Tip Tuesday | Page Prep | Gesso vs Matte Gel Medium

[@kimhouston6815]

Hey Lindsey, thank you for the video! That Liquitex gesso did set my teeth on edge, LOL. Try using a silicone spatula to apply your gesso. Just like with the paintbrush, only no brush strokes. I got a double ended spatula from the dollar tree and cut it in half. Works like a charm. Thanks again for the hard work you do! Love your videos. God Bless!

[@annarodgers3385]

You are so freaking awesome, Lindsey! I loved the way you showed us the texture between the gesso products! When I first started Bible journaling, I picked up the liquitex clear and used it on a page. I was kind of surprised that people used a product with such texture on Bible pages. After some research, I learned about the variety of products available and I invested in both the art basics and the Dina Wakley. I discovered that I loved them all three! Yep...even the deep texture from the Liquitex. I don’t like any of them with watercolor so I go commando most of the time with that medium...even when I use distress inks. My favorite thing about page prep is the weight that it gives the page. I really enjoy the structure of a page that has been prepped. My favorite of all time though, is crinkly pages! I LOVE those sweet crinkly pages! On another note, I wish I lived close to you! Id totally take you for coffee and pick your creative brain! It’s snowing in CA and 81 degrees in KY on Feb. 20th? What the what! What is this world coming to? OH I know...an end! Lol

[@tasha5246]

Excellent demo! Thank you. You answered all my questions.

[@lovemymolly]

Awesome Video, Thanks Lindsey!!!

[@MLLatUtube]

Thank you for the comparison - I do use gesso when I am afraid of bleed through but not always

[@PatioPonderings]

I have always been a “page prepper” and use liquitex matte gel medium. But I’ve recently learned I can stamp over a watercolored background and that it stops the bleed, too! I may never prep a page again!! Thanks for the side by side comparison and your always helpful tips! Hugs!!

[@fairydhust]

Thank you for showing the watercolor comparison with a prep page and non - prep, seeing is believing what it really looks like!

[@LindseyDecor]

Even I was a little surprised since I hadn’t done a side by side, I just knew what I liked and didn’t like.

[@donnadoverspike9139]

I really appreciate you explaining the products and how to use them this will help me out a lot.

[@mayloo2137]

When I use gesso (regular and clear), I like the texture but not seeing the brush strokes I used. I like your idea of using a plastic card to make the gesso appear smoother.

[@militarymom6690]

This was a great comparison, thank you

[@Wendyrpuckett1]

That’s really great info, Lindsey! Thanks for the tips! I always love your videos and your gorgeous Bible pages!

[@hArtyTruffle]

If people want to use something under their watercolour paints, it’s best to use a watercolour ground. I have Daniel Smiths Watercolor Ground, but there are other brands. It behaves like a watercolour paper once dry. You won’t get the puddling like you do with gesso. Thanks for the informative video 👍🏼

[@LindseyDecor]

Thanks! I actually have an updated video sharing detailed info on using watercolor ground which is now my preferred medium under watercolor 😉

[@hArtyTruffle]

@@LindseyDecor 👍🏼😎

[@aprillong6313]

When I first started out, the person I learned from on KZbin used gesso on every page, so that is what I did. But I became a little frustrated with trying to write on top of gesso because of the texture and then my watercolors (which is my favorite) just didn’t “perform” as they were intended☺️. So after watching you and IF videos, I just stopped using it and for me, I’m glad I did. Now I really only use it as a glue for when I do a page with napkins or other similar ephemera. I would like to try mixing it or gel with acrylic paint for stenciling. I’ve never done that before. I can’t wait to try it. Again, Lindsey, thanks so much for your videos. I always look forward to them. I hope you enjoy your snow❄️😀.

[@LindseyDecor]

Writing on top of gesso is horrible...I forgot to mention that. It really does reduce the life of your pens if you aren’t careful. Have fun experimenting with stencils! Sadly the snow melted as soon as it landed but we got to stand out in it for about 30 minutes and the boys loved it 😊

[@lets.get.lost.]

