Gesso before liquid white?

HLarson3

Hello,

I buy value canvas packs from a major online store. They are primed. I know I don’t “have to” add gesso to these before painting with the liquid white or other colors, but is it something that you guys do to make the canvas more smooth and slick? Thank you.

Voy Kay

HLarson3 With cheaper brands (2USD for 12"x16"), I add a layer of gesso, sometimes even two.
More expensive brands (e.g. Winsor & Newton) already have three layers on them. Those do not need anything extra.

BTW, also gesso can be bought at budget prices.

JosephDurham

This is a great question, one that I would also like the answer to.

Joseph

ShadowscarsDragon

Hello, it depends on the brand of canvas. I've had canvases that seemed ok, but were poorly primed and absorbed all the oil in the liquid white and became dry in 30 minutes. In these cases, I would add gesso before painting.

HLarson3

Thank you! Sounds like it may be worth a try next time!