CLEAR GESSO? Why You NEED to Prep Your Paint by Number PBN Canvas | ALL of Your Questions Answered!

[@RuthlessAries_QueenofSwords]

I am so glad I came across this video before my first canvas arrived. I am new to the hobby. Thank you so much for making this video!!! Love your channel!!!

[@suzzi1961]

Great tutorial Melanie...It's been a pleasure learning from you.

[@noelle7287]

This makes so much more sense. It's way easier to understand it visually then just with words. I will definetly start using those techniques. Thanks for the tips.

[@kristina7617]

Another tip! If you have a canvas with dark numbers/outlines add a little bit of white paint to the gesso. You only need a small amount but it will help fade the text so you dont have to use so much white sharpie markers if at all. Of course make sure you have a reference guild just in case but spot test before applying to the entire canvas. This has saved a few of my pieces and my sanity.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Great tip...thank you!

[@juliaahuir9920]

Hello Kristina I read your comment with great interest however my issue is this: the gesso should be left to dry naturally I've read for 1 hr. So if using white paint and gesso doesn't this mean you have to leave the paint/gesso to dry for an hour each time? And if you don't leave it to dry won't the colour over the number turn into a sort of 'mess' when you paint over the non-dry white paint/gesso? A real conundrum for me!!!!

[@rimshazahid2837]

@@juliaahuir9920 I know I'm late but from what I've understood, she said to mix white paint with the clear gesso while applying the gesso coat. So basically when you're prepping your canvas like it's shown in this video, at that time mix a bit of white paint to your gesso to fade out the lines and numbers and then let it dry.

[@JustBeYouooh]

I use my white pen for the outlines that I know will show through

[@GeminiTwinning]

Great example! Thank you for the tip!

[@shannonsfamily418]

Wow, thank you so much. Make a HUGE difference. I have not started a paint by number yet. I am watching a few videos for tips first, so I am prepared. I always use a primer before painting on baskets or frames. Primer is so vital. I never thought about primer on a paint by number until this video. Thank you.❤

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You are so welcome! I never paint any PBN without my Liquitex clear gesso. It just seems to grip the paint sooo much better. You’ll have other people advise that it’s not necessary, but the ones who do use it, swear by it.

[@katiebisaro1229]

Omg! Thank you thank you for your videos about tips for paint by numbers. I've currently done one paint-by-numbers incompletion so far but I'm in the process of working on 3 others and between the brush suggestions, the flow medium and now the gesso(which I've purchased many of your suggestions and so far the difference is amazing! I wish I knew about gesso before! For the love of all things paint! Gesso your canvas!! The difference is stunning. I have saved a bunch of your videos to reference back to. Thanks again!! For everything! I'll have to try your products next!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for this amazing feedback!! I’m so thrilled you found this helpful! I’m about to do a new clear gesso video where I’m going to compare 6-7 (I can’t even remember how many I tested 😂) different gessoes to see which one(s) I liked best; which one was the cheapest; the worst; etc. I figured there are so many mixed reviews and information out there about clear gesso that it has gotten confusing…especially for beginners. I hope you will find it helpful too! Thank you for watching and supporting my channel. 🥰❤️

[@craftykat]

Thank you for this; I am really enjoying your content. I started my very first paint by number kit and my gesso is finally arriving in the mail sometime today. I am so glad I can add a coat over the painted sections.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes! Clear gesso is a “must-have” on EVERY canvas for me. You’ll get those people who say it isn’t necessary & I say “Why work harder, not smarter?” 🤣 (Of course, I don’t say that to anyone’s face. 😂😂😂)

[@WeatherstoneHOA]

I've done 3 Paint by number to date and had NO idea about Gesso! Mine is getting delivered today and I will prepare my newest canvas. Oh the white little dots drove me goofy!! LOL. Some of the paint by number kits were better than others. But it sure looks like Gesso is gonna just make painting so much easier! Awesome video Melanie!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Those little dots use so much paint that I couldn’t stand it! I refuse to use more than one layer of paint if I can help it…{call me lazy, because I can be. 🥴} I just cannot paint anything now without my Liquitex clear gesso! The texture takes some getting used to, but I can’t paint without it.

[@WeatherstoneHOA]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio After purchasing my Gesso and starting my newest paint by numbers this week OMG.. what a difference and having the Flow now! And now I cannot paint without the Gesso as well. "Dots NO More" LOL.. Blessings to you Ms Melanie !!

