DIY Gesso: How To Make Your Own For Canvas

Hey guys! Ever found yourself ready to paint, only to realize you're fresh out of gesso? Don't sweat it! Making your own gesso is not only super easy, but it can also save you a trip to the store and give you more control over your art supplies. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of homemade gesso, covering everything from why you should make your own, to the ingredients you'll need, and step-by-step instructions for both acrylic and oil-based canvases. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let's get started!

Why Make Your Own Gesso?

You might be wondering, why bother making gesso when you can easily buy it? Well, there are several compelling reasons! First and foremost, it's incredibly cost-effective. Store-bought gesso can be pricey, especially if you're working on large canvases or multiple projects. Making your own allows you to save money, which is always a win for artists on a budget. Plus, think of all the extra art supplies you can buy with those savings!

Another fantastic reason to DIY your gesso is the customization aspect. You have complete control over the consistency, texture, and even the color of your gesso. Want a super smooth surface? You can achieve it. Prefer a more textured ground for your paints? No problem! This level of customization is a game-changer for artists who have specific preferences or are experimenting with different painting techniques. For example, if you're working on a highly detailed piece, a smoother gesso might be ideal. Conversely, if you're aiming for a more expressive, textured painting, a rougher gesso could be just what you need.

Beyond cost and customization, making your own gesso is also a fantastic way to understand the materials you're working with. It demystifies the process and gives you a deeper appreciation for the science behind painting. When you know exactly what goes into your gesso, you can troubleshoot any issues that might arise and make informed decisions about your art. It's like becoming a master chef in the kitchen, but for your art studio! You'll be able to tweak the recipe to suit your specific needs and preferences, resulting in a truly personalized painting experience. This understanding can also lead to more creative experimentation, as you'll feel more confident in manipulating your materials to achieve unique effects.

And let's not forget the convenience factor! If you run out of gesso mid-project, you don't have to interrupt your creative flow with a trip to the art supply store. Chances are, you already have the necessary ingredients in your home. This is especially helpful for those late-night painting sessions when inspiration strikes, and the stores are closed. Knowing you can whip up a batch of gesso in a matter of minutes is incredibly liberating and keeps your momentum going.

Finally, making your own gesso is a step towards sustainability. You can use eco-friendly ingredients and reduce your reliance on commercially produced products. This is a great way to minimize your environmental impact as an artist and make choices that align with your values. For instance, you can explore using natural pigments to color your gesso or choose more sustainable binding agents. Every little bit helps in creating a greener art practice. So, you can create beautiful art while also caring for the planet – it's a win-win!

What You'll Need: Ingredients for Homemade Gesso

Now that you're convinced of the awesomeness of homemade gesso, let's talk about the ingredients you'll need. The basic recipe is surprisingly simple and uses readily available materials. For acrylic gesso, which is the most common type, you'll need the following:

• Acrylic Gesso Recipe Essentials:

  • Titanium Dioxide: This is the primary pigment that gives gesso its white color and opacity. You can find it in powder form at most art supply stores or online. Titanium dioxide is the key ingredient for achieving that bright, even surface that's perfect for painting. It also provides excellent lightfastness, ensuring your paintings will stay vibrant for years to come. When choosing titanium dioxide, look for a high-quality grade that's specifically designed for artist use. This will ensure the best results and prevent any issues with yellowing or cracking over time.

  • Acrylic Polymer Emulsion: This acts as the binder, holding all the ingredients together and creating a flexible, durable surface. Acrylic polymer emulsion is the magic ingredient that transforms a simple mixture into a professional-grade gesso. It provides excellent adhesion to the canvas, ensuring your paint layers will bond properly. The flexibility of the emulsion is also crucial, as it allows the gesso to expand and contract with the canvas, preventing cracks and ensuring the longevity of your artwork. Make sure to choose a high-quality acrylic polymer emulsion specifically designed for artists, as craft-grade options may not provide the same level of performance.

