What is acrylic gesso?
Acrylic gesso is a combination of acrylic paint (typically, titanium white for white gesso) mixed with calcium carbonate, an acrylic polymer medium latex, and other chemicals that adjust the consistency, applicability and durability of the gesso. Gesso is often used as to prime the canvas before starting an acrylic painting, because it makes it easier for the work surface (i.e., canvas) to accept the paint. Gesso is a bit thinner than regular white acrylic paint. Gesso is a handy tool for painting with acrylics, but it is not necessary for use with any other mediums, such as watercolors, pastels, or oils.