[@lesliewilson9385]

so glad you did these videos i did my first and it was hard to cover it and i got a ? about small spots together i love coloring but my first paint by numbers but had hard time out of the small spots that was together to get it to stay in the lines so help with ideas or that just comes by more practice thand

[@pamelaherbin]

This was a great training tool watch video!

[@Arador76]

Thank You for this video... I’ve just purchased my first PBN and had seen some people on the fb group I’m in talk about Gesso so I was wondering what is was for... Your video gave me a great explanation and visual demonstration. You’ve convinced me that Gesso before painting is the way to go!! 😊

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is definitely a “necessity” on my PBNs! 😊

[@rbraceroccarballo7999]

Es usted una gran profesora gracias por sus vidio estoy aprendiendo mucho

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Well, thank you so much for that wonderful compliment, and I hope you will continue to watch my videos! Please be sure to join my Facebook group because I have the most helpful members anywhere!

[@ginaashby6782]

Thanku so much for sharing I purchased my first number painting and yes your right I noticed having to do 2 coats instead of one if I had known abt the Gesso so now I will be buying some and also need to get some better brushes ...

[@pamellegallardo2246]

I have never been this early before. Waiting for my Paint for Numbers to arrive... guess I’ll have to buy gesso soon!!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Hi! Gesso really is such a great tool to have in your stash. I know some companies will say their canvases are pre-primed; but they are pre-prime with white gesso before the printing of the lines and numbers takes place. That doesn’t help us when the paint falls into the pores of the canvas.

[@johannschickle2349]

Just starting my 10th PBN and could not figure out why I had sooo many pinholes. Thank you so very much.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, you are so welcome! Clear Gesso for my canvas and Flow-Aid for my paints have been game-changers!

[@katherinericks2545]

I tried the paint brushes that came with the kit. I did a terrible job until I began using my professional paint brushes. It has made a world of difference. Who knew about the differences. I really know this to be a large part of success.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I totally agree! My first video on paint by numbers was about tips, tricks, tools & techniques, and I did a section on paintbrushes. The first thing I noticed with the kits were the crap paint brushes. 😂 The right tools make all the difference!

[@angelinasoto6939]

I'm about to start my first PBN and watch your video for newbies! OMG! You're such a great teacher!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

OHHHH; you just made my night!! Thank you so much! I have another 115+ PBN videos, so you can binge watch through 2021. 😂

[@angelinasoto6939]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio question: i've ordered the items you recommended, but I'm impatient, how many drops of water can I add to the paint to make it creamier?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Just add a drop to two drops and stir it up well. You don’t want to add too much, because it can affect the opacity of your paints.

[@AngeliqueStevens]

Thank you for this video! I just bought 2 kits and had no idea gesso came in a clear form. I always use white gesso on my canvases. Also that close up picture really shows how much color saturation is lost when the canvas is not primed with gesso.

[@JustBeYouooh]

17:55 the gesso side still needs a second coat. Just like the right side needs it too

[@pamelashoberg7982]

Thank you for another wonderful video. What do you think of the idea of mixing clear and white gesso to make the numbers and lines gray instead of black? It seems that this would make it easier to cover them.

[@suzanap1407]

Best gesso video! Thank you ☺️

[@barbarawest1205]

Great video, Melanie - the closeups were especially helpful. I've been seeing occasional "divots" even though I applied multiple coats of clear gesso on my current project and I have decided I need a broader brush to see what happens. I've been using a one inch flat paintbrush and even with multiple coats I can see how the gesso may have gone on unevenly or not thickly enough. Onward!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes! I hope this helps. Even a 2 1/2-3” brush would be great too.

[@nigellane4087]

Hi what is Gesso in England?

[@noblumoon]

Interesting...I just completed my 7th PBN... gessoed the first 6. Thought I would skip this one. I don't know if it was the paint in this kit, or the canvas, but it was the best experience so far. No scratchy canvas sound, no streaky paint, beautiful coverage. I know people talk about the "tooth" gesso creates on the canvas,,, but perhaps the "tooth" is what makes it scratchy and streaky??? Having said that, I do believe this kit had the best paint so far.

