Kremer grounds & fillers for making traditional gesso and paint extenders.

Traditional gesso recipe for canvas and wooden panels:

Stage #1: Hide Glue Solution

Rabbit Skin Glue: 1 parts

Water: 10 parts

Method: Soak for 30 minutes, then warm in a double boiler until the glue dissolves. Brush the size onto stretched canvas or panels. Allow to dry before applying the ground in Stage #2 or 3.

Stage #2: Chalk Ground

Chalk Whiting: 1 parts

Zinc White Pigment: 1 parts

Hide Glue Solution (Stage #1): 1 parts

Method: Blend the pigments together in an enameled pan, add a small amount of warmed glue solution. Work out the lumps before adding more glue. Avoid air bubbles by working with warm, not hot glue solution. Let the gesso stand, warm, for 30 minutes before applying to canvas or panel.

Stage #3: Gesso (This Stage is Optional)

Chalk Ground (Stage #2): 3 parts

Raw Linseed Oil: 1 parts

Method: Slowly add the oil to the still warm chalk ground, stirring vigorously, without adding air bubbles or breaking the surface of the solution. Allow to stand for a few minutes, then apply.

Directions: Allow the first coat to dry for one week before applying a second coat. Apply a third coat one week after that and let this dry for two to three weeks before sanding the surface. This is an excellent ground for egg tempera and gouache but is too absorbent for oil paint without first isolating the ground.

Please see our other listings for Zinc White and Raw Linseed Oil.