Oil portray can be a merry and rewarding hobby, however not all surfaces holding oil distemper exact hardy. Interestingly Sufficiently, one of these surfaces is very one of the most habitual surfaces used for oil representation. Linen canvas can deteriorate over day from the acids that are contained in oil colouring. In array to prevent this, a protective layer must front be lay on the canvas using chief glues and a product accepted as gesso.
Instructions
Gesso an Oil Canvas
1. Before you can exercise gesso to your canvas, you necessitate to levy a thin layer of glue on it inceptive. The glue that you Testament call for to employment should be cheerfully available from Craft utility stores, and should be applied uniformly over the canvas that you disposition to dye on. This glue Testament serve as the leading layer of Safeguard for your canvas, and Testament prepare it for the gesso.
2. Concede the glue to dry and commence to handle your anterior layer of gesso. Alloy in a inconsiderable amount of water to thin it, then use smooth strokes in a single direction to apply the gesso. Make sure that you don't use too much, as you don't want a buildup of gesso and you will be applying at least one more layer. Let the gesso dry for an hour, then brush over it gently with a fine grit sandpaper.
3.4. When the second layer of gesso has dried, check to see if the canvas has the texture that you desire. If you are happy with the canvas then no more gesso will be needed.
Once your first layer of gesso has dried and you've sanded it, brush it off and begin applying a second layer by making brush strokes in the opposite direction of your first layer. Just like your first layer, make sure that this second layer is uniform and as smooth as you can get it. Leave the canvas to dry. If you would like a smoother surface to paint on, sand it again and apply a third thin coat of gesso to your canvas. Allow the gesso to dry again.
5. Check your canvas for any places that you might have missed, especially along the edges and sides. When you are satisfied with the coverage of your gesso, your canvas is ready for painting.
