Practical Textile Looking for the best gesso for oil painting? Here are top picks that enhance your artwork and prep surfaces perfectly.
Choosing the right gesso is vital for achieving stunning oil paintings. The BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer offers exceptional coverage and versatility, ideal for both acrylic and oil paints. Another excellent option is the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer, known for its superior canvas prep and mixability. Lastly, the Nicpro White Gesso Primer provides heavy coverage, making it perfect for various surfaces.
Gesso is not just a primer; it transforms your creative process. Whether you’re preparing canvas, wood, or paper, these products ensure a smooth, even base. Their unique selling points include rapid drying times and easy application, making them versatile choices for artists.
In this review, we’ll dive deeper into each product’s features and benefits, helping you choose the perfect gesso for your oil painting needs. Get ready to enhance your art with the right materials!
BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer Acrylic Oil
After testing the BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer for Acrylic Painting for two weeks, here’s how it performs for my oil painting projects. This 28.2 oz tub is made from high-quality materials, designed to provide a smooth and even surface for any artwork. As an artist who frequently works on various surfaces, this gesso is an ideal choice for both beginners and professionals alike.
Pros
- Superior coverage allows me to create a flawless base, ensuring that colors pop beautifully.
- Excellent adhesion means my oil paints adhere well without flaking, which is crucial for long-lasting pieces.
- The quick drying formula is a game-changer, allowing me to jump right into painting without long wait times.
Cons
- It can be a bit thick, requiring some thinning with water for finer applications.
Unlike other brands I’ve tried, the BLUEBIRD gesso doesn’t suffer from common flaws like poor adhesion or inconsistent coverage. This makes it a strong contender for the best gesso for oil painting on the market. Overall, its durability and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit, whether you’re working on canvas, wood, or paper.
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U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer
After testing the U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer for a month, here’s how it performs for oil painting projects. This 16.9-ounce (500ml) gesso is crafted from high-quality acrylic material, making it ideal for artists looking to prepare their canvases for oil and acrylic paints. It’s particularly suited for both beginner and professional artists aiming for superior coverage and durability.
Pros
- No cracking or peeling after multiple layers, indicating excellent durability.
- Easy application with a smooth consistency that ensures streak-free results.
- Enhances color vibrancy, making paints appear more vibrant and true to hue.
Cons
- Longer drying time between coats compared to some other gessos I’ve used.
- Can be slightly thicker than expected, requiring water to thin for lighter coverage.
Unlike Liquitex, which tends to dry too quickly, the U.S. Art Supply Gesso allows for a more forgiving application process without sacrificing value or durability. Overall, I found it to be an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their oil painting experience, providing the right surface for blending and color accuracy. If you’re searching for the best gesso for oil painting, this product stands out for its performance and quality.
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Nicpro White Gesso Primer for Acrylic
After testing the Nicpro White Gesso Primer for oil painting over a month, here’s how it performs for preparing surfaces before painting. The 28.2 Oz (513ML) tub is well-sized for artists who frequently paint on various surfaces like canvas, wood, and paper. This gesso is made from high-quality materials, making it a great option for both amateur and professional artists who want the best gesso for oil painting.
Pros
- Excellent coverage that effectively hides base colors and stains, providing a stable foundation for vibrant artwork.
- Fast drying time allows me to move quickly through my creative process without long waits.
- Versatile application on multiple surfaces, including plastic and wood, expands my creative possibilities.
- The smooth consistency makes it easy to work with, enhancing my overall painting experience.
Cons
- Thinning with water can sometimes alter the texture if not mixed carefully, which may take some practice.
- It may be too thick for artists who prefer a lighter application, requiring more water to achieve the desired consistency.
Unlike other gesso products I’ve tried, such as the Liquitex brand, the Nicpro Gesso ensures that colors remain true to their tone without altering the consistency of the paint. Overall, this gesso stands out for its durability and value, making it a worthy addition to any artist’s toolkit.
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Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium
After testing the Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium for two weeks, here’s how it performs for creating a smooth canvas for oil painting. This 8.0 oz (237ml) bottle is fluid in nature, making it easy to apply a thin layer over various surfaces. Targeted towards artists who want to prepare their canvases effectively, this gesso is especially useful for those transitioning from acrylic to oil paints.
Pros
- Smooth application allows for a fine base coat that enhances the vibrancy of oil paints.
- Intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums, providing flexibility in your art projects.
- Safe for educational use, conforming to ASTM D4236 standards, making it a great option for students and hobbyists alike.
Cons
- Limited volume in a single bottle may require frequent repurchases for larger projects.
- Fluid nature can lead to overuse if not applied carefully, potentially resulting in a thinner layer than intended.
Unlike other gesso products that tend to dry too thick, the Liquitex Professional Gesso offers a balanced consistency that reduces viscosity in heavier paints and gels, allowing for a smoother finish. This makes it one of the best gesso for oil painting options, particularly for artists who prioritize durability and value in their materials.
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Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep White
After testing the Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium for two weeks, here’s how it performs for getting canvases ready for oil painting. This 16-oz (473ml) bottle is made from high-quality acrylic, designed specifically to prepare surfaces for both acrylic and oil paints. It’s perfect for artists at any skill level, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional.
Pros
- Fast drying time allows for quick layering, making it ideal for artists who want to work efficiently.
- No streaking or uneven texture after application, ensuring a smooth surface for painting.
- One coat is usually all that’s needed, adding to its overall value and efficiency.
Cons
- Thicker consistency may require some adjustment for those used to more fluid gesso.
- Not as versatile for other painting mediums compared to some competitors.
Unlike other products on the market, such as Grumbacher’s Gesso, the Liquitex BASICS Gesso does not require multiple layers for optimal coverage, saving you both time and materials. Overall, this is the best gesso for oil painting I’ve used, providing excellent quality at an affordable price, making it a go-to for my future projects.
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Faq about best gesso for oil painting:
1:What is gesso?
Gesso is a primer used to prepare surfaces for painting, enhancing adhesion and providing a suitable texture for oil paints.
2:Why use gesso for oil painting?
Using gesso helps create an optimal painting surface, preventing oil paint from soaking into the canvas and improving color vibrancy.
3:What is the best gesso for oil painting?
The best gesso for oil painting is typically a high-quality acrylic gesso that offers good tooth and flexibility for various surfaces.
4:Can I make my own gesso?
Yes, you can make your own gesso using a mix of white paint, chalk, and glue, but commercially available options often provide better consistency and quality.
5:How to apply gesso for oil painting?
Apply gesso with a brush or roller, ensuring even coverage. Allow it to dry completely before adding additional layers or starting your painting.
6:How many layers of gesso should I use?
Two to three layers of gesso are recommended for optimal surface preparation, with drying time in between each layer.
7:Can gesso be used on different surfaces?
Yes, gesso can be used on canvas, wood, and even paper, making it versatile for various painting projects.
Conclusion
BLUEBIRD Heavy Gesso Primer emerges as a formidable choice, offering a robust 28.2 Oz formulation that ensures optimal surface preparation for both acrylic and oil mediums. Its substantial volume and versatile application render it indispensable for artists seeking a reliable foundation for their creative endeavors.
Meanwhile, U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Primer, with its 16.9 oz capacity, provides superior coverage and mixability, making it an exceptional tool for canvas preparation. This product is particularly favored for its ease of use and ability to enhance the vibrancy of colors, solidifying its position as a top contender for artists dedicated to achieving impeccable results.