I Converted to Gesso

[rebelyell2006]

I've been using the Bob Ross brand gesso recently, and it doesn't leave a noticeable sheen.  It also isn't completely black, but more of a very dark chocolate brown.

[FramFramson]

I use gesso myself, System3 both black and white. And although I won't go back, I do find that the black has a slight sheen on it. Without meaning to derail to OP's thread too much can anyone recommend a truly matt black gesso?

I use Liquitex and it's dead matte, almost chalky in texture.

[Billchuck]

I use Liquitex and it's dead matte, almost chalky in texture.

Agreed. And I've thinned it with alcohol and airbrushed it with no problems. It probably works just as well with water, but I haven't tried that.

[throwsFireball]

I use gesso myself, System3 both black and white. And although I won't go back, I do find that the black has a slight sheen on it. Without meaning to derail to OP's thread too much can anyone recommend a truly matt black gesso?

Agreed. And I've thinned it with alcohol and airbrushed it with no problems. It probably works just as well with water, but I haven't tried that.

Liquitex is completely matte, but it's definitely NOT pure dead black. It's more like a very, very, very dark grey. Which is perfect for a base coat, but if you want really deep shadows you'll have to paint black into the spots.

[Zaheer]

Liquitex is completely matte, but it's definitely NOT pure dead black. It's more like a very, very, very dark grey. Which is perfect for a base coat, but if you want really deep shadows you'll have to paint black into the spots.

Sounds worth a look. Thanks

[gary42]

I just read on a Warlord paint tip area that you can prime black and then hit a spray of white from directly above to help with hi-lights.  I have brush on black Gesso and spray white.  I'm going to try it!

[throwsFireball]

I just read on a Warlord paint tip area that you can prime black and then hit a spray of white from directly above to help with hi-lights.  I have brush on black Gesso and spray white.  I'm going to try it!

Personally I'd rather gesso then drybrush.

...I just hate spraying. It's ruined at least five models and I refuse to let it ruin more.

[tomrommel1]

use Bob Ross as well works a treat

[gary42]

Personally I'd rather gesso then drybrush.

...I just hate spraying. It's ruined at least five models and I refuse to let it ruin more.

Yikes!  How did it the primer ruin the models?

[throwsFireball]

Yikes!  How did it the primer ruin the models?

I live in one of the rainiest parts of the sunniest country in the world. England.

Humidity etc means frosting. Some of my 15mm are especially bad. Just wrecks the models.

[gary42]

Spray primer causes frosting?  I'ver seen spray varnish cloud but never seen a primer cause paint to frost up. Especially  spray Gesso.  Learn sumthin' new every day.

[throwsFireball]

Spray primer causes frosting?  I'ver seen spray varnish cloud but never seen a primer cause paint to frost up. Especially  spray Gesso.  Learn sumthin' new every day.

Sorry, I mean when...

Like...

Errr...

You know the underspray gets all spikey and stuff? Like it's became a very angry hedgehog? That's what happens.

[SteveBurt]

Sprays are the work of the devil.
They smell terrible.
They don't work when it is too damp.
They don't work when it is too cold.
They clog up.

I try to stick with brushes.

[gary42]

Fingers crossed!  Never had any trouble yet.  I live in a rain forest too!:)  I do spray outside of course.  I love to tooth it gives.  Great adhesion for painting.  Maybe the Gesso spray is different than other primers?  I definitely wouldn't use a spray for a final clear coat but as a primer I'very  painted hundreds of minis with only great results.

[Mr. Peabody]

Maybe the Gesso spray is different than other primers?

You can buy aerosol Gesso cans - but that would kind of defeat the intent behind a switch to Gesso.

Sprays are the work of the devil...  I try to stick with brushes.