This buying guide will explore various options, helping you select the perfect gesso for your needs and budget, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out. We’ll delve into key features to look for, along with reviews of top-rated products.
1. Mont Marte Premium Gesso
Versatile and affordable gesso. Suitable for various surfaces and painting mediums. Provides good coverage and adhesion. A reliable choice for beginners and intermediate artists. Neutral white point. Suitable for acrylic, oil, and other mediums Works on canvas, paper, wood, and more Good coverage Opaque white color
Key Features
- Suitable for acrylic, oil, and other mediums
- Works on canvas, paper, wood, and more
- Good coverage
- Opaque white color
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Good coverage
Cons
- May not be as durable as professional-grade gessos
Best for: Beginners and students
Why buy: Excellent value for money. A great all-around gesso for diverse projects.
2. U.S. Art Supply
High-quality gesso with superior coverage. Designed for smooth application and long-lasting artwork. Ideal for creating a smooth, even surface. Enhances paint performance and color vibrancy. Dries transparent. Superior coverage Smooth application Enhances paint performance Dries transparent
Key Features
- Superior coverage
- Smooth application
- Enhances paint performance
- Dries transparent
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Smooth finish
- Enhances color vibrancy
Cons
- More expensive than some alternatives
Best for: Professional artists
Why buy: Exceptional quality and performance. Ideal for achieving a flawless painting surface.
3. BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso
Heavy-bodied gesso offering exceptional coverage. Versatile and suitable for various surfaces. Ensures excellent adhesion, preventing paint flaking. Quick-drying formula saves time. Delivers professional results. Superior coverage Versatile application Excellent adhesion Quick drying
Key Features
- Superior coverage
- Versatile application
- Excellent adhesion
- Quick drying
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Quick drying
- Strong adhesion
Cons
- Can be thick, requiring more thinning
Best for: Large-scale projects
Why buy: Provides a durable base for paintings. Its quick-drying time enhances efficiency.
4. Nicpro White Gesso
Premium white gesso primer with exceptional coverage. Hides base stray colors or stains. Brightens the surface, improving color saturation. Easy to use; fast drying; flexible coating. Suitable for diverse surfaces. Excellent coverage Brightens the painting surface Easy application Fast drying
Key Features
- Excellent coverage
- Brightens the painting surface
- Easy application
- Fast drying
Pros
- Excellent coverage
- Fast drying
- Enhances color vibrancy
Cons
- May not be suitable for all surfaces
Best for: Enhancing color vibrancy
Why buy: Improves color saturation and brightness. Offers a smooth, even surface for painting.
5. Gesso by GOLDEN
Professional-grade gesso known for its flexibility and opacity. Highly pigmented for a smooth, toothy surface. Recommended for multiple coats in oil painting. Durable and long-lasting. Made in the USA. Flexible Highly pigmented Opaque Toothy surface
Key Features
- Flexible
- Highly pigmented
- Opaque
- Toothy surface
Pros
- High quality
- Durable
- Excellent opacity
Cons
- Most expensive option
Best for: Professional artists seeking top quality
Why buy: Unmatched quality and performance. A reliable choice for demanding projects.
6. Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface
Clear gesso acting as a surface prep medium. Fluid consistency. Reduces viscosity of heavier paints and gels. Intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylics. Safe for educational use. Fluid consistency Reduces paint viscosity Intermixable with Liquitex mediums Safe for educational use
Key Features
- Fluid consistency
- Reduces paint viscosity
- Intermixable with Liquitex mediums
- Safe for educational use
Pros
- Versatile
- Improves paint flow
- Safe for students
Cons
- Not opaque
Best for: Modifying paint viscosity
Why buy: Excellent for thinning paints. A useful additive for adjusting consistency.
7. BLUEBIRD Studio Acrylic Gesso
Budget-friendly white liquid gesso primer. Perfect for preparing various surfaces for painting. Provides a smooth, matte surface. Suitable for acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Dries quickly for fast workflow. Affordable Versatile Smooth finish Quick drying
Key Features
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Smooth finish
- Quick drying
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick drying
- Easy to use
Cons
- Coverage may not be as high as other options
Best for: Budget-conscious artists
Why buy: Great value for money. Simple and effective for various painting techniques.
Buying Guide- Choosing the Best Best gesso for oil painting
Selecting the right gesso depends on several factors. First, consider the surface you’ll be painting on. Canvas, wood panels, and prepared boards all react differently to gesso, and some gessos are formulated for specific surfaces. Canvas typically requires a gesso that allows for flexibility to avoid cracking as the paint dries and the canvas expands and contracts. For wood panels, you may prefer a gesso with superior sealing properties. Always check the product description to ensure compatibility with your chosen surface.
Next, consider the level of coverage you need. If you’re working with a heavily textured surface or need to completely obscure the underlying color, a high-coverage gesso is essential. Many gessos also offer different levels of tooth (texture), affecting the way your paint adheres and feels. A fine tooth gesso is smoother, while a coarse tooth gesso offers more texture. Experimenting with different types can help you determine your preference.
Finally, think about your painting style and the overall effect you’re aiming for. Some gessos offer a matte finish, while others have a slight sheen. Certain gessos are formulated to enhance color vibrancy, while others provide a more neutral surface. Read reviews to understand how different gessos impact the final look and feel of the artwork, and choose the one that best suits your vision. Consider factors like drying time, ease of application, and the overall quality of the gesso to make an informed decision.
Prepare the surface well: clean, fill dents, sand lightly, and use a bonding primer where needed. Good prep is 70% of the result.
Choose the right finish for the room: matte hides flaws, satin balances look/durability, semi-gloss is most wipeable for kitchens/baths.
FAQs
How many coats of gesso should I apply?
For oil painting, it’s generally recommended to apply at least two to three thin coats of gesso, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This ensures proper surface preparation and prevents oil from penetrating the underlying support.
Can I use gesso for acrylic painting as well?
Yes, most gessos are suitable for both acrylic and oil painting. However, some are formulated specifically for acrylics and might not provide the same level of sealing for oils.
What does ‘tooth’ mean in relation to gesso?
‘Tooth’ refers to the texture of the gesso surface after it dries. A high-tooth gesso has a rougher surface, while a low-tooth gesso is smoother. The tooth affects how your paint adheres and the overall texture of your artwork.
How long does gesso take to dry?
Drying time varies depending on the gesso, the thickness of the application, and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). Check the product label for the manufacturer’s estimated drying time, but generally allow several hours or overnight between coats.
Can I mix gesso with other mediums?
Yes, some gessos can be mixed with acrylic mediums to adjust consistency or create colored grounds. Check the product instructions to see if mixing is recommended.
Is gesso toxic?
Most gessos are water-based and non-toxic, but it’s always good practice to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear, such as a mask and gloves, especially when working with larger quantities.
Conclusion
With so many gessos available, finding the perfect one for your oil painting projects can feel overwhelming. By considering factors like surface compatibility, coverage, tooth, and desired finish, you can narrow down your options and select a gesso that meets your specific needs. Remember to always read reviews and compare different brands before making a purchase, and don’t hesitate to experiment to discover your favorite gesso for achieving optimal results.
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