What is Gesso?
Gesso, derived from the Italian word for plaster, provides a high-quality, long-lasting primer for canvas, board, or paper. It creates a smooth, vibrant white surface, perfect for easy paint manipulation.
MM10 Gesso is a great permanent flexible primer for canvas, board or even paper. An intense white ground with an excellent tooth for easy paint manipulation. Matisse Gesso is a water-based product and can be thinned down with water. Use equal parts of water to Matisse Gesso when working on raw canvas/linen. If working on canvas, Matisse Gesso will tighten the canvas, making a firmer ground to paint on.
Use
MM10 Gesso is suitable for creating a surface for both acrylic and oil paints. When priming for acrylic paints, two coats of gesso are recommended to ensure complete coverage. For oil paints, it is advisable to seal the surface first with MM5 Matt Medium or MM12 Clear Sealer, and then apply a minimum of 3 coats of gesso. As the oil in oil paints is readily absorbed by the gesso, a stronger sealed layer is needed to ensure the paint does not absorb through the gesso and onto the actual canvas. Matisse Gessoes contain Calcite grounds (calcium carbonate) which help to protect canvas from destructive gases given off by oil paints over their life-span.
Application
It is recommended that MM10 Gesso be applied with a spatula or blade on canvas. If applying with a brush mix with equal parts water, especially for the first coats when being applied to raw canvas/linen (alternatively use MM27 Low Viscosity Gesso). The application method can also affect the tooth. For a rough textured tooth, apply with a coarse bristled brush. For a smoother finish, apply with a soft bristled flat brush and sand the dried surface lightly with fine grade moist wet/dry sandpaper after each application. The moisture will minimise the amount of dust created when sanding. Coats take between 1-3 hours to dry, depending upon weather conditions.
Matisse Background Colours are also a highly pigmented "low tooth" gesso for use when a coloured background is required.
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Shipping Information
At The Ribbon Rose, we are committed to providing fast and reliable shipping for all your crafting needs. Here's everything you need to know about our shipping process:
Flat Rate Shipping
- Enjoy a flat shipping rate of $5* on all items, making it affordable to receive your orders quickly.
- Please note that the flat rate does not apply to furniture items, which may have custom shipping fees.
- Rural addresses will have a $3 surcharge, for a flat rate of $8
Fast and Reliable Courier Service
- We ship all parcels via NZ Couriers, ensuring that your orders are tracked and delivered securely.
- Most parcels are dispatched the same day, offering you prompt service for all your urgent crafting supplies.
- Our standard shipping typically arrives overnight, so you can start your projects without delay.
Tracked Delivery
- All parcels are sent with tracking, so you can monitor your package every step of the way.
- Reliable service with NZ Couriers means peace of mind for you and your valuable purchases.
Easy and Efficient Online Shopping
- Shop with confidence knowing that The Ribbon Rose prioritizes quick and efficient delivery for all your sewing, embroidery, and crafting essentials.
For any additional information or specific shipping inquiries, please contact our customer service team. Happy crafting!
