Whitson's Gessaux is a highly versatile, acrylic and clay paint that can be built up into heavy layers that can be sanded or polished. Gessaux is a perfect alternative to casein based paints for gilders and framers. It boasts the same highly pigmented, matt finish and also the high build nature that allows it to be smooth and shaped. It does all of this without needing any of the nasty preservatives that casein paints use!
Gessaux is perfect for direct-to-wood applications, such as painting onto picture frames. It is also suitable for a wide variety of other supports, including painted surfaces and even canvas! Simply give your surface a light scuff to give it a key and then paint the Gessaux straight on! If you find that it doesn't stick then prepare the surface with Whitsons Superior Adhesion Primer to create the perfect base for the Gessaux!
As a water-based paint using Whitson's Gessaux couldn't be easier! Simply stir the paint well, ensuring it's mixed evenly, then brush it on with a synthetic brush! If you need more flow, or want to make a wash, then you can thin it with water! Gessaux is packed to bursting with pigment, and will hold its colour even when thinned!
The surface dries quickly and will be touch dry in around an hour and ready to recoat in a couple of hours! Once the paint is dry you can polish it up, either with a cloth or an agate burnisher. If you leave it a little longer then you can polish with ultra-fine sandpaper or wire wool for a smooth, flawless surface that is ideal for oil gilding!
Cleaning up couldn't be easier either! Simply wash up all tools and equipment with water as you go!
