Making your own acrylic primer (gesso) can be significantly cheaper than buying it ready-made, especially if you need a large amount. In addition, you will be able to control its properties—thickness, absorbency, and graininess

What you will need (Ingredients):

1. White acrylic paint (construction or art): This is a base that contains acrylic polymer (binder) and pigment (titanium dioxide). Construction paint (interior, for walls and ceilings) will be the cheapest and most suitable. Choose matte or semi-matte

2.  Chalk (calcium carbonate / CaCO₃): This is the main filler. It is very important that the chalk is finely dispersed (very finely ground) and free of sand particles. It can be purchased at hardware stores (as “natural ground chalk” or “building chalk”) or at art stores/restoration stores (as “marble powder” or “calcium carbonate”). The finer the grind, the smoother the primer will be

3. Water: Regular clean tap water

4. (Optional) Titanium dioxide (powder): If you want to make the primer super white and dense, you can add a little of this powder. It adds whiteness and opacity.

5. (Equipment):

* Mixing container (large enough)

* Spatula or stick for stirring

* Sieve (for sifting chalk, highly recommended!)

* Measuring cup/container for proportions

* Airtight container for storing the finished soil

Proportions (Starting points – these will need to be adjusted):

These proportions are only a starting point. The ideal ratio depends on the properties of your acrylic paint, chalk, and the desired consistency of the primer

* 2 parts white acrylic paint

* 1–1.5 parts chalk (finely ground)

* 0.5–1 part water

* (Optional) 0.1–0.2 parts titanium dioxide (if using)

I also add a little PVA glue

* Effect: Improves paint adhesion to the surface, reduces absorbency, saves on finishing material consumption

1. Preparation:

* Make sure all your tools and containers are clean

* If possible, sift the chalk through a fine sieve. This is a very important step that will help avoid lumps in the finished primer

2. Mixing the base

* Pour the measured amount of white acrylic paint into the mixing container

3. Adding the filler:

* Start gradually adding the chalk to the paint, stirring constantly and very thoroughly. Add the chalk a little at a time so that it mixes well and does not form lumps. Stir until you get a very thick paste that is as smooth as possible

** At this stage, the mixture may be very thick, almost like putty. This is normal

4. Adding water:

* Now start gradually adding water, also stirring constantly and thoroughly. Add water one teaspoon or tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired consistency

* Desired consistency: The primer should be similar to thick sour cream or not-too-thick yogurt—liquid enough to apply well with a brush or roller, but thick enough not to run or show through

5. Adding titanium dioxide (if using):

* If you decide to add titanium dioxide, mix it in at this stage along with the water or after you have achieved the desired consistency. Remember, this is a powder, so add it very gradually and mix thoroughly

6. Final mixing:

* Once you have achieved the desired consistency, mix the entire mixture thoroughly again for a few minutes, making sure there are no lumps and that all ingredients are evenly distributed. If you see any lumps, try breaking them up with a spatula against the sides of the container

7. Testing:

* Apply a thin layer of primer to a small piece of cardboard or plywood. Allow it to dry completely

* Evaluate:

- Opacity: Does it cover the surface well?

- Smoothness/Texture: How does it feel to the touch? Would you like more texture (add a little more chalk) or a smoother surface (add a little more paint or water)?

- Absorbency: Apply a little water or paint to the primed surface. How well does it absorb? (This is not as critical for acrylic primer as it is for oil-based primer, but it is still important)

8. Storage:

* Pour the finished primer into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place

* Important: Homemade primer does not contain preservatives, so its shelf life will be limited (from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the purity of the ingredients and storage conditions). It is better to make small batches. If an unpleasant odor appears or the primer changes color, do not use it