"Is all gesso created equal?" Topic

This may be a dumb question (and I'm prone to asking dumb ones..), but based upon many responses to previous primer threads I bought some gesso, but was not terribly impressed.

I got the Liquitex Basics white gesso. Yes I know, the "Basics" on the label might have answered my own question! Anyway, coverage was not spectacular and where it was thick enough to cover thoroughly it didn't shrink as I hoped, and so obscures some detail.

So I guess what I'm asking is, if I fork out for the more expensive variety, is it significantly better? Or should I abandon my idea of priming while watching the tellie and go back to the old spray can?
Thanks!

I understand that the spray on gesso is better.

I'm using right now the "Bob Ross" brand gray gesso from Weber Art which I buy at Hobby Lobby using their 40% off coupon. It works well although sometimes it doesn't get down in the deep folds, cracks, and pits so I have to go back and work it into them. But it dries and shrinks so it doesn't obscure detail, even on 15mm figures.

Although the pictures aren't the greatest, this 15mm Old Glory 15s figures unit was undercoated first with the grey gesso before being painted with craft paints. link

Jim

Been using Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Gesso for about 3 years. Cost me £3.99 GBP and I think it may see me out. Covers well, shrinks onto detail and even stands some dilution.

I use Liquitex, but not the Basics line, but even with the fancier stuff, the white isn't the same as the gray and black. It's thicker and harder to use well – I've banned it to terrain (as with another brand of white). I have Bob Ross Gray too, and it's better than the Liquitex white, but not up to the other Liquitex shades.

Unfortunately I can't seem to find Liquitex gray locally any more, just black or white – black is ok except it adds another step of drybrushing details before painting so I can see them.

I have Liquitex Gesso brush on, not sure if its basic or whatbut works well. Write often my artistic neice says grey is better but never tried it as I still have at least 1/2 of bottle.

I use Liquitex White Gesso 'S' (surface prep). Works great for me. Just be sure to shake your gesso up well before using it.

I have used Reeves gesso primer (use with acrylic paint) for years. It comes in a 6.78 Fl. oz squeeze tube. Love the stuff.

I was given a bottle of liquitex basic a while ago and have not used it yet. I just tested it on a mini along with my currently used liquitex S. The liquitex basic does not cover as well. The consistency is about the same but the basic goes on thinner. I would expect to have to use 2 coats to get the job done.
My suggestion is get another gesso.

I use Liquitex gessos as my only primer and I don't remember noticing the same issues as boy wundr x with the standard gesso (white).

I have not tried the Basics gesso.

Consulting Liquitex web site, the Basics gesso is a "thick texture that levels evenly" and "good quality base coat primer" versus standard gesso is "Excellent base coat primer". Good versus Excellent.

Gesso: liquitex.com/gesso
Basics Gesso: liquitex.com/basicsgesso

Liquitex also do a clear Gesso, which you can mix with paint to make whatever colour you wish.
It's got more 'tooth' than the coloured gessos, but is easy to work with.

Like anything I assume there are different grades.

basic/ hobby/ student

and the upmarket gesso for paintings that are hoped to last for 100's of years

Thanks for all your responses everyone.
Seems like the difference is significant when it comes to undercoating figures so I'll pick up a better brand.

Late reply, but I've also read that clear, white, and black Liquitex gessos have different coverage. Myself, I use clear (which dries kind of white!), but nowadays only use it to add texture onto a flat surface. You can also use it as a glue for whatever reason (like the unscrewed jar cap you can dip your brush into!).

Any reason you're not using brush-on primer? You can also find different colored brush-on primers, so can also use it as an undercoat or basecoat or whatever. You can also mix brush-on primers, or use them for zenithal priming.