  • Calcium Carbonate (Whiting): This adds bulk and texture to the gesso, making it easier to sand and creating a slightly absorbent surface. Calcium carbonate, often referred to as whiting, is a key ingredient for creating the right texture and absorbency in your gesso. It helps to create a slightly toothy surface that paint can grip onto, making it easier to apply and blend colors. The added bulk also makes the gesso easier to sand, allowing you to achieve a perfectly smooth surface if desired. You can find calcium carbonate in powder form at most art supply stores or online. It's an inexpensive ingredient that makes a big difference in the overall quality and workability of your homemade gesso.

  • Water: This helps to thin the mixture to the desired consistency. Water is the unsung hero of homemade gesso. It's essential for achieving the right consistency and making the gesso easy to apply. The amount of water you add will depend on your personal preferences and the desired thickness of the gesso. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the perfect consistency. Using distilled water is recommended, as it's free from impurities that could potentially affect the quality of your gesso. Water also plays a crucial role in the drying process, allowing the gesso to form a smooth, even film on the canvas.

  • Optional Ingredients:

    • Acrylic Retarder: To slow down the drying time. Adding a touch of acrylic retarder can be a game-changer, especially if you're working in a dry climate or prefer a longer open time for blending and manipulating the gesso. Acrylic retarder works by slowing down the evaporation of water from the mixture, giving you more time to work with it before it starts to dry. This can be particularly helpful if you're applying the gesso in multiple layers or if you're working on a large canvas. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as too much retarder can make the gesso sticky or prevent it from drying properly. A small amount, typically a few drops per batch, is usually sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
    • Pigments: To tint the gesso (optional). Want to add a splash of color to your gesso? No problem! Pigments are a fantastic way to tint your gesso and create a custom ground for your paintings. You can use any artist-grade pigments, such as acrylic inks, liquid acrylics, or dry pigments. Experiment with different colors to achieve unique effects and create a harmonious base for your artwork. For instance, a warm-toned gesso can add depth and richness to your paintings, while a cool-toned gesso can create a sense of tranquility and calm. Just be sure to add the pigments gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure an even color distribution throughout the gesso. And remember, a little pigment goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired hue.

For oil-based gesso, the recipe is a bit more complex and requires different ingredients:

• Oil Gesso Recipe Essentials:
  • Rabbit Skin Glue: This is the traditional binder for oil-based gesso and provides excellent adhesion to the canvas. Rabbit skin glue is the time-honored binder for traditional oil gesso, and it plays a crucial role in creating a surface that's perfectly suited for oil paints. This natural glue provides exceptional adhesion to the canvas, ensuring that your oil paint layers will bond securely and last for generations. The unique properties of rabbit skin glue also contribute to the flexibility of the gesso, allowing it to expand and contract with the canvas without cracking. However, working with rabbit skin glue requires some extra care and attention to detail, as it needs to be properly prepared and applied to prevent issues such as cracking or brittleness. But for artists who are committed to traditional techniques and archival quality, rabbit skin glue is an essential ingredient for oil gesso.
  • Titanium Dioxide: Just like with acrylic gesso, this provides the white color and opacity. Titanium dioxide is the workhorse pigment in both acrylic and oil gesso, and for good reason. It provides exceptional opacity, creating a bright white surface that's ideal for oil painting. This pigment is also incredibly lightfast, meaning it won't fade or yellow over time, ensuring that your artwork will maintain its vibrancy for years to come. When selecting titanium dioxide for oil gesso, be sure to choose a high-quality grade that's specifically formulated for artist use. This will ensure that it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients and creates a gesso that's both durable and archival.
  • Calcium Carbonate (Whiting): Again, this adds bulk and texture. Calcium carbonate, or whiting, is a crucial ingredient for creating the right texture and absorbency in oil gesso. It adds bulk to the mixture, making it easier to apply and sand, and it also creates a slightly toothy surface that oil paints can grip onto. This is particularly important for oil painting, as oil paints tend to be slippery and can have difficulty adhering to smooth surfaces. The calcium carbonate also helps to absorb excess oil from the paint, preventing the paint film from becoming too glossy or oily. When choosing calcium carbonate for oil gesso, look for a fine, high-quality powder that's free from impurities. This will ensure that it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients and creates a gesso that's both durable and archival.
  • Linseed Oil: This is the oil component that makes the gesso suitable for oil paints. Linseed oil is the lifeblood of oil gesso, and it's what makes this type of gesso compatible with oil paints. This natural oil acts as a binder, holding the pigments and fillers together, and it also creates a flexible, durable surface that's ideal for oil painting. Linseed oil dries slowly, allowing the paint layers to bond together properly and creating a strong, archival paint film. However, it's essential to use refined linseed oil that's specifically designed for artist use, as raw linseed oil can yellow over time. Refined linseed oil has been processed to remove impurities and reduce yellowing, ensuring that your artwork will maintain its vibrancy for years to come.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Acrylic Gesso

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through the process of making acrylic gesso. This recipe is super straightforward, and you'll be amazed at how easy it is!

