Thank you 🙏. I didn’t know clear gesso existed, and I have be searching for a tutorial to prep wood for painting that didn’t completely obliterate the character of the wood!
HI, FINALLY ... FOR BEGINNERS, SOMEONE WHO CAN EXPLAIN THE PROCESS IN A SIMPLE WAY. VERY HELPFUL THANKS. SORRY SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO BE RUDE IN ORDER TO GET THEIR POINT ACROSS !
Yo, don't buy most of this stuff from art stores. Hardware stores will sell stuff like the sandpaper and brush/sponge for so much cheaper. You can also find a better selection of woods for much cheaper at lumber stores too, especially if they have scraps. On top of that many of these places will let you buy something like an 8' long 1x6, then they'll cut it down for you--sometimes for free, usually for really cheap
What a great video! You explained and showed exactly why to take the steps you take. It’s rare to find such a clear and helpful teacher. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Very cool! I am trying to use the pieces of wood that I miscut from my van build in order to make something beautiful from the mistakes. I love paintings on wood- there's something extra beautiful about them. Thank you for the video!
Thank you!!! Thanks to you my painting came out good! I was about to paint on it without putting gesso but I did my reaserch and found this videoooo thank youu so muchhhh I subbed❤❤
Abosolutely a fantastic video. Right speed, easy to follow directions, step by step teaching with explanation of each step and reason. A "must-see" for every beginning crafter using paint on wood for any project. Thank you for posting. (you can save a few pennies elsewhere (other than hobby stores) but you lack the personal information, suggestions, and brain power of Hobby store personnel). But saving a few pennies eslewhere is also something to take seriously. What grade of sand paper was used?
I so wish I had known about this gesso before I did this wooden box & didn’t know anything about painting “metallic” paint but did it & it took 6 coats of paint! Now all I have left to do are already (black printed flowers & leaves) on the top to finish just the painting process! Should I try to put clear gesso over that part even if a little bit of the gesso touches the metallic paint (will it make it move or go away)? Then what do I use to seal it all so it will stay pretty? Wish I knew how to show you an image of the box & ty for the tips of getting all those lil wood dust out as fought those pieces too 😳 but learned a lot!! If I go over printed black lines w sandpaper wouldn’t it remove some of the black??
Loved this tutorial and info! Thank you so much! I also read your update, sorry people are jerks. You are awesome, your art it beautiful and your video is super helpful! So thank you again!^_^
Hi! Hmm not that I know of, I’ve only used clear and not white so I wouldn’t be able to say for sure. Sometimes I add a little bit of water to thin it out because I find it’s easier to work with and I can add more layers. I’ve read it can result in a smoother surface, but it’s mostly a personal preference thing for me.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Off topic if you did the skate blank and it had a finish on it could you spray paint then resin or paint without having to sand it?Thanks.
Hi! Hmm I've never tried that... I think I recall reading that clear gesso can get a bit cloudy with added layers or overworking, so I'm not sure if I'd recommend that. But perhaps it is worth a small experiment on your side? I have seen artists do really cool layering techniques with lacquer, so maybe that is something you can try, too? Off the top of my head, the artist Mall Licudine (Shardula on IG) is a wonderful example of this :) As far as permanence, I've found that painting my painting and then sealing it with Golden Archival spray varnish is enough to protect it. I've gotten to visit some of my older pieces and they still looked brand new. It also helps when the paint you're using is lightfast and permanent, and that the painting is kept out of direct sunlight. Hope this answer helps!
I do! I use acrylics and then once they're all dry I spray on Golden brand archival spray varnish. You can use brush on varnish too, but I like the even and smooth finish the spray gives.
Another good tip for sealing wood for painting is to use All - purpose sealer from Decoart or other paint company. Found with craft paint section. It's cheaper than clear gesso and one layer is good enough. Two layers more than good. Also you can mix it with your background color of you wish. Happy painting!
You can! I would recommend sanding the gesso so it's smoother before you begin drawing. Gesso dries into a gritty texture and could alter how smooth your graphite lines are (image if you tried to draw on sandpaper, that's kind of how it would feel.) To prevent smudging, you can spray with a fixative.
