Surface Preparations set the foundation for stable and permanent colour applications by sealing and adding tooth to almost any painting surface such as canvas, wood, paper and metal.

The same preparation is used for both acrylic and oil paint.

Professional Gessoes usually take just 1 coat, but go by the manufacturers recommendation. If using more than 1 coat, sanding between coats is recommended. It all depends on what you prefer to work on.

Adding acrylic colour to any gesso creates customised tints and primers.
As well as 'Colourless' we stock ready mixed tinted gessoes - Grey, Black and white.

All surface preps should be flexible/non-cracking and do not yellow over time.

If applying more than one coat - the first coat should be diluted with water. Then when dry apply the second coat at full strength.

Use a good quality varnish brush that has good holding capacity. As an example, we stock the Escoda Lily Brush range. Depending on the size of surface to cover - use either 8146 - 18 or 8247 - 24 or 30.

Of course, the other alternative is to use one of our ready stretched and ready primed canvases.