Searching for the best gesso for acrylic painting? Look no further, as we reveal top choices that enhance your artwork!
Finding the ideal best gesso for acrylic painting can dramatically improve your art experience. Products like Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium offer a smooth finish that enhances paint adhesion. Meanwhile, Liquitex BASICS Gesso provides a versatile option for beginners and pros alike, ensuring great coverage and durability.
Whether you’re creating a textured masterpiece or a sleek canvas, each gesso has unique features. For example, BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer excels in providing a thick, reliable base for mixed media projects. This versatility makes it perfect for various artistic techniques.
In this review, we will explore each product’s benefits and help you choose the best gesso for your acrylic painting needs. Get ready to transform your art with the right foundation!


Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium
If you’re venturing into the world of acrylic painting, finding the best gesso for acrylic painting can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium. This 237ml (8.0 oz) clear medium promises to elevate your artistic experience, and it mostly delivers on that promise.
Pros
- Fluid in nature: This gesso has a lovely consistency that easily spreads across your canvas, making prep a breeze.
- Reduces viscosity: It effectively thins out heavier paints and gels, allowing for smoother application and blending.
- Intermixable: It pairs beautifully with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums, creating endless possibilities for your masterpieces.
- Safe for education: Conforms to ASTM D4236, making it an excellent choice for classrooms or aspiring young artists.
Cons
- Clear finish: While it’s great for layering, some might miss the traditional white gesso for an opaque base.
- Pricey: It’s not the cheapest option out there, but you get what you pay for—quality matters!
Overall, Liquitex Professional Gesso is a solid contender for the title of best gesso for acrylic painting. If you’re ready to prep your canvas like a pro, this medium might just be your new best friend.
To buy this product, click here.
Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep White
If you’re diving into the world of acrylic painting, finding the best gesso for acrylic painting is essential, and the Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium is a strong contender. This 16-oz bottle is designed to provide a reliable base coat, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned artists alike.
Pros
- Quality Base Coat: One coat usually suffices, saving you time and effort while prepping your surfaces.
- Value for Money: This acrylic gesso offers a fantastic balance between quality and affordability.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for prepping surfaces for both acrylic and oil paints—talk about multi-tasking!
- Intermixable: Easily combine with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums for a seamless painting experience.
- Safe for Education: Conforms to ASTM D4236, making it a safe choice for classrooms or home studios.
Cons
- Size Matters: While 16-oz is decent, serious artists might find themselves needing more for larger projects.
- Drying Time: Some users report variable drying times, so patience is key—unless you prefer the “impressionist” style of wet-on-wet!
Overall, the Liquitex BASICS Gesso is a reliable partner for your artistic journey. Grab a bottle and start creating!
Check the latest price from here.
BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer for Acrylic
If you’re on the hunt for the best gesso for acrylic painting, look no further than the BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer. This 28.2 Oz tub is a game-changer, designed to elevate your art projects to a professional level without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Superior Coverage: This gesso delivers exceptional coverage, creating a smooth and even surface that makes your artwork pop.
- Versatile Application: Whether you’re painting on canvas, wood, or paper, BLUEBIRD gesso adapts like a chameleon to suit all your creative whims.
- Excellent Adhesion: Say goodbye to flaking and peeling! The high-quality formula ensures your paints stick around for the long haul.
- Quick Drying: You won’t be left twiddling your thumbs. The quick-drying feature means you can jump into your painting without delay.
- Professional Results: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the art world, this gesso sets the perfect foundation for your masterpieces.
Cons
- Some users might find the texture a bit thicker than expected, requiring a little extra effort to spread.
- The white color may not suit every artist’s preference, especially those who enjoy colored grounds.
Overall, the BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer is a top contender for anyone serious about their acrylic painting. With its impressive features, it’s hard not to recommend this product!
To get this product, click here.
