Gesso primer is a base layer applied to un-primed canvas or suitable other substrates including wood, cardboard and hardboard prior to painting.
Mostly used for Oil and acrylic painting, but will accept other media too.
The modern gesso is typically a combination of chalk and pigment in an acrylic polymer medium with increased flexibility and archival life and providing better adhesion by adding tooth to the surface.
Priming with gesso also prevents paint soaking into the primed surface, giving a strengthening foundation, allowing application of heavier media.