I love Liquitex Clear Gesso I’ve yet to use matte gels

[@LindseyDecor]

Matte Gel is very different from Liquitex gesso but it’s fun to see how products behave differently on it.

[@debbieswim4229]

Thank you so much for your “tips” Lindsey! I’m a page prep girl and used DW clear gesso with the Ranger applicator until I saw you use the flat brush to apply the gesso to the page!! I had not thought of that but it works amazingly well, especially when dipping your brush into the jar of gesso which I use at home (saving the tube for travel). I don’t waste hardly any and the brush rinses out really well (easier than the applicator)! Thanks again!

[@nissicardenas5435]

Thanks for this video i sooo needed it!!!!

[@mylifewithfive]

Thank you so much!! This was very helpful.

[@dkelley345]

I love the liquitex gesso with the texture it works really well with colored pencils just has such a great feel to it 😊

[@McQuizzical]

Hi, thank you. Regarding the bleed through could you perhaps use the Matt medium or gesso on the reverse of the page, thereby being able to watercolour and use e.g. Sharpie's to the front? Or will it still effect the watercolour on the front of the page?

[@LindseyDecor]

You can sometimes carefully use page prep on the back side. It depends on what was used on the unprepped side (if it’s highly reactive with moisture then the page prep might reactivate it) and if you apply the page prep in very thin layers so you don’t get the page too wet.

[@McQuizzical]

@@LindseyDecor Ah Yes, that makes sense, thank you :)

[@benlauradunkerton9992]

If I were to paint gelatos or even watercolor on the page and then stamp (I think some inks bleed through, can't remember if staz on or archival ink does) would that create enough of a barrier so there is no bleed through with stamping? ~ Laura

[@LindseyDecor]

Sometimes it will work as a barrier but it’s not reliable...both StazOn and Archival bleed through.

[@benlauradunkerton9992]

@@LindseyDecor ok thanks. What ink do you usually use to stamp in your Bible?

[@bonniesmith3061]

I apply mine with the cheap foam brushes. It works really well, you can push out excess for no waste and easily washes out. I find the card does not cover well.

[@emfancyy7736]

I know this is an old video, but I am new to mediums & just got some gesso & matte gel medium. The gesso is liquitex & the Matt gel medium is winsor & Newton. Which would be best to prep journal pages & travelers notebook pages for watercolor? Well really to prep any kinda paper besides my expensive watercolor paper for watercolor. Thank you for any info anyone can give me.

[@LindseyDecor]

This video gives good examples of how watercolor behaves on different mediums so you can decide which effect you prefer 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5amnmakl7Wqqbs

[@dimplesuit5385]

Thanks for this Lindsey! I love the idea of using pigments mixed with the gel. I hadn't thought of that and so want to give it a try. I have used a foam brush to apply the Liquitex and matte gel to a sketchbook sheet, I found it wrinkles. This week I watched a video from Sandy Allnock concerning her watercolor entries. She irons her Bible pages once watercolor dries, using the cotton setting and no steam. There are still some wrinkles but nothing like beforehand. I am going to try the prep again and see if the ironing fixes the wrinkle issue I had. If the sketchbook holds up, I'll try it on a Bible page, in the back of course. Thanks again for your tips!!

[@skeletalremains3860]

When I first started mixed media I only had 90 lb art journals so I tried the Liquitex Clear and it ruined my pens. I couldn't believe all the tooth in it. Now I know the purpose, along with the benefits and cons of way more products, but my desire to journal right in my Bible is new and I'd rather be cautious so I'm hoping to pick your brain. I've used the prima clear gesso and TCW's clear gesso, but never with the more expensive/ sensitive pens. Do you know if you can use Microns, Gelly Rolls, Sakura, or any of the super fine tipped pens used in tangles or lettering with either clear gesso, matte medium, Gelatos, etc? My budget is far more restricted that it was before so again I'd like to be cautious, but still free. Thank you for your help. I love your channel and your information is presented beautifully. I think I watched a hundred videos before I found you. ❤

[@skeletalremains3860]

P.S. Daniel Smith has an actual watercolor ground that my friend uses to keep her watercolors from bleeding. I haven't tried it so I'm not sure about the particulars.