Golden Acrylic Gesso – 8 oz …
If you’re on the hunt for the best gesso for acrylic painting, look no further than the Golden Acrylic Gesso in an 8 oz jar! This product has been a game-changer in my studio, providing a reliable foundation for both my acrylic and oil paintings. With over 40 years of experience, this employee-owned company knows a thing or two about making quality paint!
Pros
- Highly pigmented: The gesso delivers a brilliantly opaque, white surface that enhances the vibrancy of your colors.
- Flexible formulation: It’s crafted to be flexible, making it perfect for a variety of substrates without cracking.
- Toothy texture: The semi-absorbent surface allows for excellent paint adherence, giving you confidence in your strokes.
- Versatile use: Mix it with acrylic colors to create custom grounds, expanding your creative possibilities.
- Made in the USA: You can feel good about supporting a company that prioritizes quality and craftsmanship.
Cons
- Requires multiple coats for oil: If you’re using it for oil painting, remember to apply at least three coats to prevent oil penetration.
- Pricey for beginners: While it’s a professional-grade product, it might be a bit steep for those just starting out.
Overall, the Golden Acrylic Gesso is a top-notch product that lives up to its reputation. If you’re serious about your art, investing in this gesso will not disappoint!
To know more about this product, click here.
U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer
If you’re searching for the best gesso for acrylic painting, look no further than the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer. This 16.9oz powerhouse is crafted to elevate your artistic endeavors, making it a go-to for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners. With its superior coverage and smooth application, it’s the perfect partner for your canvas.
Pros
- High-Quality Formula: This acrylic gesso is designed to prime surfaces effectively, ensuring your paint goes on smooth and stays vibrant.
- Quick Drying: It dries rapidly between coats, meaning less waiting and more painting!
- Flexible Surface: Resists cracking and peeling, so your artwork remains intact for years to come.
- Easy to Work With: The smooth, flowing consistency allows for a streak-free application, making the prep work enjoyable.
- Versatile: Whether you’re prepping canvas, wood, or even regular paper, this gesso transforms surfaces effortlessly.
Cons
- Thinning Required: While it can be thinned with water for lighter coverage, some may find adjusting the consistency a bit tedious.
- Size Limitations: At 16.9oz, artists with larger projects may find themselves needing more than one container.
Overall, the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer stands out as a top-notch choice for anyone serious about their acrylic painting journey. It’s hard to argue against such quality!
Check details of this product, click here.
Faq about best gesso for acrylic painting:
1: What is gesso?
Gesso is a primer used to prepare surfaces for painting, enhancing paint adhesion and durability.
2: Why use gesso for acrylic painting?
Gesso provides a suitable texture and absorbency for acrylic paints, improving color vibrancy and preventing paint from soaking into the surface.
3: What is the best type of gesso for acrylics?
High-quality acrylic gesso is ideal, as it is specifically formulated for use with acrylic paints, ensuring optimal performance.
4: Can I use white acrylic paint instead of gesso?
Using white acrylic paint is not recommended, as it lacks the necessary texture and absorbency that gesso provides.
5: How many layers of gesso should I apply?
Two to three layers of gesso are typically sufficient for a well-prepared surface, allowing for better paint adhesion.
6: Do I need to sand between gesso layers?
Sanding between layers is optional but can create a smoother surface for painting.
7: How do I choose the right gesso brand?
Look for brands known for quality and compatibility with acrylic paints, such as Liquitex or Golden.
Conclusion
Liquitex Professional Gesso, with its transparent formulation, provides artists with an exceptional base for acrylic applications, enhancing color vibrancy and ensuring a smooth finish. Its 237ml size is ideal for detailed projects, catering to discerning creators seeking high-quality results.
Conversely, Liquitex BASICS Gesso offers a more substantial volume at 473ml, making it a practical choice for larger works. This white gesso effectively promotes paint adhesion while providing a reliable surface, making it suitable for both novice and experienced artists aiming for consistent outcomes.




