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Why Joyful Gesso is a Creative Game-Changer

Joyful Gesso isn’t just a primer—it’s a full-bodied, ultra-matte paint with purpose. It grips like a dream, glides like butter, and transforms any surface into a ready-to-go playground for mixed media magic. Unlike traditional white gesso, Joyful Gesso comes in vivid, expressive colours—so you can skip the “undercoat chore” and jump straight into art-making joy. Because it dries to a velvety, non-glossy finish, you can layer pencils, pens, markers, and pastels right on top—no slipping, no smudging. And because it works beautifully on fabric, it’s perfect for painting canvas journal covers, tote bags, or even shoes. Whether you’re prepping a page or painting with it directly, Joyful Gesso is your bold, beautiful first step—and a whole lot more.

This uniquely formulated, velvet finish acrylic medium was crafted to use as a the ultimate base coat for mixed media artists. I use watercolour, Layercake, all pencils, pastels, inks and crayons on it.

Created as a gesso or primer, you can also use it as an ultra-matte acrylic paint. The magic of the paint is not just in the formula but the amazing colours!

 

This is a set of al the remaining 14 colours…. once they are gone, they are GONE.

The easy way it spreads, the saturated colour and dry-down takes the painting experience to a higher level. But it’s way more than traditional gesso…that’s why I call it Joyful Gess-OH!

 

• 50ml bottles.
• flip-top easy pour
• Ultra matte finish
• Use as a Gesso or acrylic paint
• Made in the UK

Acrylic Paint Tips for Glorious, Joy-Filled Painting!

It’s a good habit to shake your paint before use ( make sure the lid is ON first!).Settling of contents may have occured!

️ When acrylic paint has been sitting quietly on a shelf for a while, especially in a clear bottle or jar, you might notice some separation—pigment at the bottom, binder on top. Totally normal. But sometimes, a shake just won’t wake it. Here’s what to do:

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If Shaking Doesn’t Work…

1. Stir, Don’t Shake.

If shaking doesn’t re-emulsify the paint, it’s time to open the lid and give it a proper stir. Use:

• A clean palette knife

• A sturdy skewer or chopstick

• The handle end of a brush (if you don’t mind sacrificing it to the goo gods)

Scrape all the way to the bottom and fold the pigment and binder together like you’re mixing cake batter—go slow and steady to avoid bubbles.

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2. Add a Drop or Two of Acrylic Medium or Water.

If it’s still too thick or gluggy:

• Add a few drops of acrylic medium (matte, gloss, or flow improver)

• Or distilled water (not tap water, especially if you want the paint to last)

Stir again. You’re looking to re-awaken the emulsion, not dilute it into soup.

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More paint tips!

1. Start With a Base: Prime for the Climb!

Don’t slap acrylic onto raw paper or canvas—it’s like serving dessert on cardboard.
→ Use a primer (Joyful Gesso is chef’s kiss) to prep your surface. It grips the paint and smooths the way for delicious layers.

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️ 2. Clean as You Go—Your Brushes Will Thank You.

Acrylic dries fast—like, criminally fast—and will ruin a brush in minutes if left unattended.
→ Keep a water jar nearby, rinse between colours, and don’t let brushes sit in water like they’re on vacation.
→ Finish with a gentle soap wash (or brush cleaner) and reshape the bristles lovingly.

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3. Misting = Magic

Keep a fine mist spray bottle nearby to spritz your palette and your canvas.
→ This keeps your paint workable longer and prevents the dreaded “plastic crust” from forming mid-blend.

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4. Work From Thin to Thick

Think of it like layering outfits: you start with breathable, light layers and build up to texture.
→ Begin with watery glazes and save the buttery impasto thickness for last.

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⏳ 5. Acrylic Paint Has a Memory (Sort of)

Once it dries, it won’t re-wet like watercolour—so commit to each layer or blend it while wet.
→ Use a retarder medium if you want longer working time.

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6. Use a Stay-Wet Palette or DIY One

Acrylics dry fast—so if you’re working on a longer piece:
→ Make a stay-wet palette with a damp sponge, baking paper, and a shallow container.
It’s like a paint spa day.

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✋ 7. Hands Off the Canvas!

Oils from your skin can repel acrylic. If you’re a grabby painter ,
→ use a clean cloth to rest your hand, or start from the top down.

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8. Store Paints with Care

→ Upside down, with the cap clean, in a cool spot.
→ Add marbles or mixing balls to bottles for better shake-ups.
→ If a bottle’s gone rogue (see previous convo!), stir with love.

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️ 9. Varnish = Victory

When your masterpiece is dry and cured (usually after a few days),
→ consider a varnish to seal, unify sheen, and protect from UV damage.
→ Use a matte, satin, or gloss depending on your mood. Matte gives velvety magic. Gloss brings out vibrancy.

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10. You Can Always Paint Over It.

Messed it up? Not vibing?
→ Let it dry and go again. Acrylic is endlessly forgiving.

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BONUS TIPS:

• Paint with your fingers sometimes. Pure joy.

• Don’t fear black or white. They’re not just for shadows and highlights—they’re your drama queens and whisper tones.

• Add words. Journal pages love a secret message, a bold quote, or a quiet thought.

• Let your layers dry. It’s the difference between mud and magic.