[@JustBeYouooh]

I wouldn’t even bother with gesso

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I wouldn’t bother painting without it. It’s a waste of 15 extra hours and extra layers of paint, as I’ve proven time-and-time again. But that’s why I always say, “You do you, Boo-Boo,” because everyone finds their own way…whether it takes more time or effort is up to each person. As long as you enjoy the process, that’s all that matters. ☺️

[@darlenetherkelsen8977]

Great video. Thank you

[@ziggy33399]

I’m newly diagnosing myself with ADD. Why? Second time watching...completely ignored🤪 or forgot 😜to brush up & down after side by side. Going to watch your other Gesso video now. Glad I came back here to my mentor, Melanie. ✅

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’m COMPLETELY ADHD, and I get so distracted that it’s frustrating. I read the same page in a book 19 times if there is any noise at all. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@ziggy33399]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio ha❗️❤️

[@kumudinifernando8505]

Thanks for your video. I am doing my 4th painting by numbers and have discovered gesso only now. Wish I knew about this product earlier🙄

[@gracekotang3828]

Thank you for this big tip

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Clear gesso is the way to go! 🥰

[@monicacoyle3760]

Love this video,answered alot of questions for me. Thank you

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Wonderful!! I love that kind of feedback 🥰.

[@tammiehilliker6600]

Yes....Fabulous.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🥰🥰🥰

[@raecyrulik9359]

Quick question on the brushes - I have severe arthritis in my hands and I often get "brush fatigue" (not sure if that's an actual term or not). Are the handles of those brushes comfortable? That's why I never use the brushes in the kits. Those skinny handles are just too hard to hold for long. Again, thanks for your recommendations and the tips! I do enjoy learning different options for things!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Those brushes I’m using have a triangular grip. I also have different forms of arthritis and my hands get tired and sore if I use the thin ones too long. I like the handles of those triangular brushes.

[@raecyrulik9359]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio I may have to give them a try. I found some short round handled brushes that are pretty comfy. Thanks for always answering questions so promptly!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Rae Cyrulik I try to respond quickly, because I keep my phone on me constantly, unless I’m asleep. 😂 If I don’t respond right away, I’m afraid I’ll forget to come back and comment. 🤦‍♀️

[@angelroque9896]

Just bought my first PBN but have painted on canvases from multipacks and I find this video absolutely helpful. From my understanding, those stretched ones have already been primed with white gesso. Are PBN canvases not primed? Or does the clear gesso add another layer of the toothy surface for better paint adhesion? It clearly makes a huge difference either way.

[@decemberforest3364]

This was so helpful. Wow. I was just wondering what temperature and speed do you set your blow dryer when you use that? I'm just in a hurry because this is going to be a Christmas present and time is running short. (This project was supposed to be done during the summer. LOL.)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh nooo! I wish I had been able to get to my responses sooner. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I hope you were able to get this done in time, and in the future, I usually apply my warm/cool temp on the highest blowing setting. (I’m impatient just because I am 😂.) {Clear gesso usually sets up in a few hours by itself if you apply a thin layer, but I don’t “advertise” that because someone will hold me responsible if their project goes wrong in some wonky way. 🥴}

[@sherrys3466]

Wow, the gesso made a huge difference!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, it does! It is so much easier to demonstrate gesso than to tell how it works. I have seen such a huge difference in my paintings since I started using it!

[@monicalarson3714]

Left the house for an hour for errands, and the rolls on the canvas are gone! Yay..

[@reneecurry-harper]

I noticed that when finished applying the gesso to the canvas you put the left over gesso back into the bottle. Did you use it undiluted or did you mix it with water as instructed on the bottle label?

[@sharonbrooks786]

I am new at this but I do have Gesso. Is white gesso and clear gesso the same thing? Thank you for your video. Great info.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

No, clear gesso dries transparent & has a sandpaper texture, and white gesso dries white & you can’t see any lines or numbers. 😊

[@mayankdas1595]

Thanks for this video! I am using your tips in this video and other videos uploaded by you to paint my first PBN canvas. Is it recommended to use the gesso directly or sould I dilute it with some water?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for watching my videos 🥰❤️! If the clear gesso is thick, you can dilute it a little with some water, but usually you don’t need to do that. I’ve had my bottle for years, and I’ve never had to dilute it. (That’s the Liquitex I’m referring to, but other brands do get thick over time. This video discusses those brands, and I tend to stick with Liquitex. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3imk2durJacgdksi=8KZV7L9pvnIrKoqP

[@nancybarker5147]

I’m thinking that I can add a tad of white gesso to the clear that will make the numbers and lines more muted and easier to cover with transparent colors

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’ve tried something similar and failed 🤦🏻‍♀️, but I was using a watered down white gesso. I still haven’t finished that painting, because it didn’t come with a reference guide. The photos I took were after the gesso went on, and now it’s so hard to see what the numbers are. I’d like to know how it works out for you adding a little white to the clear!

