22
P
igments
, G
ums
& R
esins
P
A
R
I
S
1
8
6
7
V
I
E
N
N
A
1
8
7
3
L
O
N
D
O
N
1
8
6
2
P
A
R
I
S
1
8
7
8
Section 1
The preparation of gesso
2. Add nine parts more of water to the
soaked glue. Heat in a double boiler.
3. Mix 1 part of zinc white
with 3 parts of whiting (or chalk).
Add enough boiling water
to form a thick paste. This
prevents air bubbles from
being formed when the hot glue
is added.
You will need: Rabbit skin glue, whiting, zinc white pigment, distilled water, a double boiler,
stick, hot plate, kettle, bowl, paint brush, fine sand paper, linseed oil and siccative.
1. Put a small handful of rabbit skin glue in a
bowl and cover with 4 times it’s volume in water.
Leave overnight. In the morning the glue will have
absorbed its own need of water. Throw the rest
away.
4. Pour in the hot glue
until the mixture reaches
the consistency of double
cream.
Strain through a cloth to
remove any sediment.
5. Thin the remaining glue with a
further 10 parts of water, then size
the seasoned wood or plywood
with it. Canvas can be adhered to
the surface if desired. Apply four
to six coats of gesso with smooth
strokes of a brush or spatula.
6. When the gesso is thoroughly dry sand it down with fine
sand paper, and then polish it with a few drops of linseed
oil and siccative.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