1. Gather Your Supplies: Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. You'll need a mixing bowl, a whisk or spatula, measuring cups or spoons, your titanium dioxide, acrylic polymer emulsion, calcium carbonate, and water. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and prevent any mid-mixing interruptions. It's also a good idea to protect your work surface with some newspaper or a drop cloth, just in case of any spills.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In your mixing bowl, combine the titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate. A good starting ratio is about 2 parts titanium dioxide to 1 part calcium carbonate, but you can adjust this based on your desired texture and opacity. Whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they're evenly distributed. This step is crucial for preventing clumps and ensuring a smooth, consistent gesso. Think of it like baking – you want to make sure all the dry ingredients are perfectly combined before adding the wet ones.
3. Add Acrylic Polymer Emulsion: Now, pour in the acrylic polymer emulsion. Start with a ratio of about 1 part emulsion to 3 parts dry ingredients, but again, you can adjust this based on your desired consistency. Use your whisk or spatula to gradually mix the emulsion into the dry ingredients. The key here is to mix slowly and thoroughly, working out any lumps as you go. You want to achieve a smooth, creamy paste that's free from any clumps or dry patches. This step might take a few minutes, but it's worth the effort for a high-quality gesso.
4. Add Water: Slowly add water to the mixture, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The consistency you're aiming for is similar to that of thick paint or heavy cream. You want the gesso to be thick enough to provide good coverage but thin enough to spread easily. The amount of water you'll need will depend on the humidity and the specific ingredients you're using, so it's best to add it gradually and mix thoroughly after each addition. This step is all about finding the sweet spot – too much water, and your gesso will be too thin; too little, and it will be too thick to apply smoothly.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Keep mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, even gesso. This is where patience pays off. The more thoroughly you mix, the better the final result will be. You want to ensure that there are no streaks or inconsistencies in the gesso. If you're using an optional ingredient like acrylic retarder or pigment, now is the time to add it and mix it in thoroughly. Once you're satisfied with the consistency and color, your gesso is ready to use! It's like whipping up the perfect frosting – the key is in the mixing.
6. Test the Gesso: Before you apply the gesso to your canvas, it's a good idea to test it on a small scrap piece of canvas or paper. This will give you a sense of the consistency and how it dries. Apply a thin layer of gesso and let it dry completely. Check for any cracks, unevenness, or other issues. If you're happy with the results, you're good to go! If not, you can make adjustments to the recipe as needed. This step is like doing a test run before a big presentation – it allows you to iron out any kinks and ensure that everything goes smoothly when you apply the gesso to your masterpiece.