Hi Alyssa, thank you for the informative video. Super helpful. One thing i would change in your process, in step 2, is: Instead of brushing the dust off, which only makes it airborne, i learned to wipe the surface with a damp paper/shop rag towel. It picks up the particles nicely and no one has to breathe in the dust. Then, i brush it gently to eliminate any possible lint. Yes, this may mean giving wood surface a few minutes to dry off before applying clear gesso. FYI: this fellow, Clive, th-cam.com/video/qiaT6CfPIX4/w-d-xo.html uses mixture of glue/water to seal the wood before applying his home made gesso. Alyssa, I am very sorry about the rude comments. The only explanation is that they came from very temperamental artistic culture, the prima donnas of art culture. They are very talented, but as with many geniuses, they are impatient, intolerant and very direct. Hope you don't take them personally. Kudos for you for being brave and making this video. Best wishes. FYI, curious, i did some research as to how the wood was prepared for painting in the 15th century before the discovery of fabric canvas. Here are some interesting informational links: History of wood preparation: blogs.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/hki/2013/04/02/reconstructing-a-15th-century-panel-painting/#:~:text=First%2C%20the%20wooden%20panel%20was,other%20impurities%20in%20the%20wood. Original sealant: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit-skin_glue Gesso: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesso
I find your video very helpful! What do you think if i skip any prep if i wanna do acrylic pouring on wood panel? It will be already very think painting that ill be pouring on, so it wouldn't matter much, woundt it?? Look forward to your answer. Thanks :)
I pour on wood panels. I use tge Exact same steps as I would on stretched canvas, BUT, have far Happier results. I don't see myself using stretched canvas in the future..
To paint on wood blocks with acrylics...is it okay to start painting without any coating?after the painting is finished varnish or some other coating is required to preserve the artwork? Thanks ✨
Hello! If you paint on bare wood, it may likely sink in and bleed out. The colors may also show a bit duller too. As for finishing, a varnish can help protect your colors from fading over time. I currently use Golden gloss archival varnish and it works well for me.
Hello, may I ask something? Is there another alternative instead of gesso to prep my wood? I live in a small city and I don't think such thing as gesso exists in my local shops. Thanks in advance! :D
So i stained a piece of wood, let it dry, and applied clear gesso so i can paint some calligraphy onto it without losing the natural wood grain. But now the dark stain has a cloudy film. Why isnt it drying clear?
Hi Apple! Hmm it may be for two reasons according to Liquitex website www.liquitex.com/row/products/professional/gessoes-mediums-varnishes/clear-gesso/ One being overworking the gesso by brushing over it too many times while it’s drying. The other reason may be too thick of a layer. I’m not sure on an exact fix, but what I would personally do is sand it all down and start again. Hope that helps a bit and that your calligraphy project comes along the way you want 😊
Hi! Hmm lately I'm been scanning the sketch, resizing it and printing it out. Then I'll coat the back of the print out with chalky pastels. I tape it to wood, chalk side down, and trace the sketch with a pen or pencil. I'll lift the paper up throughout the process to make sure the chalk is transferring. Once I'm done with tracing, I'll remove the sketch and then fill out any spots I missed, or trace over the chalk with some graphite. Once I like the new wood sketch, I'll set it with workable fixatif, and that will help reduce smudging while you paint :) I hope this answer helped and made sense!
No silly questions here! Hmm I actually have no idea though, I'm sorry >_< I dont have experience with mod podge, I've only seen it being used in craft videos. A quick search brings up mostly sealing wood for crafts, but I'm not seeing a lot of art related projects. If you're looking to make fine art that'll last, I'd recommend using specific products made for priming :)
Thanks for your video Alyssa Mees! I was just wondering- the clear gesso works for watercolor as well, right?? I'm doing a little watercolor painting on a wood slice, and I wanted to make sure that it works with that so that it won't absorb all the paint. Thanks!
Hi! As in if the primed panels expire? Hmm not that I know of. I tend to paint primed panels within a couple months and havent noticed any issues. I would recommend keeping them in a sealed plastic bin so they dont get dirt or water on them.
