If you made your canvas with unprimed cotton, the next step will be top prime it so you can
paint on it.

1 - Make sure you buy a bottle of gesso that's suitable for both acrylic and oil painting. This dries very fast and is painted directly on to the stretched canvas.


2 - Shake the container very well before using. Do not skip this step!


3 - Decide whether you're going to apply one or a few coats of gesso. One coat gives a rougher finish. If you're applying only one coat, use the gesso as it comes out of the bottle. If you're going to apply several coats, dilute the gesso with a mixture of half acrylic gloss medium and half water.


5 - Using an old, wide brush, apply the gesso directly to the stretched canvas in even strokes. Work from the top to the bottom of the canvas, in parallel strokes from one edge to the other.


6 - When you're done, wash your brush out immediately with soap and water.
Once the gesso has dried on a brush, it won't come out.