A Quick Guide to Mediums and Gesso!

 When it comes to painting, there are many terms and techniques used that may be unfamiliar. In this paragraph, we will be going to break down each term and how it's used. Before beginning your painting, you will want to apply a pre layer called Grounds, short for “background”. The Ground (base) layer is used to support your painting’s colour and tone. It consists of rather gesso, paint, or other wet mediums, depending on the surface it is being painted on such as panels or canvas. Gesso is a primer made from a combination of paint pigment, chalk, and binder. It is used to prepare or prime a surface for oil painting. When painting, there are materials that can change the consistency of your paint to add texture. These materials are called Texture Gels and they are used by mixing with the paint. Texture Gels have a stiff texture that makes it easy to shape and hold form. In the opposite effect, we have Mediums, which are meant to thin out paints. Mediums are best used for acrylic paints to lengthen working time. Another material you can add to your paint is Additives. Instead of just adding texture, additives reduce the drag on a brush or provide anti-slip. They also make the paint flow better on a surface as well as stick better to difficult surfaces. A Liquid Polymer is mixed with the paints as it extends the paint, creates glazes, enhances gloss, and increases film integrity.. After you’re done with your painting, you still have to apply a Finish. There are multiple finishes to choose from with different levels of sheen; matte, satin, or gloss. This is the final layer of the painting, it should be thin, transparent, and colourless. This layer is also meant to protect the painting from the atmosphere, a Varnish is the perfect option for protection and differing sheen levels.

Grounds                                                  Gesso

Mediums                                           Liquid Polymer

Texture Gels                                    Finishes