[@nancybarker5147]

tried a tad, didn’t change.... tried 1/4-3/4, didn’t change much..... tried 1/2-1/2 and that worked well for the canvas I’m using. Guess it depends on how dark the lines/numbers are. Also I spray wet the canvas first, so that the gesso would glide more evenly. Hope this give you more hope on those dang translucent colors

[@yazosoyo]

I love the new letters you are using in the videos! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Clear gesso has become my “precious commodity”, I very happily paid USD$17 dollars for a 4 oz. jar! And I’ve ordered another one JIC Amazon runs out of it. I’m already waiting for the clear gesso recipie. I tried one I found on Internet, the PVA glue in it actually made my canvas harder to work on it. I did apply another layer of clear gesso to my painting, it dulls the darker colors. The brushes on your link are sold out 😟

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I found a recipe for it too, and thought I’d make it for a video. It’s definitely a precious commodity!

[@shinebrightcreations]

Thanks so much!

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

If you're using oil paint, you don't need to worry about the graphite muddying up your colors because gesso will protect the graphite from any solvent or oils that would otherwise start dissolving your pencil marks, but the gesso won't do that because its water based.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

These paintings use acrylic paints and not oils or graphite/pencils, but that is good information to have!

[@PoliceOurPolice]

14:00 if gesso creates a flat surface, how do we explain the sand paper texture?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

The sandpaper is the tooth that holds the paint. If you don’t have that, the paints slips around and doesn’t provide good coverage. So the gesso does two things…1) it fills in the canvas divots and provides a layer across the surface and 2) it provides a texture that grips the paint and provides excellent coverage.

[@janettullius3296]

Do you gesso the canvas flat and on what type of surface? I’m about ready to do my first PBN. You have been so informative and I really appreciative

[@SAJK0KAT]

Im going to try this now… got my gesso last night and I’m scared to do wrong 😂 But it looks easy. Thank you for this video!

[@Sassyfiery]

Hey Melissa. Long time no chat. Life has gotten super busy & honestly I’m in the weeds but have a question. Have you tried any other brand of clear gesso? The liquitex is a bit costly. It won’t be for a pbn project.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I did a video comparing gessos and their cost. The Art Basics is an excellent clear gesso with smooth texture. It’s cost comparison was also very good! I have a link in the video for it. I can give you the link to the video here but not to the product: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3imk2durJacgdk

[@Sassyfiery]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thank you

[@JeanneConroy-sj9ce]

Hi! What do you recommend for a top coat after finishing a paint by number?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Sorry for the delay, but I have been using the Schipper Lacquer as my sealant. It’s a beautiful finish and not a spray. I have a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYekd2aOh517pNE&si=nHKs2ZWt4fIyxk1H You can skip ahead to the part about the sealing and skip the framing tips if you don’t need that information. ☺️

[@raecyrulik9359]

I used a cheap white gesso when I had a canvas that had very dark lines/numbers with a lot of light colors and it helps. For those that get a little afraid of the price on Liquitex, cuz it IS pricey, The Crafter's Workshop Clear Gesso is a good alternative. It has the same characteristics as the Liquitex. It's cheaper and comes in a wide-mouth jar. Using gesso on multiple different types of projects - I'm a mixed media artist and we tend to gesso everything because we're adding multiple mediums - you do NOT need to let it cure overnight. That's silly. The whole point of it being acrylic is to NOT have the drying time. Like you said, you can always use a blow dryer or heat gun on low, especially if it's humid. I also ordered my first kits from Masterpiece by Numbers and I can't wait until they get here!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@Rae Cyrulik you will love their paintings! Also, I rarely ever wait longer than a couple of hours to paint on my gessoed canvases, but I hate to tell viewers it’s ok, and then later find out it created a problem for someone. I tread lightly on that kind of thing. 😂 It’s kind of one of those “do as I say, not as I do” situations. 🤪 I am actually going to try to record a video about making your own clear gesso. I also wanna mention that I have used thinned out white gesso, and it still gave me too much coverage for my painting, and I have no reference guide for that one. Live and learn 🙄🤦‍♀️. I always used white gesso on my mixed media projects, but I just do not like it on my PBNs.

