Friday, October 2, 2009

Homemade Gesso Recipe

Gesso is hard to find in the local market. And if you find one, it is quite expensive. But here is a homemade gesso recipe you can make.

You will need:

- water
- PVA glue
- talcum powder
- any old mixing bowl
- stirrer
- dedicated paint brush (e.i., exclusive to your gesso recipe only)


Procedure:

1.) Mix 3 parts water and 2 parts PVA or white glue. Make sure it is just the right consistency, not too watery.

2.) Add talcum powder until it becomes like a batter. Added more water and glue if there is too much powder until you achieve the ideal mix.

3.) Evenly apply your homemade gesso to your support (e.g., board, canvas).

4.) Leave it to dry overnight. If you're in a hurry, use a hair dryer.

5.) When it's dry enough, sand the surface.


Notes:

Ready-made gesso produces a harder surface. Use coarse sandpaper to begin with and then a fine sandpaper to finish. The surface should be smooth. Advantage: traditionally used as primer in most paintings, it is probably the safest and most convenient. Disadvantage: expensive and hard to find in the local market, thus, not advisable for regular use.

Homemade gesso is more powdery and easier to sand. The same smoothness is achieved. Advantage: cheaper and can be made anytime, thus, advisable for regular use.

9 comments:

  1. This is awesome! Thankyou for sharing a cost saving recipe!
    Lotus

    ReplyDelete
  2. can you use cornstarch or chalk powder instead of talcum powder?

    ReplyDelete
  3. WooOOooOHooOooo I am making this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. is it the same as far as lasting quality on things it is used on? (no yellowing, cracking, etc?) also how long does it last in the jar/container? thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. For making black Gesso is it just the same ingredients except use black acrylic paint.

    ReplyDelete
  6. For making black Gesso is it just the same ingredients except use black acrylic paint.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Will it work on repairing and patching an already dried canvas board?

    ReplyDelete

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