paint application.
- Excellent Tooth: Creates a slightly textured surface that helps acrylic paints adhere better.
Multi-Surface Use: Suitable for various surfaces like canvas, wood, and even some plastics.
By considering these features, pros, and cons, you can decide if Winsor & Newton’s Professional Acrylic Medium, Clear Gesso, is the right choice for your next acrylic painting project.
Handy Art Little Masters Economy Acrylic Gallon, White Gesso 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
“Looking for a budget-friendly way to prime your canvases and art surfaces? The Handy Art Little Masters Economy Acrylic Gesso in a whopping 128-ounce gallon size might be the perfect choice for you. But before you dive in, let’s explore its key features, weigh the pros and cons, and see if it fits your artistic needs.
Features:
- Economical Choice: This jumbo-sized gesso offers a significant amount of product for the price, making it ideal for artists who go through gesso quickly.
- Large Coverage Area: A gallon translates to a lot of priming power! This size is perfect for covering large canvases, murals, or multiple smaller projects.
- Matte Finish: The gesso dries to a smooth, matte white finish that provides a perfect base for your acrylic paints.
- Water-Based and Easy Cleanup: This water-based gesso makes cleanup a breeze. Soap and water are all you need to clean brushes and spills.
- Non-Toxic and Allergen-Free: Certified AP Non-Toxic and free of common allergens like latex, this gesso is a safe choice for artists of all ages.
By considering these features, pros, and cons, you can decide if the Handy Art Little Masters Economy Acrylic Gesso is the right priming solution for your artistic journey.
Conclusion:
the ideal choice for oil painting should create a smooth surface. Avoid gessos with heavy texture, even if they provide a better grip for the oil paints. Popular brands among oil painters include Lascaux and Liquitex acrylic gessoes. These offer good coverage, flexibility, and a surface that sands well for a final smooth finish. Ultimately, testing different gessos on a spare canvas or panel can help you find the one that best suits your painting style and preferences.
FAQs:
Gesso is a primer typically made with chalk or gypsum and a binder that creates a smooth surface for painting.
Yes, gesso is highly recommended for oil painting. It provides a barrier between the oil paint and the canvas, protecting the canvas and improving paint adhesion.
While there’s no single “best” gesso, oil painters generally prefer smooth gessos for better paint application. Popular choices include acrylic gessoes from Lascaux and Liquitex.
It’s advisable to avoid heavily textured gesso for oil painting. While it would provide more grip for the paint, it can hinder brushwork and smoothness.
Consider factors like surface smoothness, coverage, flexibility, and how well it sands for a final finish.
Generally, 2-3 thin coats of gesso are sufficient for oil painting.
Allow the gesso to dry completely between coats. Drying time can vary depending on brand and thickness, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You only need to sand between coats if you applied a thick coat or want an extra smooth surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper for sanding.
Yes, gesso can be used on various painting surfaces like wood panels, MDF, and even metal (with proper preparation).
Tightly seal the gesso container to prevent drying. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Gesso provides a good foundation for oil paints by creating a smooth, absorbent surface that promotes paint adhesion and protects the canvas.
Gesso can affect the vibrancy of oil paints. Generally, white or light-colored gesso is preferred as it offers a neutral base for accurate color representation.
Gesso should have some flexibility to accommodate canvas movement and prevent cracking over time. Acrylic gessoes are known for their flexibility.
You can use sanded gesso for oil painting, but sanding is only sometimes necessary. Sanding can help achieve a very smooth finish, but some artists prefer a slightly textured gesso for better paint adhesion.
Gesso itself is not entirely waterproof, but it provides a layer of protection for the canvas from oil paints.
Is acrylic gPopular gesso brands among oil painters include Lascaux and Liquitex, which are known for their acrylic gessoes, which offer good coverage, flexibility, and a sandable surface.
Yes, acrylic gesso is a popular choice for oil painting because it dries fast, is flexible, and creates a smooth surface.
While artist’s white can be used as a primer in a pinch, it’s not a perfect substitute for gesso. Gesso is formulated specifically for priming surfaces for painting and offers better adhesion and protection than the artist’s white alone.
It’s generally not recommended to use commercial white gesso (like for walls) for oil painting. It might not have suitable properties for oil paint adhesion and flexibility.
While colored gesso can be used for artistic effects, it’s not ideal for all oil paintings. White gesso provides a neutral base for accurate color representation.
Some gesso ingredients can be mildly irritating, so it’s advisable to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid prolonged contact with skin and eyes.
Wearing gloves is not mandatory, but it can help.
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