Priming a panel with traditional gesso
June 1, 2010 10:38 pm art techniquesHow to prime a board with traditional gesso, an introduction
The term “gesso” can be something of a misnomer, as some people use this word to describe “acrylic primer”, which is completely different and doesn’t work with egg tempera paints, for example.
Gesso for use as a ground for egg tempera can either be bought ready-made or mixed from rabbit skin glue and whiting/powdered marble dust (scroll down for step-by-step instructions).
Ready-made gesso saves a lot of time and a small pot is enough to apply several coats to a medium-sized panel, but using rabbit skin glue and whiting/powdered marble dust may be a cheaper alternative.
Remember to read the labels on the packets and use a mask to avoid breathing in fine particles. I also like to wear a pair of protective gloves.
You will need:
- ready-made gesso, or packet of rabbit skin glue and a packet of whiting/marble dust
- mask
- double boiler
- brush
- panels ready for priming
Where can I buy gesso art materials?
Dick Blick Art Materials sell a vast range of pigments in various sizes. It is an art supplies company that is based in the US.
If you order over a certain amount, shipping can be free within the US, conditions apply. Orders placed from outside the US will have a different shipping charge and may be subject to import duty. (Click on the shipping information link at the bottom of the page on Dick Blick Art Materials for details.)
Right: This fine Holbein French Rabbit Skin Glue is in powder form and is easily dissolved in water. You can also use it on its own. When dry, it is waterproof and offers excellent adhesion and viscosity. One bottle will coat an 8 ft × 10 ft area.
For more details, click on image.
For more details, click on image.
Right: Gamblin Traditional Gesso is a dry mixture of rabbit skin glue, gypsum, marble dust, and titanium dioxide. Robert Gamblin recommends applying four coats of this traditional gesso to both sides of thin or poorly braced panels. Gamblin Traditional Gesso is too brittle to use with fabric supports.
For more details, click on image.
For more details, click on image.
Left: American Easel Wood Painting Panels are manufactured in the USA from 1/8″ birch, which is sanded to render a smooth, firm painting surface and cradled with a solid wood frame. Their sanded edges also allow your painting to flow beyond the face of your work. The panels are ideal for priming with gesso. American Easel Wood Painting Panels
hang flush to the wall using only a single nail or screw. No frame is needed.
Priming a panel with gesso, step-by-step
One
Cut several panels to size and sand them ready for coating with gesso. Egg tempera needs a rigid support. MDF or wood panels provide an excellent surface as they are rigid. Avoid using green MDF (waterproof treated board) as this will be water resistant, so may effect any paint used on top. I usually prime several boards at once and save them for future projects.
Two
To make the gesso, you will need to use rabbit skin glue and whiting/marble dust. You can also buy ready-mixed gesso, if you don't want to mix your own. To make rabbit skin glue for gesso, mix 13-14 parts water with one part rabbit skin glue. Soak the glue overnight. Always read the labels on the packet. Instructions may vary between brands.
Three
Warm the rabbit skin glue in a double boiler until the glue dissolves. Do not boil. I don't have a "Bain Marie" or double-boiler, so I improvised with an old tin and a pan of water. I heated the gesso within the tin to avoid direct heat. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming.
Four
Add the whiting/marble dust, pouring it into the warmed rabbit skin size until a small island appears on the surface. Stir gently with a brush and sieve the mixture to remove any lumps.
Five
Brush the gesso onto the board when it is still warm. As soon as one layer becomes cold, you can add the next layer.
Six
Add as many layers as is necessary. It is better to keep the layers thin and build up the surface that way. I added about 10 thin layers.
Seven
Leave the panels to dry for 24 hours. Smooth the gesso surface with fine sandpaper.
Verdict
Pros: Ready-made gesso is a lot quicker to prepare and use.
Cons: Ready-made gesso may be more expensive to use in the long run and not a viable option for regular use. You need to plan ahead if you are going to make gesso from rabbit skin glue and whiting/marble dust as the glue needs to soak overnight.
Summary: The end result is the most traditional and best base for egg tempera. You can create an incredibly smooth surface for fine detailed work.
Other pages of interest
- Buying pigments from an unknown source can make the process a bit of a mystery: Read more about natural pigments bought in Morocco
- A test of the lightfast quality of organic pigments:Read more about natural pigments, how stable are they?
- Before adding any paint, you will need to create an underdrawing: Read more about underdrawing
- Before you can mix up your paints, you need to grind them: Read more about grinding pigments for use with egg tempera
- This is the traditional recipe for making egg tempera paints:Read more about mixing egg yolk with pigment (traditional egg tempera)
- Using this recipe gives a paint that is closer to the quality of oil paints:Read more about the whole egg tempera recipe
- A technique that mixes layers of egg tempera with oil paints: Read more about the Mische technique
