Description

Application Instructions

1. Apply to a suitably prepared, rigid and stable painting support.
2. Use a foam roller to apply two thin, even coats.
3. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second.
4. Alternatively, apply one heavier coat using a brush, allowing additional drying time.
5. Ensure the gesso is completely dry before beginning encaustic painting.

Important: R&F Encaustic Gesso is not generally recommended for stretched canvas. Its highly absorbent formulation contains relatively little binder, making it less flexible than conventional acrylic grounds and potentially susceptible to cracking on surfaces that expand or contract.

R&F Encaustic Gesso offers a reliable and convenient solution for artists seeking a highly absorbent ground specifically developed for encaustic painting. Formulated by R&F Handmade Paints, this water-based acrylic gesso provides the porosity and surface texture necessary for molten wax paint to adhere effectively.

While conventional acrylic gesso generally contains a higher proportion of binder, resulting in a smoother and less absorbent surface, R&F Encaustic Gesso uses a carefully controlled ratio of acrylic binder to solid particles. This creates a granular, absorbent ground that holds encaustic paint securely while benefiting from the adhesive properties of acrylic.

The formulation was developed to offer the absorbency associated with traditional rabbit-skin glue gesso without requiring the lengthy preparation and multiple layers traditionally involved. Its white surface can be applied smoothly with a foam roller or brush, making it particularly practical for preparing painting panels.

Beyond encaustic painting, this versatile ground is also suitable for oil painting and egg tempera. When used with oil paints, its absorbent surface allows some of the oil to penetrate the ground, producing a distinctive matte appearance with brighter colours and reduced visual depth compared with conventional oil painting grounds.

R&F Encaustic Gesso is best suited to rigid, stable supports rather than flexible stretched canvas. Two thin coats, allowed to dry between applications, are generally sufficient to create an appropriately prepared surface for painting.

Combining ease of application, exceptional absorbency and dependable adhesion, R&F Encaustic Gesso provides artists with a professional painting ground designed to support both traditional and contemporary encaustic techniques.