The Gesso Print Technique

Feature Image: “Reaching Towards” from the Luminance Series © Nancy Miiller

A couple years ago, I purchased a course from Dan Burkholder on gold leafing. Within the course, he showed how to use gesso instead of gold leaf to back images printed on vellum. The process steps are pretty much the same, both use vellum and Triple-Thick Clear Glaze to make the vellum translucent, but the outcome is different.

I love the gesso process because it provides an additional glow to the final printed image. It feels like the image pops off the vellum.

Process Steps:

• Digitally print your image on vellum.
• Tape the printed vellum on a board (I use foam core) face up and spray with Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze. Let dry, flip the image over, and spray the back. Let dry at least 30 minutes.
• Using artist tape, tape off the edges of your image. You may also want to use additional paper to block more of the vellum. The taped area is then sprayed with gesso. Use two to four light coats of gesso and allow at least two minutes to dry between sprays. I like to rotate the foam core between sprays. Allow 30-60 minutes before removing the tape. I prefer to wait 24 hours to allow for a complete drying before doing the last step.

© Nancy Miiller

© Nancy Miiller

• The final step is to spray one last coat of Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze to the entire piece. Let dry completely.

Top Left Image: printed on vellum. Top Right Image: Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze on both sides. Bottom Image: the final piece with gesso backing the image. With each step, you can see how the image comes to life. © Nancy Miiller

Tips for Gesso Prints

Spraying Gesso

• Important to shake the can for 10-15 minutes to ensure a smooth spray otherwise the gesso spatters and you get a very grainy sandpaper affect
• Spray light coats in three to four directions to get even coats.
• Summertime heat does affect the gesso; watch for crackling! If you do get some cracks, use liquid gesso and a brush to fill in the cracks.

Tape Choices

• If you want a clean edge along the image area, use a smooth artist tape without any texture on the tape. Textured tapes may raise up and the gesso spray can seep underneath.

Spraying Outside

• Ensure your outside area is away from debris.
• Always spray the Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze outside to let the fumes vapor off as much as possible prior to bringing indoors.
• Allow at least 30 minutes for the Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze to dry prior to taping and spraying the gesso.
• After the last coat of Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze, hang your piece in the open and allow a full 24 hours before framing.

Take your time with the process and have fun!