Gesso is an important art supply to get your canvas ready for painting. … Gesso prepares (or “primes”) the surface for painting, making the surface slightly textured and ready to accept acrylic paint. Without gesso, the paint would soak into the weave of the canvas.

Can I use acrylic paint on canvas without gesso?

Brush paint directly on unprimed — no gesso applied — canvas with acrylic artist’s colors. While oil paint will have a detrimental effect on raw canvas, acrylic paint, which is plastic-based, will not cause cotton and linen fibers to rot.

Does canvas need to be primed before painting?

Do I Need to Prime my Canvas Before Painting with Acrylics? … The answer actually depends on the canvas that you purchase. Most, if not all, canvases that you buy at your typical craft stores are already primed for acrylic painting. If the canvas is a bright white color, it’s ready to go!