Rublev Oil Paint Medium Easy Gesso Extra-Fine - 1kg is a simple way to make genuine traditional gesso (glue ground) for artists who want the classic, silky surface used on historical panels. This is not acrylic “gesso.” It is real hide glue and chalk (calcium carbonate), formulated as a ready-mix powder so you can prepare a true absorbent ground without sourcing and measuring separate ingredients.

Easy Gesso Extra-Fine is an updated version of Rublev’s Easy Gesso, made with extra-fine natural ground chalk plus titanium dioxide and rabbit skin glue. Prepared the same way as the original, it produces a ground with slightly less tooth and a smoother, refined feel. The finished surface is noticeably different from acrylic primers: it is silky, absorbent, and ideal for water-based paints and traditional techniques that benefit from a true glue ground.

This gesso is best used on rigid supports such as wood panels. It is not recommended for flexible supports like stretched canvas, though it can be used on canvas when the canvas is mounted to a rigid panel.

How to prepare (summary)

• Mix equal parts by volume of Easy Gesso Extra-Fine and warm water

• Let stand at least 2 hours to gel

• Warm in a hot water bath (keep below 65 C) until liquid enough to brush on

• Apply with a broad brush, allowing each coat to dry

• Apply at least 4 coats (sand the final coat if you want an even smoother finish)