I recommend sealing the wood with GAC 100 or Kilz before applying the gesso. This will create a barrier between the wood and the gesso surface which will absorb the paint esp oil paints which over the years could come into contact with the wood. With this sealed layer your artwork will be protected and be archival for many years. Be sure to seal all 6 sides of the wood panel top, back, and edges, with at least 2 coats, then apply your gesso.
I used to apply this many because I felt it built up to a smoother, finer, eggshell texture. Although now, I admit I think its too many layers of gesso 😅 I now do 3-4 layers and it works well
@@AlyssaMees haha... everything is trial and error. Yes i have done about 3 coats and although the pine wood surface was smoother before applying gesso but i feel after 3 coats it's better than how it felt after the first. So i have lightly just sanded and wiped off all dust. Let's see how the process looks.
It’s gritty because you are using clear gesso. The white gesso is less gritty than clear. I’m not sure about the grittiness level of the black gesso as I e only used it once and didn’t pay attention to that.
I did! Skate decks are a little tricky though. Blanks usually still come with a fairly thick clear varnish. I've found that paint just does not stick with that varnish so you gotta sand it all off. If you have a power sander that would be great, or else get ready to put in some elbow grease :D
Thank you 🙏. I didn’t know clear gesso existed, and I have be searching for a tutorial to prep wood for painting that didn’t completely obliterate the character of the wood!
FINALLY someone explained this to me! So helpful!
Right
HI, FINALLY ... FOR BEGINNERS, SOMEONE WHO CAN EXPLAIN THE PROCESS IN A SIMPLE WAY. VERY HELPFUL THANKS.
SORRY SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO BE RUDE IN ORDER TO GET THEIR POINT ACROSS !
Hi Nicola! Thank you! I’m so happy to hear I explained the process in a simple and understandable way 🙂
Yo, don't buy most of this stuff from art stores. Hardware stores will sell stuff like the sandpaper and brush/sponge for so much cheaper. You can also find a better selection of woods for much cheaper at lumber stores too, especially if they have scraps. On top of that many of these places will let you buy something like an 8' long 1x6, then they'll cut it down for you--sometimes for free, usually for really cheap
Thank for the tip! 👍
Yeah, half of the stuff i use is from hardware stores or kitchen supplies, only essencials i buy from the art stores
This is the BEST advice ever.
MDF panels are pretty good, also; they have the advantage of being thinner and cheaper, as well. I recommend.
I am excited to start my channel and sharing my content. Thanks for the motivation over the years. Subscribe and thanks for your support.
What a great video! You explained and showed exactly why to take the steps you take. It’s rare to find such a clear and helpful teacher. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Very cool! I am trying to use the pieces of wood that I miscut from my van build in order to make something beautiful from the mistakes. I love paintings on wood- there's something extra beautiful about them. Thank you for the video!
Thank you, this was the most informative video in this section. Now i am ready to paint.
This was so helpful!!!
I have been searching n searching. I like what I found now.
On to acrylic pour on wood!!!!
Thanks a lot!!!!
Great demo. Love that you showed the difference of bare vs. primed. Subbed! :D
your voice is so soothing.
oh my, your paintings though ! 😍💕
Thank you!!! Thanks to you my painting came out good! I was about to paint on it without putting gesso but I did my reaserch and found this videoooo thank youu so muchhhh I subbed❤❤
Your video was extremely helpful! Thanks a lot!! And your art looks amazing BTW!
Ah thank you so much!
Your voice is precious. And thanks for the information.
I have two balsa wood tea boxes to finish. For the sealer, can I use mod podge? I do not want to buy another glue.
Abosolutely a fantastic video.
Right speed, easy to follow directions, step by step teaching with explanation of each step and reason.
A "must-see" for every beginning crafter using paint on wood for any project.
Thank you for posting.
(you can save a few pennies elsewhere (other than hobby stores) but you lack the personal information, suggestions, and brain power of Hobby store personnel). But saving a few pennies eslewhere is also something to take seriously.
What grade of sand paper was used?
Thank you for the video
Thank you for the detailed explanation it's really helpful🙂
Thank you! I'm so happy it was helpful :)
Hoping to experiment would painting on wood for my advanced Drawing class this semester! these tips are great!
