Add a little water to your gesso for the first layer to give it a smoother finish.
Priming a raw canvas with gesso is highly recommended because the fabric will otherwise absorb all the paint and can mold and fall apart with time. Additionally, because raw canvas is not white, it's impossible to get true colors. Prepping a raw canvas for spray paint is the same as prepping it for oil or acrylic paint and can be done in little time.
Instructions
1. Lay your canvas down flat on some newspapers so you don't get any gesso on the floor.
2. Open your container of gesso and stir it well with a paint stirrer.
3. Dip your paintbrush into water to wet the bristles and then squeeze out the excess water.
4. Dip your brush into the gesso and make sure it is well coated but not dripping.
5. Paint the gesso onto your canvas in long strokes, all going the same direction. Cover the entire canvas.
6. Brush gesso onto the sides of the canvas, but make sure gesso does not build up on the front of the canvas. If it does, use your brush to smooth it out.
7. Wash your brush thoroughly with soap and water so you can use it for a second coat.
8. Allow the first coat of gesso to dry for at least an hour.
9. Gently sand the canvas once the gesso has dried. Wipe the residue away with a dry cloth.
10. Apply a second coat of gesso, this time brushing in the opposite direction. If you covered the canvas with horizontal strokes the first time, use vertical strokes for the second coat.
11. Brush a second layer of gesso onto the sides of canvas.
12. Make sure the entire canvas is covered with a thick layer of gesso.
13. Allow the gesso to dry overnight and lightly sand it again if you prefer a smoother, less texturized look.
