Gesso 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start Painting

 Before you dip your brush into that dreamy colour palette and start creating your next masterpiece, there’s one simple but essential step you shouldn’t skip—prepping your surface. Think of it like setting the stage before the main act. A well-prepped surface can make all the difference to how your paint behaves, how long your work lasts, and how professional the final piece looks.

Now, walk into any art supply store or scroll online, and you'll be greeted by a vast array of primers. With so many options, it can be a little overwhelming. How do you pick the right one?

What Is Gesso?

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Gesso—pronounced jess-oh—is a primer that’s typically white, but also comes in black, clear, and even coloured versions. It is a blend of chalk, pigment, and a binder—usually an acrylic polymer in modern formulas. Its purpose? To create a textured, slightly absorbent surface for your paint to grip.

Historically, gesso was made with animal glue and used by Renaissance painters who applied it to wooden panels before painting with tempera or oils. Thankfully, the gesso we use today is far less medieval and much more versatile. The modern acrylic version is easy to apply, fast-drying, and compatible with a wide variety of painting mediums.

The result? A professional-quality surface that holds paint beautifully and enhances the entire creative process.

Why Use Gesso?

So, what’s all the fuss about? Why buy gesso at all?

Well, if you’ve ever painted on raw canvas, unprimed wood, or thick paper, you’ve probably noticed the paint soaks in too fast or behaves unpredictably. That’s where gesso comes in. It creates a smooth, consistent base that helps your paints perform the way they’re meant to.

Here are the main reasons to use gesso:

• Improved paint adhesion: Gesso gives paint something to stick to, so you’ll find it much easier to apply and blend colours without streaks or bleeding.
  

• Seals porous surfaces: Raw canvas, wood, or paper will absorb paint unevenly. Gesso seals the surface so your paint sits on top, making the colours more vibrant and manageable.
  

• Adds texture: Gesso creates a subtle tooth that grips the paint and brush, giving you greater control over detail and strokes.
  

• Protects your artwork: A properly gessoed surface can help prevent cracking and deterioration over time.
  

• Versatility: You can even use it creatively—for texture, layering, or as a standalone background.
  

If you’re looking for gesso Australia wide, browse online for a wide variety of options tailored to every artist’s need—from beginners to professionals, hobbyists to muralists.

Types of Gesso

Now that we know what gesso is and why it's so important, let’s explore the different types available. 

1. Acrylic Gesso

This is the most widely used type, and for good reason. It’s water-based, dries quickly, and is compatible with both acrylic and oil paints (though some oil purists may still prefer traditional oil gesso). It’s great for canvas, wood, paper, and more.

2. Oil Gesso

Unlike acrylic gesso, oil gesso is made using linseed oil and is specifically for oil painting. It provides a smooth, absorbent surface but requires a longer drying time and isn’t compatible with acrylics. It’s the more traditional option for those who prefer a classical painting method.

3. Clear Gesso

Perfect when you want to let the background shine through. Whether it’s a wood grain you love or a detailed pencil sketch you don’t want to cover, clear gesso primes the surface while keeping it visible.

4. Black or Coloured Gesso

Want something moodier or more dramatic? Black or tinted gesso gives a darker starting point for painting and is ideal for bright colour contrast or expressive work. It's especially effective in pastel or acrylic artwork where you want the background to contribute to the final look.

5. DIY Gesso

Feeling adventurous? You can make your own gesso at home with basic ingredients like white glue, baking soda, and white acrylic paint. It’s an economical and fun option, especially for practice pieces, though it won’t always match the consistency or archival quality of commercial products.

When and Where to Use Gesso

Gesso is incredibly versatile and can be used in more places than you might think. It’s not just for canvas anymore!

When to Use Gesso

• Before painting on raw canvas: This is the classic use. Even “pre-primed” canvases can benefit from an extra layer for added control.
  

• On wood panels: Gesso helps seal and smooth the surface.
  

• On thick paper or cardboard: Turn everyday materials into paint-ready surfaces.
  

• For mixed media: Create texture and tooth for layering different mediums like charcoal, pastel, and ink.
  

When You Might Not Need Gesso

• If your canvas is already triple-primed, you may be good to go, but applying an extra layer can still improve paint flow.
  

• Non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, or plastic might need a different type of primer or sanding before applying gesso.
  

• Watercolour paper usually doesn’t require gesso, unless you’re using it for a mixed media approach.
  

Where Gesso Works Best

You can use gesso on:

• Canvas (pre-stretched or DIY)
  

• Wood panels and MDF boards
  

• Heavyweight paper
  

• Cardboard and fabric
  

• Sketchbooks and journals
  

• Even walls or furniture for creative home décor projects.

Conclusion

Gesso is a total game-changer. It might not be the most glamorous product in your art stash, but it plays a starring role in making sure your work looks its best—and stays that way over time. From improving paint behaviour to protecting your materials and opening up new creative possibilities, gesso is an essential part of every artist’s journey.

So next time you’re ready to start a new painting, give your surface the treatment it deserves. Whether you're just starting out or you've been painting for years, it's never too late to buy gesso and upgrade your priming game. You’ll be amazed at how much smoother your creative process becomes when you start with the right foundation.