Just put a tiny pencil check on the back of the wood panel treated with gesso. That way you don't have to scratch it. So simple!!
I so wish I had known about this gesso before I did this wooden box & didn’t know anything about painting “metallic” paint but did it & it took 6 coats of paint!
Now all I have left to do are already (black printed flowers & leaves) on the top to finish just the painting process!
Should I try to put clear gesso over that part even if a little bit of the gesso touches the metallic paint (will it make it move or go away)?
Then what do I use to seal it all so it will stay pretty? Wish I knew how to show you an image of the box & ty for the tips of getting all those lil wood dust out as fought those pieces too 😳 but learned a lot!!
If I go over printed black lines w sandpaper wouldn’t it remove some of the black??
Should I apply gesso on preprimed wood panel like artist’s loft panels ?
Thank you for your video really helpful
FANTASTIC information!
Can anything be a substitute for gesso?
So if you live in the bush --and don't have access to fancy gesso etc --what do you suggest for DIY HOME WOOD PRIMER?
This is ART !!!
This was very helpful and concise. Thank you
This has been super helpful! I was wondering if you do anything specific to seal the pieces after I finish? Thank you!
How do protect the watercolor from water? After the painting is done
Yooo your art is amazing wthhhh
Omg this was soo good!! And I'm happy that your TH-cam followers can now hear what you sound like. I can't wait until your next video ^ω^
Just subscribed!! Thank you so much for being awesome and for putting out such a helpful tutorial!! You're an inspiration!
Thank you for subscribing! I'm happy to hear you enjoy my videos :)
What do you put on the back for selling?
Thank you so much 💖💖💖💖
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Can paint on a laminated side of a board panel?
Could I put a few gesso layers over laminated side panel for preparation before applying acrylic artwork
Great tips!! Thanks
If I want to paint only a motif in the centre do I only prime the centre and stain the rest of the wood? Does stain work on gesso?
Loved this tutorial and info! Thank you so much! I also read your update, sorry people are jerks. You are awesome, your art it beautiful and your video is super helpful! So thank you again!^_^
Is clear gesso thinner then white gesso?
Hi! Hmm not that I know of, I’ve only used clear and not white so I wouldn’t be able to say for sure. Sometimes I add a little bit of water to thin it out because I find it’s easier to work with and I can add more layers. I’ve read it can result in a smoother surface, but it’s mostly a personal preference thing for me.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Off topic if you did the skate blank and it had a finish on it could you spray paint then resin or paint without having to sand it?Thanks.
if using clear gesso and acrylic paints, can you apply clear gesso over individual layers of your painting for added permanence and sealing?
Hi! Hmm I've never tried that... I think I recall reading that clear gesso can get a bit cloudy with added layers or overworking, so I'm not sure if I'd recommend that. But perhaps it is worth a small experiment on your side?
I have seen artists do really cool layering techniques with lacquer, so maybe that is something you can try, too? Off the top of my head, the artist Mall Licudine (Shardula on IG) is a wonderful example of this :)
As far as permanence, I've found that painting my painting and then sealing it with Golden Archival spray varnish is enough to protect it. I've gotten to visit some of my older pieces and they still looked brand new. It also helps when the paint you're using is lightfast and permanent, and that the painting is kept out of direct sunlight. Hope this answer helps!
Hi Alyssa! Could you do a video on how you set up your camera for your speed paintings/video?
do you paint with acrylic on this? also what do you use as a top coat after the painting is finished?
I do! I use acrylics and then once they're all dry I spray on Golden brand archival spray varnish. You can use brush on varnish too, but I like the even and smooth finish the spray gives.
Can anyone educated me whai is gesso?
Why do you apply so many layers of gesso?
Liquitex gesso instructions say to apply 2-4 layers, I apply 4-6 because I feel like I get a smoother base to work with.
Thank you for the video! Dumb question but why are so many layers needed?
Ty alyssa!
Well done & thanks for the update.
Another good tip for sealing wood for painting is to use All - purpose sealer from Decoart or other paint company. Found with craft paint section. It's cheaper than clear gesso and one layer is good enough. Two layers more than good. Also you can mix it with your background color of you wish. Happy painting!
are we able to draw with a pencil on the gesso??