[@thequiltedkitchen]

I use winsor and newton professional and schmincke horadam watercolors ( I watercolor on watercolor paper) do you think this are ok and not bleed true the Bible pages?

[@LindseyDecor]

Those should be fine but be sure to test in the back first 😉

[@thequiltedkitchen]

LindseyDecor good idea!!

[@msjr1765]

this was a great video. I was one who first learned from the gesso obsessed. it was totally freeing to learn from others like you that I didn't need it, and i enjoyed bible journaling even more. I love it when you and others will know that it causes bleeding, you your like "But it doesn't bother me one bit". I never use matte gel for prep in my bible, I just never thought of it as a page prep. I use gel mediums in my art because if you use the Faber Castel big markers on top of the gel medium, it will allow you to smudge the ink for a few seconds and works nice with shading. which might make for a nice effect when bible journaling too. just a side note to others....always use a matte gel. anything that is not matte will probably make pages stick together, and may result in tears shed.

[@LindseyDecor]

Thanks for the reminder about MATTE...I was trying to keep this video as concise as possible but missed some of those points 😉 I’m so glad that some have felt freed up to journal without being a slave to page prep and worried about bleed through.

[@msjr1765]

LindseyDecor your video was very informative! there is so much information, your allowed to miss some. many times, your tip tues videos will bring on a lot of viewer suggestions and I always learn from the comments too. You tip Tuesday videos are amazing.

[@WhereWhoMe]

Mystery solved! I have some clear gesso for my composition/art journal (made blending a lot easier to blend distress inks) and some matte gel medium from my attempts at college and stuff. Now I finally know how they act differently in Bibles!!! I am learning so much from your Tip Tuesday series, thank you so much for doing it. I'm learning and taking notes so that I'm prepared when I want to get more adventureous with my Bible journaling. Ah, the snow... I'm guessing you were filming yesterday? ;)

[@LindseyDecor]

I’m so glad they’ve been helpful! And yes I was filming yesterday 😂

[@WhereWhoMe]

Sorry, my brain lit up and got really distracted when you mentioned snow, and I just couldn't help but to mention it. 😅

[@LindseyDecor]

That’s exactly how I felt when I saw it lol but didn’t want to refilm so just left that moment in there 😉

[@lovetobhome]

Will the mediums that bleed (distress inks etc), bleed when they are added to the matte gel medium or does adding it to the medium keep it from bleeding?

[@valeriedoyle]

I guess I was fortunate in that I learned from someone who said page prep is unnecessary. I will use it eventually so I can do some major stamping but other than that just watch what products I use if I don't want bleed though.

[@MerryScraps]

I had to laugh at your snow comment! I live in Illinois, we woke up to thunderstorms and now at bedtime it is freezing rain out there. Strange!

[@4kiitieslady]

Wow, thank you! I have the Liqitex clear gesso and wondered if all clear gesso was as gritty. I can’t remember why, but one time I was using my fingertips to smear something on top of it, and I nearly rubbed them raw! OUCH 😢

[@luellahobson2865]

I used the Liqutex gesso the other day, I hated the grit! I was sort of “What the snap” is this mess. I love the smoothness of the matte gel medium. I use Gesso magic silibrush. It’s a small silicone applicator. It’s awesome. Stuff goes on smooth! I got it on Amazon.

[@LindseyDecor]

Liquitex is definitely gritty but I do prefer it when using watercolors so they don’t puddle quite as much as they do on matte gel.