[@raecyrulik9359]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio I ordered a dragon and the green man and since you got a 3rd for free, I also ordered the 3 labs. I like that they're based in the US & pay royalties to their artists. I've used white and clear on my mixed media projects. Especially if I decoupaged a paper and want to add mediums. My rule of thumb is if it's tacky, pull out the heat gun! lol. Now I'm sure people are wondering what "mixed media" is. You know, besides FUN.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Rae Cyrulik yeah, if I had to define “mixed media” to someone who didn’t know what it was, I’d say it’s a conglomeration of many arts put together on one background. 😂 I’ve been a scrapbooker, rubber stamper, mixed media “artist”, polymer clay art, do Zentangling, painting, drawing, dot Mandelas, photography & diamond painting, and the list goes on and on. My degrees are in graphic design and web design, but I dabble in everything!

[@raecyrulik9359]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio OMG. You were so RIGHT about the Masterpiece by Numbers kits! I love how they were delivered, how fast, the quality of the canvas and of the paints. The coverage of the paint is amazing. I also found another little trick - not that I needed it with these kits, but in general, to cover the black numbers. A Bic "Wite Out" pen. It has a super fine point & it's made to be written over. I used it a few times on another canvas & it worked amazingly well.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Rae Cyrulik great tip! Thank you 😊!

[@beckyevans5301]

This really helped!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for letting me know! 🥰

[@chatshook3002]

Hi I just bought my first paint by numbers and started watching your video to get a helping hand. My question is? I bought the Gesso as advised and it is the clear, but it looks white just as yours. However when I applied it the Gesso started to cover-up my print. Did I do something wrong ? Could you advise me on what I should do. I'm kinda at a standstill.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Clear gesso dries clear, but I’m concerned they sent you the wrong product. 😳

[@chatshook3002]

I think I figured it out. Some of my lines are not as dark as others, Wich is good that I took pictures of everything. It is clear but when I applied it,it is white enough to cover some smaller, softer details. I just was careful careful when I applied it.

[@chatshook3002]

By the way I wanted to let you know that appreciate your videos they are a get sorce of information on paint by numbers. It's been very helpful.ʘ‿ʘ

[@gabrielaventura9269]

Thank you for all the great tips Melanie! Is the water based white Sharpie fine or medium point?

[@gabrielaventura9269]

Also, is there a link or a full list of the supplies you use including brushes?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Extra-fine, and you can use any brand.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Under the video in the description. Here is where you can find that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk I also made a current list on my blog: www.melaniegilstrap.com/post/top-20-paint-by-number-tools-for-2021

[@gabrielaventura9269]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio THANK YOU MELANIE! 😊

[@florencecrouch9550]

Melanie, you mentioned that you would send us to a video that's devoted to showing using Gesso after you've started painting, but I don't see the link. Would you give the link or name of that video please?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Florence Crouch it’s below in the description, but here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4S4opVujMuHfpo

[@Darryl603]

Should I Gesso the back of my artists loft PBN canvas?

[@soldierforchrist631]

Please help. For priming plastic/resin miniatures, would you recommend clear, white, black or gray gesso? Planning on adding paint for a base coat. Thank you!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’m not familiar with priming resin, but I did find this video that may help. My experience in priming is on walls, canvas and paper. I hope this can help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2SzeHeFjtJoesU

[@soldierforchrist631]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thanks. Yes, miniatures are a niche hobby and priming them with gesso is virtually unheard of except for a few posts from the 2000s and early 2010s. I'll check out the link and continue my search! Have a good weekend.

[@piermontadvisors5397]

Q: I want to store canvases that have arrived and flatten them before I start painting them. I'm using flat boards in between them. Should I gesso before I store them or wait until right before I start painting? It may be minutae but was wondering...thanks in advance

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I think it’s a personal decision. It won’t hurt them to be prepped in advance, I do some of mine and not others. They would just need to be very cured before stacking them.

[@monicalarson3714]

I’m. 1st time paint by numbers. I thought my canvas was tight after applying tape, but after putting on gesso, I see rolls in the canvas. When gesso dries, will it crack when I straighten it?

[@francesmason4768]

Do you apply gesso before you mount it or after, or does it matter.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It doesn't matter at all!

