Golden Acrylic Gesso White

GOLDEN Acrylic Gesso can be brush, roller, trowel, or spray-applied. Dilution of the Gesso is only necessary for spray application but may be desired for brush or roller applications as well. When diluting with water, we recommend a maximum dilution of 25%. Any mixture within this range offers little risk of cracking or other adverse effects. 

Although one coat of Gesso will provide good adhesion, it may sometimes leave pinholes or uncovered areas. It is recommended to apply at least two coats of Gesso to any surface, but especially when painting on canvas or linen. The first coat will penetrate the support and reduce the likelihood of paint de-lamination. The second coat bonds with the first layer and begins to even out the surface. Subsequent layers of Gesso will produce an even smoother surface. For spray-application, you may have to apply more than 2 coats to achieve a film similar to a brush application.

Tinting the Gesso

GOLDEN Gesso can be tinted with GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics, Fluid Acrylics, or SoFlat Matte Acrylics. The SoFlat paint most closely resembles the Gesso properties since they both possess a high pigment load, a velvety, low-gloss sheen, and a similar viscosity. Tinting with SoFlat is recommended since they alter the attributes of the Gesso the least. Due to the high pigment/solid concentration, SoFlat and Gesso should only be applied in thin layers. Thick, single-applications of these products may crack.

Use with Oils

Oil Paints can be applied directly over acrylic Gesso. There is adequate adhesion due to the porosity of the acrylic. To control the penetration of linseed oil into canvas, apply at least three coats of Gesso.  

GAC 400 can be applied to canvas to stiffen the support before Gesso application. The GAC 400 will provide a stiffness similar to rabbit-skin glue without being hygroscopic. (Refer to the Information Sheet: GAC Specialty Acrylic Polymers for further information on these products).