[@mimilawrence5772]

If you prep a lot of the pages in your Bible, does it make the Bible not close as flat as it normally would? Great video. You really covered a lot of ground on page prep.

[@LindseyDecor]

Probably but I’ve never tested it since my Bible is usually full of dimension anyways.

[@2cre8iv2]

I have a question regarding the napkins technique that you did. Do you have to use matte gel medium or can you use a clear Gesso?

[@LindseyDecor]

I’ve done it both ways and it worked fine with either.

[@tiffanyzimmerman5520]

Have you ever used alcohol markers like Copics on a gesso preped page

[@LindseyDecor]

I have not. You'd want to be sure you were using a very very smooth page prep option so as not to ruin the nibs of your pricey alcohol markers.

[@makess58]

What about Artist Loft brand? Does this bleed through?

[@LindseyDecor]

I’ve tried Artist Loft white gesso and it’s okay but not great.

[@makess58]

Will Artist Loft watercolor bleed through with no gesso? I am on a budget and the other paints your recommend sound great, but not in my budget at this time. Love your videos!

[@LindseyDecor]

Artist loft don’t typically bleed but always test in the back pages first 😉

[@makess58]

Thanks for your prompt response, keep up the great work. love tip Tuesdays

[@larrybates4925]

Lindsey how do you store your products? Is it video worthy?

[@LindseyDecor]

My storage isn't fancy...maybe once I get my office a little more organized I'll share a video.

[@CamrynAlexus]

Can you use Mod Podge to prep a page?

[@LindseyDecor]

I have not tried it but have heard that even Matte mod podge will make your pages stick if you live in a climate with any moisture. You do not want to use anything but matte products in your Bible, glossy will stick your pages together.

[@Coffeethings_homestead]

Does all gesso leave page grainy?

[@LindseyDecor]

Some are worse then others but all gessos have a slight texture to them (even the smoothest because that is the purpose of gesso...it gives a texture for paint to grab ahold of). Matte gel medium is smooth.

[@bonniesmith3061]

Just curious what are you going to do with the Ezekiel page now? Cover with paper to hide the experiment?

[@LindseyDecor]

Yes, I mentioned in the video that I can cover it up with patterned paper or mixed media paper and still have a Bible journaling entry there.

[@bonniesmith3061]

LindseyDecor so sorry Idk how I missed that although I'm hearing impaired, so maybe I missed that in the captions. Thanks for explaining for me anyway.

[@erlyne0]

Very informative, Lindsey. Thank you! PS Did your kids get to see the snow? :o)

[@LindseyDecor]

They got to go out for a few minutes but it was really cold so they didn’t last long 😊

[@grannyjan9465]

Now all the stuff I see at Michael’s makes sense! 😀 I’m not an artist but enjoy being creative. You help me do that. Thank you.

[@amybollana9818]

Isn’t your page wrinkled after watercoloring without page prep?

[@LindseyDecor]

It does wrinkle but once my Bible has been closed for a bit it straightens out quite a bit. I love crinkly pages 😉

[@sadieengland8743]

You should use ground not gesso for watercolors

[@LindseyDecor]

I have an update video where I show differences between these and using transparent water color ground (It wasn't something I knew about at the time of this video being made).

[@misslilkev2]

ASMR!!!

[@LindseyDecor]

😂

[@valeriedoyle]

If you haven't done a "napkin" video yet, that would be a great Tip Tuesday.

[@LindseyDecor]

Here’s my take on the napkin technique 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/apOsiZeKhM6fiMk

[@valeriedoyle]

Thank you!

[@PaddyWright-Harris]

Are you saying “bible”?? Real a bible? Or is this something else.. haven’t heard of a bible with blank pages for painting on! Confused. (A beginner)

[@LindseyDecor]

Hello! Yes, there are a variety of Bibles that have been adapted to allow space for journaling. Some have wider margins, thicker paper, and/or a blank page in between the text. You can simply take notes or get creative like I do with art mediums combined with journaling.