As an eco-friendly artist you know your choices matter. Our Eco Gesso kit is non-toxic, professional grade, and primes up to 15 medium sized canvases. 

Eco Gesso Kit Includes:

• 2 packets of Methylcellulose
• Eco Gesso Mix

14 More Reasons to Buy Our Eco Gesso Kit

• Makes 50 fl. oz. of gesso. Enough to prime up to 15 medium-sized canvases
• Produces a stiff, textured white surface that readily accepts acrylic paint
• Prevents your paint from peeling off
• Protects your canvas
• Dries quickly to save you time
• Produces tints with a better matte or satin finish than white acrylic paint
• More affordable than white acrylic paint
• Has a shelf-life of up to 3 months
• Non-toxic and safe for use by expectant moms and health conscious artists 
• Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and 100% Vegan
• 100% All Natural and Professional Grade
• Made with French marble dust, limestone powder, titanium dioxide pigment and plant-based binders
• Packet of plant-based glue (methyl cellulose) makes 1 quart (32 oz.) of glue
• Assembled in Canada

Check out this video on How to Prime Your Canvases with the Natural, Non-Toxic Eco Gesso Kit 

FAQS

Product

Can you apply the eco friendly gesso and then put a traditional oil primer over it or do you use the eco friendly gesso and then paint directly over it with oils? You can just paint directly on our eco gesso. And you can also add a traditional oil primer over it if you prefer that surface. Both work.

Do you need to apply a sizing medium before applying the gesso onto the raw fabric? Do you sell sizing medium for this purpose? Can I use it without the gesso? What are your tips for best results for smoothness (not mottled, cracking or uneven surface)? Yes, for our gesso kit we suggest that you apply a layer of methyl cellulose glue directly to the raw canvas, let it dry and then apply a few coats of the gesso (which has more methyl cellulose in it). That all comes in the kit. You can also buy extra methyl cellulose packets on or website if you like. You can also just use the methyl celllose as a primer (we suggest several layers) and skip the gesso, but your canvas will likely be more absorbent.

I have several canvases that I've purchased that I would like to use up. Is it possible to paint over them with your gesso? Yes, absolutely!

Can your Gesso be used on canvases unlike the RSG mixture? yes, the methyl cellulose (the plant based glue) is flexible unlike rabbit skin glue, so it can be used on canvas.

I was wondering about your gesso. Is it clear? Does one add some pigment to it to get a black or white gesso? The gesso is white. It already has white pigment in it so no need to add anything.

If you wanted black gesso could you add black pigment to it? Our gesso has quite a bit of titanium dioxide pigment in it so if you mixed black pigment to it, I'm afraid it would make a grey gesso.

How does your gesso work with oil paints chemically? Our gesso works great with oils. It's not an impenetrable layer like the acrylic gessos which are solid plastic (so nothing can get through and paint just sits on top of the acrylic gesso.) Our natural gesso is more traditional and a little more absorbant of the paint but I find that it makes the painting more archival as the paint bonds to the gesso better.

When using your gesso, do I still need to sand each layer of it and sand it too?  No, not necessary

Would this Gesso work for traditional egg tempera medium for iconography? Yes, absolutely!

Is there a way to make clear gesso with your products? Yes, you can just use the Methyl cellulose and paint several coats letting each one dry in between. This is a plant-based glue and is not very strong so it's not like impenetrable plastic like clear acrylic gesso is. But the Old Masters preferred a more absorbent gesso because the paint bonded more with the gesso instead of sitting on top. You can also use our Natural acrylic medium as well.

What do I do if the gesso is chalk like and rubs off? That's a sign that there's not enough Methyl Cellulose glue in the mix. That's the glue that keeps it all together. For the ones you've already gessoed, you can brush on one more layer of the clear M.C. on top and let dry overnight. For any new canvases or panels, be sure to brush on a layer of the glue first, let dry, then when you mix up the gesso mix, add one or two more tablespoons of the Methyl cellulose glue to the mix then it calls for.

How long does your Methyl cellulose last for? Once mixed Natural Earths Methyl cellulose can last up to 1 year uncontaminated. Make sure it is mixed in a sterile jar with the lid on tight. If are any contaminates in the jar you are using there is a possibility for mold growth and your Methyl cellulose will not last as long.

Can thinned methyl cellulose glue be used to seal the Ampersand Hardbord prior to using the Eco Gesso? Yes, you can use methyl cellulose on the hardboard prior to the gesso. If you're not vegetarian, you can also use rabbit skin glue, which is a little stronger than methyl cellulose. But the methyl cellulose will work as well.

I was wondering if it is possible to paint with oils directly over the methyl cellulose glue? yes, the methyl cellulose

Can I thin out your glue with more water so that I can use it with a brush and thin paper?  Yes

How long is the gesso good for once mixed? The mixed gesso has a 6 month - 1 year shelf life once mixed.

Safety and Quality

Are your products free of nuts, dairy, and gluten for people with allergies? All of our products are free of gluten and dairy. Our only product containing nuts is our Refined Walnut Oil, but it is not processed in our facility.

Are your products cruelty-free? Absolutely! None of our products are ever tested on animals.

Is your Gesso Kit Vegan (not derived from animals)? Yes 

Have these products been tested for health safety? Yes, all of the paints, pigments, and supplies have been tested by government certified toxicologists and are also third party tested. They are certified completely non-toxic.

Purchasing, Shipping, & Returns

What is your return policy? We offer full refunds on any defective or damaged products. We also offer full refunds on returns if the product is in re-sellable condition. Please refer to our Return/Exchange page for more details.

Wholesale & Partnerships

Do you have an affiliate program? Yes! You can sign up for our affiliate program here.

Do you donate to nonprofits, fundraisers, or events? Because we are a small, eco-friendly business that uses all-natural, sustainably sourced ingredients and materials, we are limited in what we can donate. However, we would be happy to offer a discount on Natural Earth Paint products (shipping not included) and coupon cards for fundraisers. For more information, please email us at info@naturalearthpaint.ca