Another common word for gesso is primer. This term accurately describes its primary function as a preparatory coating applied to surfaces before painting.
Understanding Gesso
Gesso serves as an essential foundation in many artistic practices, particularly in painting. It's applied to surfaces like canvas, wood, or paper to prepare them for the application of paint.
What is Gesso?
Gesso is a white paint-like substance primarily used as a ground for painting. It creates a smooth, absorbent, and consistent surface that is ideal for various paint mediums. The word gesso itself originates from the Italian word for "chalk" or "plaster," tracing its roots back to the Latin gypsum and the Greek gypsos, both referring to forms of chalk or plaster. Historically, traditional gesso was made from animal glue, chalk, and white pigment, while modern versions are often acrylic-based.
Why Use Gesso?
Applying gesso offers several key benefits for artists:
- Creates Tooth: It provides a slight texture, or "tooth," that allows paint to adhere better, preventing it from just sliding off the surface.
- Controls Absorption: Gesso seals the surface, preventing the paint (especially oil paint) from being absorbed too quickly, which can make colors appear dull or brittle.
- Brightens Colors: Its white color provides a bright, neutral base, making the applied paints appear more vibrant and true to their intended hue.
- Protects the Support: It creates a barrier between the paint and the canvas or panel, protecting the support material from the acids in paints and ensuring the longevity of the artwork.
- Evens the Surface: It can fill in small imperfections or weave patterns in canvas, creating a smoother working area.
Common Synonyms and Related Terms
While "primer" is the most direct synonym, several other terms describe gesso's function or the prepared surface itself:
- Primer: The most common alternative, emphasizing its role as the first coat.
- Ground: In art terminology, the "ground" refers to the prepared surface on which a painting is made. Gesso is a type of ground.
- Undercoat: A general term for a layer of paint applied before the main coat, often used to improve adhesion or provide an even base.
- Base Coat: Similar to undercoat, referring to the foundational layer.
- Sealer: Gesso acts as a sealer, preventing subsequent layers from being absorbed into the support material.
Types of Gesso
Modern art supplies offer different formulations of gesso, primarily categorized into traditional and acrylic-based types:
| Feature | Traditional Gesso (True Gesso) | Acrylic Gesso (Modern Gesso) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Animal glue (rabbit skin glue), chalk (calcium carbonate), white pigment (titanium white or zinc white) | Acrylic polymer emulsion, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide |
| Drying Time | Dries quickly, but requires multiple thin coats and sanding | Dries quickly, often within minutes to an hour |
| Flexibility | Brittle when dry; suitable for rigid surfaces (panels) | Flexible when dry; ideal for flexible surfaces like stretched canvas |
| Application | Applied warm, often requires sizing layer first | Applied directly from the container, ready to use |
| Suitability | Primarily for oil painting and tempera; less common for acrylics due to its absorbency | Versatile for acrylics, oils, pastels, and mixed media; offers good adhesion for various paints |
Practical Insights for Using Gesso
Choosing and applying the right gesso can significantly impact the final artwork. Here are some practical tips:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure your surface is clean and dust-free before applying gesso.
- Dilution: Acrylic gesso can sometimes be diluted with a small amount of water to achieve a smoother, more even application, especially for thin coats.
- Multiple Thin Coats: Instead of one thick layer, apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry completely. This builds a more even and durable surface.
- Sanding: For a very smooth finish, lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit or higher) after each layer has dried. Wipe off dust before applying the next coat.
- Choosing the Right Type:
- For rigid surfaces like wood panels and traditional oil painting techniques, traditional gesso or specialized oil painting primers are excellent choices.
- For flexible surfaces such as stretched canvas, or if you plan to use acrylic paints, acrylic gesso is generally preferred due to its flexibility and fast drying time.
- Colored Gesso: While classic gesso is white, it's also available in black or other colors, allowing artists to start with a toned ground. For more information on gesso and its application, you can explore resources on art material guides.
