To make the traditional brilliant white gesso for rigid panels. Because it dissolves more readily than rabbitskin glue, gelatine allows more rapid preparation and gives the smooth surface required for egg tempera and other delicate techniques.
Ingredients:
| 3 parts | gelatine solution for panels | |
| ||
| 5 parts | whiting |
- Prepare the gelatine solution and while it is still warm and liquid, sprinkle the whiting onto the surface.
- Stir gently to prevent the formation of air bubbles (bubbles will leave pinholes in the dried gesso.
- Once all of the whiting has been absorbed, strain the mixture through two layers of cheesecloth into a clean glass or enameled container.
How to use:
While the size is warm, coat Masonite panels or well-cured plywood and let them dry (see recipe for Gelatine solution for panels). Apply the warm gesso solution by brushing each coat in one direction, changing directions with alternate coats. Sand lightly between coats with a 220 grit paper. After five or more coats have been applied, finish the surface by sanding it with a 300 grit paper (at times we use a 2000 grit finishing paper) or by rubbing the surface ivory-smooth with a ball of white cloth dampened with a mix of denatured alcohol and water.
