You use Mont Marte gesso primarily as a primer to prepare surfaces for painting, applying it in thin coats with a brush for smoothness or with a palette knife for texture, creating an acid-free, absorbent base for your artwork.
Mont Marte Premium Gesso is designed to create an ideal foundation on various surfaces before you begin painting with acrylics, oils, or other mediums. It seals the surface, prevents paint from soaking in unevenly, and provides 'tooth' or grip for the paint to adhere to, making your colors more vibrant and ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
Understanding Mont Marte Gesso
Mont Marte Premium Gesso is described as acid-free, which is important for the longevity of your artwork as it prevents the gesso and the surface it's applied to from yellowing or deteriorating over time. It also provides an absorbent surface to paint on, meaning it helps the paint bind effectively to the primer layer.
Application Methods
The reference specifies two primary methods for applying Mont Marte gesso, allowing you to achieve different surface effects:
For a Smooth Surface
- Method: Use Mont Marte Gesso Brushes or other suitable gesso brushes.
- Application: Apply two thin coats of gesso. Applying thin coats helps ensure even drying and a smoother finish without brush marks.
- Result: Creates a refined, smooth base suitable for detailed work or techniques where a flat surface is desired.
For a Textured Surface
- Method: Use a palette knife.
- Application: Apply the gesso with the edge or flat side of the palette knife. You can spread it thickly, create peaks, or scrape patterns into the wet gesso.
- Result: Creates a textured effect on the surface, which can add dimension and visual interest to your painting, especially useful for impasto techniques or mixed media.
Drying Time
- Mont Marte gesso is typically touch dry within 2 hours.
- For heavier application, the drying time will be longer. It is recommended to allow adequate drying time, ideally 24 hours, especially between coats or before painting, to ensure the gesso is fully cured.
Tips for Using Mont Marte Gesso
Here are a few practical tips based on general gesso usage and the reference information:
- Prepare your surface: Ensure your canvas, wood panel, or other surface is clean and dust-free before applying gesso.
- Mix well: Stir the gesso thoroughly before use as pigments and binders can separate. Avoid shaking vigorously, as this can introduce air bubbles.
- Thinning (Optional): While the reference focuses on application methods rather than consistency, gesso can often be thinned slightly with water if a very thin coat is desired, but be cautious not to over-thin as this can compromise its priming qualities.
- Multiple Coats: Applying multiple thin coats (like the two thin coats recommended for a smooth surface) is generally better than one thick coat for durability and an even finish. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.
- Clean Up: Clean your brushes or palette knives with water immediately after use, as dried gesso is very difficult to remove.
By using Mont Marte gesso according to these methods, you can effectively prepare your painting surface, ensuring optimal paint adhesion and a durable base for your creative projects.