[@jillianwoods5803]

Hi Melanie, I am a "newbie" to Paint Plot, and three quarters of the way through my first painting. After just watching your video on using Gesso, I feel I really need to do this as my paint has not covered completley and I will have to 2nd coat a lot of it. Not looking forward to that either as the numbers naturally are mostly covered. Luckily I made a little chart as I went along with the colours. My Question is this and I do apologise if you have covered this before. I know you said in the video YES you could use Gesso if you had already started your painting! As I have done a good three quarters of mine, can I still use this over that much painting? It certainly sounds like what I need to do. I was given this as a present and just got stuck into it so I could show my friend how good it was while she was still visiting here. Bit rushed!! Thank you in anticipation of your answer. I will now be watching all of your videos before I start any more. Wonderful.Thank you.

[@noblumoon]

Did you gesso the rest of the canvas? What was your experience?

[@amberseamans5601]

Can you put gesso on canvas and use dry pastels

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I have not tried it, but what a FABULOUS idea!! I think you should try it and lmk! 😬

[@retnohapsari828]

Thanks for great tutorial. Where do you buy Gesso ? Available on Amazon? Live in jakarta indonesia

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’m catching up on comments, and I see now where you live. I asked you in a couple of other comments, so you can disregard those questions 😊. There are recipes to make your own clear gesso. I have a video, but I didn’t like the glue-based recipe that I found. You can paint without it, but I found an article that may help you order from Amazon US and have it shipped to you in Indonesia. www.howitravel.co/amazon-indonesia/ I hope YT doesn’t delete this comment, but it may be helpful for you to order items that normally won’t ship there. Also, I have a Flow Aid video that explains more about that and other names that it goes by. Liquitex brand calls it “Flow Aid”, but it’s actually “flow improver”. If you do a search for that product, you may be able to find it easier if you can’t get it from Amazon the method I sent you above. I hope this information helps you! 😊

[@daveymichael6891]

Could you use clear gesso over a finished piece of art to seal it. I want to use gesso onto a plaster relief sculpture but when painting onto plaster it can scratch. Would applying a heavy clear gesso over the finished piece give the piece any extra protection that varnish can't do as I see you only use thin coats. I would need heavy coats so just wondered if this is suitable or not?

[@TheBowdoc1]

Can you Gesso once you started the painting, but not finished?

[@juliaahuir9920]

Hello! I am fairly new to PNB but totally addicted thanks to the lockdown in France and total confinement for those 2 months. However have one BIG 'problem': how to cover up the numbers which always seem to come through. I have watched and re-watched your Clear Gesso video very carefully and have been experimenting to find a method that toatally satisfies me: do you think if I were to paint over the numbers with tiny amounts of white acrylic paint and THEN painted the whole canvas with the clear gesso this might make the numbers virtually invisible and THEN proceeded as normal to PBN (obviously this method would only be necessary for those numbers that are to be covered with light tones ...)?? I know I am giving myself more 'work' but it could be so worthwhile if this 'long extra step' stops the numbers showing through under the lighter colours and bearing in mind the hours of work involved, why not do it as 100% as near perfect as possible (for me!) What do you think? Am I mad??!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

What I do, and you may have already seen it in other videos, but it is easiest if you go ahead and clear gesso first. Then you can use a white acrylic poster paint marker or white acrylic paint to paint those numbers first that don’t have a good opaque paint. You don’t want to paint any numbers first, because it is so hard to know which ones are which, and it’s time consuming to have to keep referring back to the reference guide. I don’t know if that makes sense, but my Tips, Tricks and Techniques video may help explain it better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mInUfWScns6Yh5Y

[@juliaahuir9920]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thank you soooo much for taking the time to reply. Really appreciated!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Julia Ahuir no problem at all!

[@pantalonious3984]

Another question, I have a cheap cardboard like PBN kit but the paints and the image are great, I plan to apply gesso to that as well but do you have any other suggestions for those types of projects that may be cheaper made on a board or cardboard of some kind instead of canvas

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I did this video on the ones where there is a board instead of a canvas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6q4oWOOdrFlhLc

[@pantalonious3984]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio i actually ended up coming across and watching it, great videos, I’m newly subscribed!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@MrG. Nibs oh, thank you, and I hope you find all the answers you need in my videos 🥰.

