Priming Agents

Gesso and Primer for Canvas, Wood, and Paper

The surface preparation determines how paint behaves: whether it soaks in, how quickly it dries, and how long it lasts. In this category, you’ll find white, black, and colored gesso, primers, and pastes for textured surfaces from Kompozit, KREUL Solo Goya, Schmincke, PENTART, Maimeri, Golden, Rosa, and ARTMiE.

Choosing a Primer

White Gesso, a Versatile Primer

Kompozit White Primer and Solo Goya Gesso Primer are water-based acrylic primers suitable for use under acrylic and oil paints. Use them on unprimed canvas, wood, cardboard, or paper, or to reprime an old painting.

Black and Colored Gesso

A tinted surface saves you from underpainting and helps with working with light. Light and metallic paints stand out on black gesso.

Textured Surfaces

For a textured surface, apply Kompozit Fine-Grain Texturing Paste or Solo Goya Fine Sand Paste. Find all pastes in the effect pastes and gels category.

How to Apply Gesso

1. Remove dust from the surface. Lightly sand wood.
2. Apply a thin coat of gesso with a wide flat brush, such as one from the Nassau Primer Brush Set.
3. Let it dry, then apply a second coat at a right angle to the first. For a smooth surface, lightly sand with sandpaper.
4. Let the primer dry completely before painting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gesso and Primer

What’s the difference between gesso and primer?

In everyday use, they mean the same thing: a base coat. Products sold as gesso today are water-based acrylic primers suitable for use under acrylic and oil paints.

Do I need to prime a store-bought canvas?

Most canvases are gesso-primed during manufacturing. An additional coat is worthwhile if you want a smoother, less absorbent surface or a tinted base.

How many coats of gesso should I apply?

Usually, apply two to three thin coats to canvas and one to two to wood and paper. Several thin coats are better than one thick coat.

Can I cover an old painting with gesso?

Yes, you can cover an acrylic painting with one or two coats of white gesso. If it has a thick texture, sand it down first.