Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium (16-oz) User Manual

1. Introduction

The Liquitex BASICS Gesso is an opaque, matte, titanium white acrylic gesso designed for preparing various surfaces before painting. It creates an ideal ground for acrylic and oil paints, enhancing paint adhesion and vibrancy. This product is formulated for dependable performance and is suitable for students and artists.

Figure 1: Liquitex BASICS Gesso 16-oz bottle.

2. Product Overview

Liquitex BASICS Gesso is a high-quality surface preparation medium. It is intermixable with all Liquitex Professional Acrylic Colors and Mediums. This gesso dries to a satin finish and contains permanent artist pigments. It conforms to ASTM D4236 standards, ensuring safety for educational use.

• Volume: 16 fluid ounces (473ml)
• Color: White
• Finish: Matte
• Paint Type: Acrylic
• Surface Recommendation: Multiple surfaces (canvas, wood, stone, tile, etc.)
• Special Feature: Chip Resistant

3. Setup

Before applying gesso, ensure your workspace is clean, well-ventilated, and protected from spills. Gather your materials: Liquitex BASICS Gesso, a brush or applicator, and the surface to be primed.

Figure 2: Liquitex BASICS Gesso, an opaque matte white ground for surface preparation.

4. Operating Instructions (Application)

Follow these steps for optimal application of Liquitex BASICS Gesso:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or grease. For very porous surfaces, a light mist of water can be applied before gesso to aid absorption.
2. Shake Well: Gently shake the gesso bottle before use to ensure consistent mixing of the product.
3. Apply First Coat: Pour a small amount of gesso onto a palette or directly onto the surface. Using a brush, apply a thin, even coat across the entire area. Apply in one direction (e.g., horizontally).
4. Dry Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely. Drying time can vary based on humidity and thickness, but typically takes 15-30 minutes to be touch-dry.
5. Apply Subsequent Coats: For a smoother finish or to cover existing textures/colors, apply additional thin coats. Alternate the direction of application (e.g., vertically for the second coat) to minimize brush strokes. Two to four coats may be necessary depending on the desired texture and opacity.
6. Sanding (Optional): For an ultra-smooth finish, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper between coats once dry. Remove any dust before applying the next coat.

Figure 3: Gesso bottle and brush next to a surface prepared with gesso, creating ideal absorbency, stiffness, and adhesion for paint.

Figure 4: Applying Liquitex BASICS Gesso to a wooden panel to prepare it for painting.

5. Drying and Curing

Allow each coat of gesso to dry to the touch before applying the next. For full curing and optimal paint adhesion, allow the final gessoed surface to dry for at least 24 hours before beginning your artwork. This ensures the gesso is fully hardened and ready to receive paint without compromising its integrity.

6. Maintenance

Clean brushes and tools immediately after use with soap and water. Dried gesso can be difficult to remove. Ensure the bottle cap is securely closed after each use to prevent the gesso from drying out.

7. Storage

Store Liquitex BASICS Gesso in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain product quality and prevent premature drying.

8. Safety Information

This product conforms to ASTM D4236 and is safe for educational use. Avoid ingestion and contact with eyes. In case of eye contact, flush immediately with water. Keep out of reach of children. Use in a well-ventilated area.

9. Specifications

10. Troubleshooting

• Gesso is too thick: If the gesso is too thick for your application, you may dilute it sparingly with water. Add small amounts of water and mix thoroughly until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Streaky application: To avoid streaks, apply gesso in thin, even coats. Alternate the direction of your brush strokes with each subsequent layer. Light sanding between dry coats can also help.
• Poor adhesion: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants (oils, dust, etc.) before applying gesso. Allow adequate drying time between coats and before painting.
• Gesso drying out in container: Always ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use. Store in a cool, dry place.

11. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, returns, or technical support, please refer to the official Liquitex website or contact their customer service directly. General product information and usage tips can also be found on the Liquitex Storefront.