[@peggymann925]

Never mind my question below, got it now!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, I’m glad you found it! 😊

[@timds1957]

I'm new to PBN, I gessoed my 1st canvas and now it's "bumpy" with warped areas. How do I get it flattened out?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

If your canvas was a “rolled” canvas (meaning it wasn’t stretched on a frame), then when you go to stretch it on a frame yourself (I’ll attach my video for that) or have it done, it will smooth out. You can do that first if it makes you feel better before you paint the piece. You can also mount it to a foam board (I’ll attach a video for that too) or have Michael’s dry mount it for you. ☺️ Stretching Your Own Paint by Number Canvas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bdqoSmgZxgfM0 DIY Mounting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvaqZeJrqhqfdE DRY MOUNTING at Michael’s: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmWkep5_dqijq9k

[@PoliceOurPolice]

how do you prepare your paint and what kind of thinner if any do you use?

[@johnlindsey9759]

I am 81 years old my children bought me paint by number and it's a photo of my late wife. I am not sure about the sand texture will this work with a photo? Small picture that you insert it looks good from here I'm just nervous about the sand texture and I appreciate your input thank thank you

[@pantalonious3984]

Wouldn’t it best to jsut Gesso the entire canvas all at once? Even do a second thin coat of it? Ive heard that before just wanted to ask. Im starting my first serious PBN projects as Christmas presents and Im starting them now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@MrG. Nibs I always gesso the entire surface of the canvas at one time. In this video I only did half of the canvas, because I needed to show how paint covers with it and without it. You must not have watched the whole video, because that is explained, but I typically I do the entire canvas at one time. Sorry if this was confusing.

[@peggymann925]

What is flow aid, what brand do you use?

[@ziggy33399]

Just saw this...I’m on my first paint by no’s & watching Melanie’s videos too. She has videos that explain Flow Aid & links below the video on where to get it (it’s cheap).It makes the paints “flow” more consistently...without them thinking out . Its working for me. Also extends the life of the paints (they can get dried out). Happy painting 🖼

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thanks for commenting on this...I muse have not seen it!

[@Happydiamondpainting]

I'm working on my first but i will take your tips for certain when the shops are open again in the Netherlands. 😉🌹 @happydiamondpainting

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

🥰🥰🥰

[@ruthyoung1032]

Can I use a foam brush to apply?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I thought I mentioned that in this video, but no...a foam brush falls apart with the sandpaper texture of the clear gesso. That’s what I used the first time I put down clear gesso, and it was a disaster.

[@naomishashoua560]

Unfortunately I cannot get clear gesso. Would I be able to use the white one?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

White is white...it would cover everything, and you wouldn’t see the lines and numbers. I’ve tried it very thinned out, and it is still hard to see through.

[@dexterdomisiw3711]

Could i used gesso before and after i finished the whole piece?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Not after, because it isn’t a sealer, and it will give your piece a rough finish. It looks better to either not seal at all or to use a non-yellowing spray sealer.

[@maryanndomisiw1761]

Thank you..

[@jackieingram-noniewicz9485]

what is the flow aid you added to your paint??

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is a miracle for your paint. 😂 Here is a video I did about paint additives. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqavpodnfNmGo6c

[@NANAB1950]

So you are saying you don’t sand and it does cause brushes to fray easily?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, and that is why I use the cosmetic wipes to condition my brushes while I work. The brushes I am using have kept in perfect condition for two months. Absolutely never sand. It defeats the purpose. You’ll see what I mean once you paint on it. 😊

[@pattybaldini1973]

Do you apply your Gesso before you mount your canvas on the white board?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It doesn’t matter which one you do first, it’s totally up to you. It won’t hurt it if you do it after it is mounted. ☺️

[@jessicaaoifel1989]

For those on a budget, absolutely you do not need this at all. I've had zero issues with any pbn I've done in the past. For any lighter paints/colors show the numbers its a process of waiting for the paint to dry and do a few coats of paints. You do need to make sure the canvas is straight and flat but I really don't think this is a MUST HAVE. It's just a nice luxury thing to do

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Since I have ALWAYS been on a budget while advising others on my channel, I consider that when I do my videos. Clear gesso is very affordable, and so although I appreciate your opinion, it is absolutely been PROVEN to work to fill in the surface of the canvas to eliminate the “divots” and to also eliminate the need to multiple layers of paint. It improves the paints opacity, which again will decrease the numbers of layers of paint…so as I like to say, “You do you, Boo-Boo”, because in my world, time is more valuable than the $15 jar of clear gesso I used on the 6 canvases that saved me 60 hours of extra work laying down those 75 more layers of paint 🤔. The point of my channel and the free content I provide my viewers is to demonstrate WHAT WORKS to improve their artwork and what will help them to feel more successful…not to make the decision for them on how they want to spend their money. You can “do you” and let others decide for themselves how “they do them”. 😉

[@wunderfhul7454]

ｉthought the gesso would ruin teh painting and I also didn’t know what gesso is because I’m only 7 and thanks to you

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Awww, thank you for letting me know this video helped explain it.

