I’m particular about my gesso. In my experience, those store-bought pre-formulated off the shelf do-it-all gessos are expensive and inconsistent. By mixing my own as needed, I get excellent results at a considerable cost savings with less waste.

Materials:

• Calcium Phosphate (plaster of paris)

• White glue (PVA glue)

• Acrylic house paint (flat or satin finish)

• Water

• Container with lid for storing the gesso

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cup

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 parts calcium with 1 part PVA and 1 part paint. Mix well until smooth.

2. Slowly add water, a little at a time, until the mixture is the consistency of pancake batter.

3. Be sure it is very well mixed before pouring into the storage container and sealing the lid.

4. Let the gesso rest at room temperature overnight to be sure all the calcium dissolves before applying to the canvas. Omitting this step could result in chunky solids on the surface of the canvas.

To use the gesso, mix again adding a little water if needed before applying it to the canvas using a brush or a roller. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Let the gesso dry completely and then sand lightly before applying additional coats. I like to apply at least three nice thick coats of gesso as a base with a good sanding at the finish to provide a tooth to help the paint to stick.

Think of gesso as a primer for your canvas. Primer goes between the raw canvas and the artist’s paint. Its purpose is to bond with the fibers in the canvas and provide a textured surface that the paint will adhere to. Without a primer, the absorbent surface of the canvas can cause your paint to soak in unevenly, resulting in a patchy and inconsistent appearance.

If you are working in oils, gesso also helps to protect your canvas from the chemicals in your paints. Over time, these chemicals can cause the canvas to deteriorate or discolor, but a layer of primer or gesso acts as a barrier, protecting the canvas from these harmful effects.

A good coating of properly applied gesso will improve the longevity of your painting. By creating a stable, archival surface, gesso helps to prevent cracking, flaking, and other forms of damage that can occur over time.

In addition to these practical benefits, using a primer or gesso can also enhance the visual impact of your painting. A properly primed canvas can create a bright, even background that allows your colors to stand out and pop. Depending on the type of primer or gesso you choose, you can also create interesting textures or patterns that can add depth and dimension to your work.