How do you apply gesso?

Answer 1

Its to coat with a substance, Generally with metal leaf. To gild; make sure your substrate is clean and dry "Free of contaminates", apply sizing (glue)allow to set up for 30 to 60 minutes,it must be tacky not gooy,then take a very fine brush and apply the leaf and brush lightly over the leaf, once your gilded area is covered lay wax paper over gilded area and burnish lightly. I recommend using only gilding size and sealer. You can pick-up the "Right" supplies at Craft Stores, OR eliminate all guess work and get on-line to www.houstonart.com Good-Luck

Answer 2

It's easy to use gesso. However, gesso can get messy if you play with it. I usually spread newspaper on the desk, table, or floor where I'm working, just in case. Then, shake the gesso container so it's well mixed, open it, and start painting the gesso onto your surface. I use a cheap sponge brush to apply gesso. Because gesso is water-based, you can use a regular brush if you prefer, and rinse it out afterwards. If I'm using gesso in an art journal, I apply a thin coat to one side of the page. That's usually enough. However, if I'm planning to apply a heavy collage to the page, I may use gesso on both sides of the page for added strength. Generally, I apply one coat of gesso, wait for it to dry, and then decide if I need to add another coat. Cheap gesso has more water in it and will take longer to dry. If you're going to apply gesso to the back of the page, too, be sure to let the paper dry completely before painting that second side. Otherwise, you'll seal in moisture and weaken the paper.

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