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gesso

KROMA acrylic gesso is a very high quality ground available at a very reasonable price. It is suitable for priming and preparing canvas, wood, paper, board and many other surfaces prior to painting.

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Traditionally the term gesso described a specific type of ground made with rabbit skin glue, chalk and white pigment that was heated and applied warm. Gesso is the Italian word for gypsum (calcium sulphate).

Today gesso has come to refer to any painting ground. The most common type of painting ground in use today is acrylic gesso, as it is suitable for preparing canvas for overpainting in any paint media including oils. Because it dries to a flexible, durable surface it is suitable for preparing both rigid supports such as board and flexible fabric supports such as canvas.

The quality of an acrylic primer is related to the process of manufacture and the quality of the raw materials used. Lower quality primers are sometimes made from less expensive resins which may become brittle and crack when applied to flexible surfaces or be subject to yellowing. The grinding of the pigments and filler powders used may be minimal and result in an inconsistent and lumpy surface. Low grade primers may not be suitable for further dilution with water, and if diluted may produce a weak and vulnerable film.

KROMA acrylic gesso is made from 100% acrylic resin and goes through a thorough milling and mixing process. It has excellent coverage and a matte, toothy surface that provides excellent adhesion for subsequent layers of paint.

When preparing fabric supports, the first layers of gesso may be diluted with water so that the gesso is thoroughly absorbed, penetrating the fibres of the fabric and thereby creating a good seal. The number of layers of gesso needed will depend upon the nature of the surface, the dilution of the gesso and how thickly the gesso is applied. In some cases, for example, a rigid surface with undiluted gesso applied thickly, one coat will be sufficient. In other applications, particularly fabric supports, several layers may be necessary. Using acrylic gesso to create a complete barrier between the canvas and the subsequent layers of paint is particularly important to protect against discolouration and deterioration, if the paint to be used is oil or solvent based. When preparing light-weight paper for painting, before applying the first layer of paint, medium or gesso, the paper should be stretched onto a rigid support, as the water in the acrylic may cause the paper to buckle and warp.

The proper preparation of a surface is the foundation for a painting and can be vital to a piece’s longevity. KROMA acrylic gesso is both economical and of very high quality, giving you an excellent starting point for all kinds of work.

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