Black Gesso - 8 oz

Black gesso gives you a fully opaque, matte black base that wipes out whatever color or texture is underneath it, so you are starting from a clean slate. That makes it useful for models where you want a dark, uniform surface to build up from, whether that is for a dramatic finish or to create contrast for adding lighter details on top.

Like the White and Clear versions, this is a true archival-grade gesso. It adds tooth for strong paint adhesion and stiffens the surface it goes on, so thin materials hold up better under paint. Built for the long haul, it will not flake or separate from the surface the way a cheaper ground eventually does.

• Delivers a fully opaque matte black base in one product
• Primes surfaces and adds tooth for paint, ink, charcoal, or pencil work
• Stiffens thin materials and evens out absorbency before painting
• Provides a stable, long-lasting base coat

How to Use

Apply undiluted, or thin with up to 25 percent water. For anything thinner than that, mix in Liquitex Matte Medium along with the water to keep the gesso stable.

Sand hard or shiny surfaces first so the gesso has something to grip. Apply a thin coat with a wide, flat brush, and let it dry a full 24 hours before painting.

For a smoother finish, sand the dried gesso and apply a second coat. If you are building a base for oils, plan on 2 to 4 coats, sanding between each one.

Want to shift the tone rather than keep it pure black? Mix in acrylic color, ideally Soft Body Acrylic, which blends in at the best consistency.