Your gesso will probably be really thick, so it’s important to dilute it to make it easier to apply and smooth out. It’s better to shoot for too little water rather than too much, since if you add too much water to your gesso, your only choice is to start this process over.

Try to create as flat a surface as possible with the gesso. [3] X Expert Source Jeanine Hattas WilsonProfessional Painter Expert Interview. 11 May 2021. For best results, use a stiff brush with relatively firm fibers. If your canvas is pretty big, you can also use a roller brush instead. Be sure to paint the edges of the canvas as well; these can sometimes be hard to hit with just vertical strokes.

If you don’t want your canvas to have a smooth texture, you can choose to skip this part. Be sure to brush off the dust from your canvas after you sand the gesso. While the gesso is drying, take this time to clean off your brush. If you leave the gesso on the bristles for too long, it will be very difficult to remove.

Using perpendicular strokes will make the finish of your texture much more even. You can apply as many coats of primer as you like, but most people choose to apply 2 for a smoother texture. Just 1 coat of gesso will give your canvas a relatively rougher finish.

Once you’ve finished sanding the gesso, your canvas is ready to be painted on!

If you’re using an oil paint, you’ll definitely need to size your canvas before you apply your primer. If you’re painting with acrylic, sizing the canvas is optional. You can buy sizing glue at any art supply store that also sells gesso.

You can buy the different types of gesso at any art supply store. Read the product label to find out what types of paint each gesso works with.

White gesso is also the most common color variety of primer for canvas painting, since white is an easy background to paint on.

The color of gesso that you use should depend on the mood you’re trying to strike. For instance, if you’re painting a landscape, consider using an earthy color like umber or dark blue. Note that colored gessos tend to be more expensive and are sometimes harder to find than traditional white gessos. You can also choose to make your own colored gesso by mixing acrylic paint with a standard white primer. Vary the amount of paint that you add to the gesso to change the final color.

Student grade gesso is cheaper than artist grade because it contains more filler and less pigment.