How Do You Prime A Canvas For Acrylics Or Oils?
When you’ve stretched a canvas, the next step is to prime it so you can paint on it. With a ready-made gesso suitable for both acrylic and oil painting, this is easy.Difficulty: EasyTime Required: Depends on the size of canvasHere’s How: • Make sure you buy a bottle of gesso that’s suitable for both acrylic and oil painting. This dries very fast and is painted directly on to the stretched canvas. • Shake the container very well before using. Do not skip this step! • Decide whether you’re going to apply one or a few coats of gesso. One coat gives a rougher finish. If you’re applying only one coat, use the gesso as it comes out of the bottle. • If you’re going to apply several coats, dilute the gesso with a mixture of half acrylic gloss medium and half water. • Using an old, wide brush, apply the gesso directly to the stretched canvas in even strokes. Work from the top to the bottom of the canvas, in parallel strokes
