I'm gonna show my ignorance......Why black gesso?

[Glen Blanchard]

I have seen many turners using black gesso. Not ever having heard of it before, I did some (albeit limited) due diligence. It appears to be not much more than an acrylic paint. Am I wrong? If this is correct, why not just use black acrylic paint? The stuff I have seen that have been 'black gesso'd' looks great and I'm ready to buy some of this stuff myself, but I am wondering why folks are using it, rather than any other black acrylic paint.

[Scott Lux]

Never be afraid to show your ignorance! I'll show mine too. I have no idea why Black Gesso, but I'm curious too.

[Dale Cruea]

I don't use or know anything about Gesso.
I just Googled it.
Gesso is not paint from what I see.
Don't know the answer to your question. Sorry.

[Stephen Cherry]

Isn't gesso the plaster type material used on frames?

[Mel Fulks]

Yeah. Like as a smooth ground under gold leaf containing plaster and binders. Could the black gesso just be the name of the paint color?

[Don Nicholas]

Gesso comes in white also, it is mainly used as a ground for creating texture. Other colors may be over coated to create the object or artwork. It is often applied with a pallet knife or a dry sponge. could be used for a decorative texture on a accent band on bowls or vases. Forgot to add, Gesso is a water base material, available at you friendly craft/art supply store

[John M. Smith]

I know......Because thats what they say to use. LOL

[BILL DONAHUE]

The reason woodturners use black gesso is because it isn't obsorbed by the wood. That allows you to color one area of the wood, let's say the rim of a platter, and then turn the very edge of the rim or the interior of the platter and end up with a very clean and crisp deliniation between the two areas.

242875

[ray hampton]

Gesso are very thick , if you wanted a different color Gesso why not tint the white gesso or mix the black with white gesso

[Eric Holmquist]

Gesso does not bleed or creep, stays where it's put

Gesso is quite thick and chalky when dry so you can apply it and easily hide any grain below it if that's your goal

Things stick to Gesso (all paint types and finishes)

[Rick Markham]

Gesso is generally used to prime canvas/linen before it is painted on. You can get gesso by the gallon ;) There shouldn't be any reason you can't tint the white stuff any color you wanted ;) Also there are all the advantages posted above in woodturning (I've only used it on canvas, so I will leave the rest to the turning gesso gurus :D)

[Fred Belknap]

I'm sure glad someone ask that question, I had no idea what they were talking about.

[Trevor Howard]

I'm sure glad someone ask that question, I had no idea what they were talking about.

Add me to that list.

[Glen Blanchard]

Gesso ignoramuses, UNITE !!!

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

I use gesso on the outside of a bowl I intend to paint then metal leaf. The gesso is very thick, almost like thin peanut butter. It serves as a filler that can be sanded to a glass smooth surface. However, If I wanted to create a stucco like surface it can also be used for that. I believe folks use black gesso rather than black paint is because it can smooth over a rough surface where thinned acrylic paint cannot. Gesso accepts coats of acrylic paint very well, also. Buy a bottle. It is inexpensive and play around with it. It is another product that will give you design opportunities.
faust

[Sid Matheny]

My wife uses it to prime her canvas before she starts a painting. If it wasn't for that I too would be in the "what is it group".


Sid

[ray hampton]

My wife uses it to prime her canvas before she starts a painting. If it wasn't for that I too would be in the "what is it group".


Sid

is drywall mud as thick as gesso ? I am talking about premix drywall mud