Royal Talens Amsterdam Gesso, transparent primer

Amsterdam transparent gesso – primer for acrylic and oil paints

Amsterdam transparent gesso by Royal Talens is a primer for canvas, wood, paper and card on which acrylic and oil paints adhere well. Unlike white or black gesso, it adds no colour of its own to the painting surface: the surface stays visible, so you can make it part of your picture.

Once dry, the layer is absorbent, which is why it is also suitable for oil paints according to the manufacturer. It is also waterproof at that stage. The gesso can be thinned with water and mixed with other Amsterdam gessos.

Priming with transparent gesso

The surface must be free of dust and grease. Apply the gesso in several thin layers. For more texture, apply one thick layer instead. Thin it with water if needed. Use it only at 10 °C or above and store it frost-free. Clean brushes and tools with water before the gesso dries. On raw wood or card, the primer stops the surface from absorbing the paint unevenly.

Transparent, white or black?

Amsterdam gessos come in transparent, white and black. Choose transparent if you want the wood grain, canvas texture or paper colour to remain visible. According to the manufacturer, the colour stays virtually the same as in the tube when mixed with acrylic paint. You can therefore tint the gesso without diluting or lightening the colour. Black gesso, by contrast, gives a black, matt surface.

Amsterdam transparent gesso product details

• Manufacturer: Royal Talens, Amsterdam range
• Colour: transparent
• Suitable for: acrylic and oil paints
• Surfaces: dust-free, grease-free, absorbent surfaces such as canvas (linen, cotton), wood, plywood, card, paper
• Also usable as a primer for wall painting on alkaline surfaces such as concrete, stucco and brick
• Thinning: with water
• Once dry: absorbent and waterproof
• Use at 10 °C or above, store frost-free

You will also need: brush or palette knife for applying, water for thinning and for cleaning tools.