Rublev Colours Easy Gesso

An easy way to make genuine glue grounds, also known as ‘traditional gesso.’ This is not an acrylic “gesso.” It’s the real thing: hide glue and whiting (calcium carbonate).

Mix equal amounts of warm water and Easy Gesso, wait a few hours for it to gel, and then warm it until it is liquid enough to apply with a brush. It can also be applied cold as a soft gelatinous mass similar in consistency to tofu. The difference between real gesso and acrylic “gesso” or primers is a silky soft surface that is absorbent to water-based paints.

Contains medium ground calcite (calcium carbonate) and rabbit skin glue.

Easy Gesso is best used on rigid supports, like wood panels. It is not recommended for use on flexible supports, such as stretched canvas. However, you can apply it to a canvas mounted on a rigid support.

Directions

1. Into a container, mix equal parts by volume of dry Easy Gesso with warm water.

2. Stir and allow to stand for at least two hours. It will gel.

3. Place the container in a pot full of hot tap water—no hotter than 65° C (150° F). The gel will liquefy. Be sure that all glue flakes are completely dissolved.

4. Apply the liquid gesso with a broad brush. Allow each coat to dry.

5. Apply at least four coats to produce the best surface for painting. Sand the final coat, if desired, for a smoother surface.