Encaustic: Tinting Gesso

One of the best ways to take advantage of the transparent qualities of encaustic and explore color relationships, is to work over a colored ground. Fluid acrylics provide a great way to evenly "tint" R&F Encaustic Gesso prior to applying encaustic or oil paint. You'll find instructions below sharing this simple and effective technique.

How to mix: Pour a small amount of fluid acrylic into the jar of gesso. The fluid acrylic should only be used to tint your gesso to a pastel hue. If too much acrylic is added you will begin to lose the absorbent qualities provided by the high ratio of solids in encaustic gesso.

Generously mix the two materials with a brush or by closing the lid and shaking until the color is even. Brush the encaustic gesso onto your substrate, allow ample drying time before applying encaustic.

Note: If you are looking to begin with a deep or rich hue for your underpainting, nothing beats a layer of pure encaustic color applied with a wide brush - such as an R&F hake brush (see the difference in the small blue panels below).