PRIMERS
ACRYLIC PRIMERS
As a result of their formulation, Winsor & Newton acrylic primers are suitable for oil painting. They are popular because they dry quickly and do not require any sizing underneath. Winsor & Newton Acrylic Gesso Primer has the highest covering power and is the best primer if using one coat only. Galeria Gesso Primer provides a good quality gesso at an affordable price. Clear Gesso Base is a unique product which provides tooth and no colour. Using acrylic with Clear Gesso Base, you can make your own coloured gesso. A dark priming brings the elements of the painting together and also saves time when painting.
OIL PRIMER
Oil Painting Primer imparts a traditional oil base. Some artists prefer this and may find a slight increase in gloss and smoothness. Oil primed canvases may slacken off less than acrylic primed canvases. A coat of warm glue size is required first. The primer should be left to dry overnight. Foundation White is a white lead oil colour which can be used for lead priming. Lead priming was used exclusively up until the 20th century. As lead primed canvases have to dry for 6 months Oil Painting Primer is more popular.