Materials Needed
Gesso that is suitable for oil or acrylic. Acrylic gesso such as Golden Acrylic Gesso can be used for both oil and acrylic. (Note: The acrylic gesso that is good for priming and readily available in stores is not authentic gesso, which is traditionally prepared with animal glue and chalk. Most artists no longer use authentic gesso.) Stretched canvas Large house-painting brushes three inches wide, foam brush, or a paint roller for an even coat of paint. For smaller canvases use smaller versions of these tools, but the largest possible to do the job. Fine sandpaper if you want to sand the layers of gesso for a smoother surface Container of water Rags or paper towel Drop cloth, newsprint, or newspaper on which to lay your canvas Pushpins
