Gesso, Mod Podge & Varnish - Prepare, glue and Finish your Art

Gesso

Gesso is used to prepare a surface, like a canvas, paper and wood, stones, by creating a smooth, even layer that allows paint to adhere properly and prevents it from soaking into the absorbent material, essentially acting as a primer that ensures your paint will last longer and appear more vibrant on the surface; it provides a "tooth" for the paint to grip onto, making it especially important when painting on canvas with acrylics or oils. 

Gesso is used on wood to create a smooth, even surface that allows paint to adhere properly, preventing it from soaking into the wood fibers and ensuring a consistent color application; essentially acting as a primer that provides a stable base for your paint, especially when using acrylics or oils on wood. 

Varnish

Varnish is a protective coating that can be applied to paintings, wood, stones and other decorative objects. It can enhance the appearance of the surface and protect it from damage. 

Varnish is applied to a painting primarily to protect the paint surface from dust, dirt, and environmental damage, while also enhancing the final appearance by providing a uniform sheen and sometimes deepening the colors, effectively acting as a protective layer that can be cleaned without harming the artwork itself.

People varnish rocks, particularly painted rocks, to protect the paint from the elements like sun, rain, and wear and tear, essentially preserving the design and colors for a longer period of time; it acts as a protective sealant, similar to how you would varnish a piece of wood to make it last longer.

Mod Podge

Gluing: Mod Podge can be used to glue different surfaces together, such as wood, fabric, plastic, canvas, glass, and tin.

Sealing: Mod Podge can be used to provide a protective coating on a surface.

Finishing: Mod Podge can be used to create a smooth, matte, or glossy finish on a project.