Preparing surfaces doesn't have to mean settling for stark white. The Crafter's Workshop formulates gesso in four colors plus clear, letting you establish the exact tonal foundation your project needs from the start. Apply black gesso for dramatic contrast beneath metallic paints, use clear to seal without changing underlying colors, or choose tinted versions to create instant mid-tone backgrounds that eliminate the intimidation of blank white surfaces.

This gesso moves smoothly whether you're brushing it on for even coverage or working it through stencils with a palette knife. The formula primes surfaces to accept paint, ink, and mixed media while maintaining enough body to hold texture when applied thickly. It dries to a matte, slightly textured finish that provides excellent tooth for subsequent layers. Eight-ounce jars contain enough gesso for multiple projects while remaining affordable enough to experiment freely.

Use it traditionally as an undercoat on canvas or paper, or apply it selectively to mute busy backgrounds, unify collage elements, or create opaque barriers between incompatible media. The colored options eliminate an entire painting step when you're working toward specific color schemes.