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Gesso:

1 part white glue (I used regular Elmer's; if you use cheap watery glue reduce the water to 2 parts)
3 parts water
6 parts baby powder ( I didn't measure I just tipped the bottle and squeezed 6 times)
white paint (it depends on what kind of paint you have for the measurement) I just had a bottle of white acrylic from the craft store and ended up putting about 2 or 3 oz. If you have the thick stuff in a tube you might only need a tablespoon or so.

Mix everything up in an airtight container. I used an old applesauce jar. Consistancy will be like a pancake batter. It will settle out just like real gesso so you will need to shake or mix before using.

This will be a little rougher than real gesso because of the baby powder, but it does sand very well and takes paint well. It also takes a while to dry unless you use a heat gun to help it along.

Interesting. Baby powder....hmmmm.. Will definitely be trying this.. Thanks, Rachelle.

Sounds like a winner for sure.

a little off topic but since you have a homemade recipe I thought I would ask. I have a bottle of the store bought gesso that I purchased a number of years ago. I never used the stuff so it has stiffen on me. The stuff won't even pour out of the bottle. Do you think I should add water or glue to make it a little more like the pancake consistency you talked about in your recipe?

I had a jar of gesso that did that and I added water to it. I just put it on top and let it sit for several hours and then stirred. I had to do it several times until it got to a consistency that I like.

pbp908 wrote:I had a jar of gesso that did that and I added water to it. I just put it on top and let it sit for several hours and then stirred. I had to do it several times until it got to a consistency that I like.

yep, I would try what Pam said.

I've added a little water to it. Letting it seep in for a little while. Thanks!