[@mrsmobsluvzbooks8558]

I've started to use gesso but for some reason it seems like the grittiness of it damages my paint brushes faster, is that normal?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I noticed the same thing, but I feel like by using the cosmetic wipes now instead of baby wipes, it has saved my brushes again! I love the clear gesso so much, I just can’t paint without it. I don’t want to have to sacrifice good brushes, but I do really think the cosmetic wipes have helped.

[@raecyrulik9359]

I'm starting to think it isn't the gesso that trashes the brushes but the fact we use these small brushes for large, large areas. These detail brushes aren't really made for this kind of use. Just the washing can cause the bristles to fray and if you don't get all the paint out of the ferrule, they split. I've been using cosmetic wipes as well and I keep a jar of eye makeup remover to re-wet the wipe. It helps in the short term.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Rae Cyrulik I never use my detail brushes in large areas. Like I was showing in the Paint & Chat video (I think 🤔), I use a large flat brush to fill in the large openings and a round 1 or 2 to paint the edges. Maybe that will help you too!

[@aprilgemmill4464]

I use the Clear Gesso and after when After I have applied the Gesso I go to paint any color and it acts the like I use water color paint. Or watered down paint which makes more work I have to repaint a 2nd coat. What’s the problem? Are canvas’s smooth enough to not require Gesso?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

The problem with smooth canvases is that they require clear gesso because they are smooth. The canvas needs the “tooth” that the gesso is providing in order to hold on to the paint. Otherwise the paint slips & requires second and third layers and can look streaky.

[@Blaze23557]

How on earth does one paint the tiny bits without going past the lines ,looks like you would need a steady hand .

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You do need a steady hand, but I assure you that going outside the lines won’t even be noticeable in the finished project. (Also, using great detail brushes really help!) 😊

[@veronicawatson2525]

What's flow ad

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is a paint additive that helps as an improver for paints. I’ll add two links that will explain how it works. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqavpodnfNmGo6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGbQkoyrmb5_rZo

[@wunderfhul7454]

6:21

[@wunderfhul7454]

Wooooo

[@gregorylaco6193]

I like your accent. Where are you from?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

South Carolina. 😊

[@royennev]

I don't see any difference... Do you spill less paint with Gesso on it?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

😂 As I like to say, “You do you, Boo-Boo.” I just like to work smarter and not harder. It doesn’t benefit me one way or the other whether YOU use clear gesso or not…it only benefits me when I use it. 😉

[@royennev]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio but why its smarter? Do you use less paint? Or can you paint and fill the numbers easier? Im currious

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@royennev oh, I thought you were just being a smart-a…lol! When you use clear gesso, it fills in the little divots of the canvas and gives your surface a flatter, more even texture. You can still see the canvas texture, but your paint doesn’t sink into those divots, so you don’t see the “white dots” when you paint. You actually do use less paint. Plus when I use Liquitex Clear Gesso, I see a difference in the coverage of most of the paint colors…which just means that I don’t have to go back and do layer after layer of paint. There is a big “clear gesso debate” over whether it’s worth it or not, but in my experience and opinion, I never paint without it. Liquitex does have a rough texture to it, which not everyone likes, but that is what grips the paint and makes it work better for me. I have a video I have uploaded but haven’t published yet. It’s a kit by Ledgebay that I hope to get published by today. If you watch the part where I do the “gesso test”, which I do now in all of my review videos, you’ll see a noticeable difference on this particular canvas with the gesso. Sorry for being snarky…it’s been a rough year. 🥴🫣

[@royennev]

Haha not everone is attacking, there are also people with hearts and good energy 🙌☀️ SO MUCH THANKS for your answer, appreciate it alot. Im happy to get great tips and tricks from creative people as well 🫶 I wish a great year for you this year ✌️🤗