Hello, friend! Are you on the lookout for a vegan-friendly and glue-free alternative to traditional gesso? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the world of homemade gesso without glue—a versatile and eco-conscious option for priming your canvas.
Why Homemade Gesso?
Gesso serves as the foundation for your artwork, providing a smooth, durable surface for painting. While store-bought gesso is readily available, creating your own gesso allows for customization and eliminates the need for store-bought products with unknown ingredients. Plus, if you follow a vegan lifestyle or prefer to avoid glue, this diy gesso recipe is perfect for you.
Okay, let's take a look at how to make the best homemade gesso without glue.
Ingredients for Glue-Free Gesso
- 4 parts Marble Powder or Calcium Carbonate
- 1 part Acrylic Matte Medium
- Titanium White Acrylic Paint (Optional, for a white gesso)
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the acrylic matte medium or PVA medium gradually to the marble powder (or calcium carbonate) until you reach a thick, paste-like consistency.
- If you want your gesso to be white, add titanium white paint. This is optional and depends on your preference. Use a small amount at a time and mix well until you achieve the desired color.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- The gesso should have a creamy, paint-like consistency that can be easily spread but is not too runny.
- If the gesso is too thick, add a little water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- If it's too thin, add more marble dust or calcium carbonate.
- Apply the glue-free gesso to your painting surface using a brush, palette knife, or any preferred tool.
- Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer.
- Depending on the absorbency of your surface and the desired effect, you may need to apply multiple coats.
Notes:
- Adjust quantities based on how much gesso you need.
- This glue-free gesso is suitable for use on surfaces such as wood panels, canvas, or paper.
- It dries to a hard, opaque, and absorbent surface, ideal for painting with acrylics, oils, or other media.
- Always remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions when working with powdered pigments and mediums.
More Gesso Recipes
If you want more recipes, checkout How to Make Gesso with Plaster of Paris and my homemade gesso with cornstarch, chalk gesso, and homemade clear gesso recipe.
Ready to Create?
Now that you have the recipe for homemade gesso without glue, it's time to unleash your creativity! Experiment with textures, colors, and techniques on your primed canvas, knowing that you've crafted your own eco-friendly and vegan-friendly gesso.
P.S. For more artistic inspiration and tutorials, don't forget to check out Love Acrylic Painting home page for a wide range of art-related content!