You can! I would recommend sanding the gesso so it's smoother before you begin drawing. Gesso dries into a gritty texture and could alter how smooth your graphite lines are (image if you tried to draw on sandpaper, that's kind of how it would feel.) To prevent smudging, you can spray with a fixative.
@@AlyssaMees Alrighty, thank you so much!
Thanks for the video and the update. You Rock!
Thank you🙏
This is very helpful, many thanks for making the video :)
Hi Alyssa, thank you for the informative video. Super helpful.
One thing i would change in your process, in step 2, is:
Instead of brushing the dust off, which only makes it airborne, i learned to wipe the surface with a damp paper/shop rag towel. It picks up the particles nicely and no one has to breathe in the dust. Then, i brush it gently to eliminate any possible lint. Yes, this may mean giving wood surface a few minutes to dry off before applying clear gesso.
FYI: this fellow, Clive, th-cam.com/video/qiaT6CfPIX4/w-d-xo.html
uses mixture of glue/water to seal the wood before applying his home made gesso.
Alyssa, I am very sorry about the rude comments. The only explanation is that they came from very temperamental artistic culture, the prima donnas of art culture. They are very talented, but as with many geniuses, they are impatient, intolerant and very direct. Hope you don't take them personally.
Kudos for you for being brave and making this video.
Best wishes.
FYI, curious, i did some research as to how the wood was prepared for painting in the 15th century before the discovery of fabric canvas.
Here are some interesting informational links:
History of wood preparation: blogs.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/hki/2013/04/02/reconstructing-a-15th-century-panel-painting/#:~:text=First%2C%20the%20wooden%20panel%20was,other%20impurities%20in%20the%20wood.
Original sealant:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit-skin_glue
Gesso: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesso
Great tips!! Thanks for posting this!!
I find your video very helpful! What do you think if i skip any prep if i wanna do acrylic pouring on wood panel? It will be already very think painting that ill be pouring on, so it wouldn't matter much, woundt it?? Look forward to your answer. Thanks :)
I pour on wood panels. I use tge Exact same steps as I would on stretched canvas, BUT, have far Happier results. I don't see myself using stretched canvas in the future..
Can u use midge podge for a substitute for gesso
That is really great!
Does it matter if I use clear or white gesso?
Is it okay to use oil paint over gesso?
Yes! I've oil painted on panels prepped just like this video and it worked out great:)
To paint on wood blocks with acrylics...is it okay to start painting without any coating?after the painting is finished varnish or some other coating is required to preserve the artwork?
Thanks ✨
Hello! If you paint on bare wood, it may likely sink in and bleed out. The colors may also show a bit duller too. As for finishing, a varnish can help protect your colors from fading over time. I currently use Golden gloss archival varnish and it works well for me.
Hello, may I ask something? Is there another alternative instead of gesso to prep my wood? I live in a small city and I don't think such thing as gesso exists in my local shops. Thanks in advance! :D
This was very helpful to me. Thank you very much.
Thank you for this video!
Can l use Oli painting ?
Yes! I use this method for my oil paintings too and have had good results😊
@@AlyssaMees Thank you
Do you use PVA glue?
So i stained a piece of wood, let it dry, and applied clear gesso so i can paint some calligraphy onto it without losing the natural wood grain. But now the dark stain has a cloudy film. Why isnt it drying clear?
Hi Apple! Hmm it may be for two reasons according to Liquitex website www.liquitex.com/row/products/professional/gessoes-mediums-varnishes/clear-gesso/ One being overworking the gesso by brushing over it too many times while it’s drying. The other reason may be too thick of a layer. I’m not sure on an exact fix, but what I would personally do is sand it all down and start again. Hope that helps a bit and that your calligraphy project comes along the way you want 😊
Really well explained, thank you
Can i use one of the acrylic medium instead of a gesso? 🙂
thank you so much for this! i can't wait to try it myself.
so you have any image transfer tips?
