Creating art or preparing a canvas for painting can be a daunting task, and it’s important to use the right materials in order to get the desired results. While gesso is the most commonly used primer or base, some artists may be tempted to use PVA glue in a pinch or on a budget. However, there are some key disadvantages to using PVA glue that should be taken into consideration before making the switch. In this blog post, we will discuss the various disadvantages of using PVA glue compared to gesso and why it’s usually best to use gesso whenever possible.
Contents
1. Overview of PVA Glue
PVA glue, or polyvinyl acetate glue, is a type of adhesive commonly used in crafts and home improvement projects. It is a popular choice due to its versatility and strength, as well as its relative inexpensiveness. PVA glue is also known by various trade names, such as Elmer’s Glue, and is often the go-to choice for many DIY projects.
PVA glue is a water-based adhesive, meaning that it is easily diluted with water and non-toxic, making it a safe option for household use. It is also relatively easy to use and can be applied in various ways, including with a brush, a roller, or a spray bottle. PVA glue is also generally non-staining, as it does not easily bond to most surfaces. In addition, it is a strong adhesive that can be used to bond a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, paper, fabric, and even some metals.
Despite its many benefits, PVA glue does have some drawbacks. It takes a long time to dry, usually several hours, and must remain undisturbed during that time. Additionally, it is not waterproof and will begin to break down when exposed to water. It is also not an adhesive that can be used for heavy-duty applications, such as construction.
In conclusion, PVA glue is a great choice for many craft and home improvement projects due to its versatility, strength, and affordability. It can be used to bond a variety of materials and is generally non-toxic and non-staining. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is not waterproof and can take a long time to dry.
2. Overview of Gesso
Gesso is a vital medium in the world of art and is used to prepare surfaces for painting. It is a white paint mixture made from a combination of plaster of Paris, chalk, and white pigment, and is usually applied to canvas, wood, or paper surfaces. Gesso is a crucial part of the painting process, as it creates a smooth and even surface on which to paint, prevents the underlying material from rotting or damage, and helps colors to remain vibrant and true to their hue.
Gesso is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as different applications require different formulas. For example, there are different formulas for oil painting, acrylic painting, and watercolor painting. Each formula has different ingredients and different thicknesses, depending on the desired effect.
When applying gesso, a thin layer is usually sufficient. It is important to apply the gesso evenly, so as to ensure an even finish. It is also important to allow the gesso to dry completely before beginning a painting.
Gesso can be used as a base for a variety of painting techniques, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor. It can also be used for a variety of other creative projects, such as creating a textured collage or sculpture.
While gesso is the preferred medium for painting, it is possible to use alternatives, such as PVA glue. PVA glue is a popular alternative to gesso, as it dries quickly and is easy to work with. However, PVA glue is not as sturdy as gesso, and it may not provide the same level of protection to the surface it’s applied to. Additionally, PVA glue may not provide the same even finish as gesso, and it may not provide the same level of vibrancy of colors.
Overall, gesso is an essential medium for painting, and it is important to use the appropriate formula for the desired effect. While PVA glue may be a viable alternative to gesso, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
3. Advantages of Using PVA Glue Compared to Gesso
When it comes to art supplies, many people use PVA glue and gesso in a variety of projects. But which one should you choose for your project?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages of using PVA glue compared to gesso.
PVA glue is the most common type of white glue. It’s a versatile adhesive that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, fabric, and more. It’s also easy to apply and clean up, making it a popular choice among crafters.
Gesso is a traditional primer used in painting and mixed media projects. It’s a versatile base coat that can be used to prepare a surface for paint, or to create a textured surface. While gesso is the preferred choice for many professional painters, it can be difficult to apply, and is more time consuming to clean up.
So what are the advantages of using PVA glue compared to gesso?
First, PVA glue is much easier to apply than gesso. It’s also much easier to clean up, making it a much more convenient choice. Additionally, PVA glue is much less expensive than gesso, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Second, PVA glue provides a great base coat for painting and mixed media projects. It’s a versatile adhesive that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, fabric, and more. Additionally, PVA glue is a great choice for creating textured surfaces, as it can be used to add texture and dimension to your project.
Finally, PVA glue is a very durable adhesive, making it a great choice for projects that will be used outdoors or in high-traffic areas. It’s more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making it a great choice for long-lasting projects.
In conclusion, there are many advantages to using PVA glue compared to gesso. It’s much easier to apply and clean up, it’s less expensive, and it’s a great choice for creating textured surfaces and long-lasting projects. So if you’re looking for a versatile adhesive that won’t break the bank, PVA glue is an excellent choice.
4. Disadvantages of Using PVA Glue Compared to Gesso
When it comes to creating art or preparing a canvas for painting, most artists turn to gesso as their go-to primer or base. But if you’re in a pinch or on a budget, you may be tempted to try to use PVA glue instead. While PVA glue can be a viable substitute in certain circumstances, there are some key disadvantages that should be considered before you use it to replace gesso.
First, PVA glue is typically not as durable or as flexible as gesso. Gesso is designed to provide a strong foundation for paint, which means it is both flexible and durable. PVA glue is more brittle and prone to cracking and peeling, which can cause your painting to become damaged over time.
Second, PVA glue can be difficult to sand down. While gesso is designed to be sanded down easily to create the perfect finish, PVA glue is usually more difficult to sand. This means that it can be difficult to get the smooth finish that you want for your painting.
Third, PVA glue can be difficult to remove from your painting. Gesso can easily be wiped away from your painting using a damp cloth, but PVA glue can be much more stubborn. This means that if you make a mistake while painting, it could be difficult to remove the PVA glue without damaging your painting.
Finally, PVA glue can be quite expensive. While gesso is usually fairly inexpensive, PVA glue can be substantially more expensive. This means that you may need to spend more money on supplies if you’re using PVA glue instead of gesso.
In conclusion, while PVA glue can be a viable substitute in certain circumstances, there are some key disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before you use it to replace gesso. PVA glue is typically not as durable or as flexible as gesso, it can be difficult to sand down, difficult to remove from your painting, and can be quite expensive. For these reasons, it’s usually best to use gesso whenever possible.
In Summary
When it comes to creating art or preparing a canvas for painting, gesso is usually the go-to primer or base. However, if you’re on a budget or in a pinch, you may be tempted to use PVA glue instead. Although PVA glue can be a viable substitute in some situations, there are some key disadvantages to consider before you make the switch. PVA glue is typically not as durable or flexible as gesso, more difficult to sand, difficult to remove from your painting, and can be expensive. On the other hand, gesso is designed to provide a strong foundation for paint while also being easy to sand and remove. For these reasons, it is usually best to use gesso instead of PVA glue whenever possible.
