White vs. Clear vs. Black Gesso
If you love mixed media, you already know gesso is a must-have in your stash. But with so many options - white, clear and black, it can be tricky to know which one to reach for. Let’s break down the differences and when to use each.
White Gesso
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Creates a smooth, opaque surface that covers patterned paper, chipboard, or canvas.
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Brightens colours layered on top—perfect when you want paints, inks, or pastels to really pop.
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Great “oops fixer” if you need to tone down busy paper before adding layers.
Clear Gesso
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Transparent primer that lets the original design (like patterned paper, collage, or photos) show through.
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Adds “tooth” so your mediums grip better—fantastic for journaling, watercolours, or over glossy papers.
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Ideal when you don’t want to lose detail but still need a workable base.
Black Gesso
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Best for: Dramatic, moody, or grunge-inspired projects.
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Gives a deep, matte black base that makes metallics, neon paints, and bright colours glow.
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Creates instant contrast—amazing for Halloween, industrial, or night-sky looks.
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Can transform plain chipboard or wood into bold, ready-to-layer embellishments.
Quick Tip:
Think of gesso like a stage:
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White sets a fresh, bright scene.
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Clear keeps the background in the spotlight.
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Black adds drama and intensity.
Want to try them all? You’ll find white, clear and black gesso in the Scrappingclearly store. Perfect for experimenting with new looks this October. Stock up today!