Hi! Hmm lately I'm been scanning the sketch, resizing it and printing it out. Then I'll coat the back of the print out with chalky pastels. I tape it to wood, chalk side down, and trace the sketch with a pen or pencil. I'll lift the paper up throughout the process to make sure the chalk is transferring. Once I'm done with tracing, I'll remove the sketch and then fill out any spots I missed, or trace over the chalk with some graphite. Once I like the new wood sketch, I'll set it with workable fixatif, and that will help reduce smudging while you paint :) I hope this answer helped and made sense!
Alyssa Mees yes it does! thank you ♡
Could this work if your using the wood panels for graffiti art and spray paint art?
Yes
Thank you for sharing your technique 😊
Ah! Thank you for watching :)
Thank you this was helpful
I'm so glad!
OMG you are the best !!!! Thank you
This might be a silly question but can you use Mod Podge for priming the wood instead?
No silly questions here! Hmm I actually have no idea though, I'm sorry >_< I dont have experience with mod podge, I've only seen it being used in craft videos. A quick search brings up mostly sealing wood for crafts, but I'm not seeing a lot of art related projects. If you're looking to make fine art that'll last, I'd recommend using specific products made for priming :)
Why do you apply so many layers of gesso? Thanks!
Thanks for your video Alyssa Mees! I was just wondering- the clear gesso works for watercolor as well, right?? I'm doing a little watercolor painting on a wood slice, and I wanted to make sure that it works with that so that it won't absorb all the paint. Thanks!
Does the wood have to be that thick?
Hi! It does not! I've done this prep for much thinner panels, maybe around .25" in thickness.
@@AlyssaMees Thank you so much for your fast reply.
Thank you my lovely. Great video xx
Can you use resin instead of gesso? Have you done that? Or considered coating with a resin after painting?
This was so helpful!! Thank you!
Nice description .. thank you 😊
Thanks for the useful information
what kind of prime are you using?
Great
For priming your wood panels, is there a certain time limit until you can't use it anymore or are you able to prime as many wood panels as you'd like?
Hi! As in if the primed panels expire? Hmm not that I know of. I tend to paint primed panels within a couple months and havent noticed any issues. I would recommend keeping them in a sealed plastic bin so they dont get dirt or water on them.
I recommend sealing the wood with GAC 100 or Kilz before applying the gesso. This will create a barrier between the wood and the gesso surface which will absorb the paint esp oil paints which over the years could come into contact with the wood. With this sealed layer your artwork will be protected and be archival for many years. Be sure to seal all 6 sides of the wood panel top, back, and edges, with at least 2 coats, then apply your gesso.
"It should also be noted that Gloss Medium and GAC 100 do not seal wood, they really just serve to block SID."
@@joseph2832 Sorry, what's SID?
@@TwinBleaks "Support Induced Discoloration or SID describes a phenomenon that can occur when the acrylic appears to change in color upon drying."
Really useful video, thank you!
Why did you apply 4-6 layers of Gesso?
I used to apply this many because I felt it built up to a smoother, finer, eggshell texture. Although now, I admit I think its too many layers of gesso 😅 I now do 3-4 layers and it works well
@@AlyssaMees haha... everything is trial and error. Yes i have done about 3 coats and although the pine wood surface was smoother before applying gesso but i feel after 3 coats it's better than how it felt after the first. So i have lightly just sanded and wiped off all dust. Let's see how the process looks.
It’s gritty because you are using clear gesso. The white gesso is less gritty than clear. I’m not sure about the grittiness level of the black gesso as I e only used it once and didn’t pay attention to that.
Did you also prep the skateboard deck in the video from 4 years ago in a similar way? I really wanna paint a deck for a friend :0
I did! Skate decks are a little tricky though. Blanks usually still come with a fairly thick clear varnish. I've found that paint just does not stick with that varnish so you gotta sand it all off. If you have a power sander that would be great, or else get ready to put in some elbow grease :D
Thank you so much for this video!!
LOVE it....legend. thanks
What liner brushes do you used Alyssa?...your technique is really good xx
Hi Miriam! I just bought a Trekell liner and really like it. I also enjoy Princeton Select brushes :)
Why didn't I find your channel sooner
Super kewl, Thank you!
thank you