Making Oil-Based Gesso: A Traditional Approach

Making oil-based gesso is a bit more involved than acrylic gesso, but the results are well worth the effort, especially if you're a traditional oil painter. This method uses rabbit skin glue, which provides a unique surface that many artists swear by. Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare the Rabbit Skin Glue: This is the most crucial step. Soak the rabbit skin glue granules in cold water for several hours or overnight. The glue will absorb the water and swell up. The soaking process is essential for properly hydrating the glue and ensuring that it dissolves smoothly. Think of it like preparing gelatin for a dessert – you need to give it time to bloom before you can use it. The ratio of glue to water is typically around 1 part glue to 10 parts water, but you can adjust this based on the specific instructions for your glue granules.
2. Heat the Glue: Gently heat the soaked glue in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Do not boil the glue, as this can damage it. Stir the glue occasionally until it is completely dissolved and has a smooth, honey-like consistency. Heating the glue too quickly or at too high a temperature can cause it to lose its adhesive properties, so it's important to be patient and gentle. A double boiler is ideal for this step, as it provides indirect heat and prevents the glue from overheating.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: While the glue is heating, combine the titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate in a separate bowl. Again, a good starting ratio is about 2 parts titanium dioxide to 1 part calcium carbonate, but you can adjust this based on your preferences. Whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they're evenly distributed. This step is similar to making acrylic gesso – you want to prevent clumps and ensure a smooth, consistent mixture. The dry ingredients will provide the body and opacity of the gesso, while the glue will act as the binder.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the warm rabbit skin glue to the dry ingredients, mixing constantly with a whisk or spatula. Work out any lumps as you go, and continue mixing until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. The warm glue will help to dissolve the dry ingredients and create a homogeneous mixture. It's important to add the glue gradually and mix thoroughly to prevent the formation of clumps. The consistency you're aiming for is similar to that of heavy cream – thick enough to provide good coverage but thin enough to spread easily.
5. Add Linseed Oil: Now, add a small amount of linseed oil to the mixture. The amount of oil you'll need will depend on the consistency of the gesso and your personal preferences. Start with a tablespoon or two and add more as needed, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The linseed oil will make the gesso more flexible and durable, and it will also help to create a surface that's ideal for oil painting. The oil will also contribute to the archival quality of the gesso, ensuring that your paintings will last for generations.
6. Strain the Gesso: For the smoothest possible gesso, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will remove any remaining lumps or impurities and ensure a flawless finish. Straining the gesso is an optional step, but it can make a big difference in the final result, especially if you're aiming for a super smooth surface. The straining process will also remove any undissolved particles of glue or pigment, resulting in a gesso that's both beautiful and functional.

Applying Your Homemade Gesso

Now that you've made your gesso, it's time to apply it to your canvas! Here are some tips for achieving a professional-looking finish:

1. Prepare Your Canvas: Make sure your canvas is clean and free from any dust or debris. If you're working with a raw canvas, you may want to stretch it first to ensure a taut surface. A clean, well-prepared canvas is the foundation for a successful painting. Dust or debris can interfere with the adhesion of the gesso and create an uneven surface. Stretching the canvas properly is also crucial, as a loose or sagging canvas can cause the gesso to crack or peel over time.
2. Apply Thin, Even Coats: Use a wide brush or a palette knife to apply the gesso in thin, even coats. Avoid applying the gesso too thickly, as this can lead to cracking or peeling. Multiple thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Thin coats allow the gesso to dry evenly and create a strong, flexible surface. Overlapping your strokes slightly will help to ensure that you don't miss any spots and that the gesso is applied uniformly across the canvas. This technique is similar to applying layers of varnish or paint – the key is to build up the coverage gradually.
3. Let Each Coat Dry Completely: Allow each coat of gesso to dry completely before applying the next one. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the humidity and the thickness of the coats. Rushing the drying process can lead to problems down the road, such as cracking or peeling. The drying time is essential for allowing the gesso to cure properly and form a strong bond with the canvas. You can check the dryness of the gesso by touching it lightly – it should feel smooth and hard, not tacky or sticky.
4. Sand Between Coats (Optional): If you want a super smooth surface, you can lightly sand the gesso between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. This will remove any imperfections and create a perfectly even surface for painting. Sanding the gesso is an optional step, but it can make a big difference in the final look and feel of your painting. A smooth surface is ideal for detailed work and for achieving certain effects with your paints. Just be sure to sand lightly and evenly, and to wipe away any dust before applying the next coat of gesso.
5. Apply Multiple Coats: Apply at least two or three coats of gesso for optimal coverage and durability. More coats may be necessary if you're working with a heavily textured canvas or if you're using oil paints. Multiple coats of gesso will ensure that the canvas is properly sealed and that your paint layers will adhere properly. The number of coats you need will also depend on the type of gesso you're using – oil-based gesso typically requires more coats than acrylic gesso. The goal is to create a surface that's both smooth and absorbent, providing the perfect foundation for your artwork.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Making your own gesso is a simple yet rewarding process that can save you money, give you more control over your materials, and deepen your connection to your art. Whether you're working with acrylics or oils, homemade gesso is a fantastic option for preparing your canvases. Give it a try and unleash your creativity! Happy painting, guys!