Substrate Preparation

Golden GAC 700 Clear Sealing Polymer (Golden #3970-5)

The first step in preparing raw canvas and Masonite was to apply Golden GAC 700, a clear sealing polymer. The polymer was used to ensure that Support Induced Discoloration (SID) would not occur, in which water-extractable materials in the substrate cause yellow or brown discoloration on the surface. The polymer coat also helps prevent the linseed oil in the oil paint from penetrating into canvas causing deterioration of the canvas fibers. The polymer was applied in a single layer with a dampened 1 ½” Robert Simmons White Sable Skyflow brush (278W).

Golden Gesso (Golden #3550-6)

Gesso, from the Italian word for chalk, provides a uniform white surface for painting and gives "tooth" to the substrate that promotes adhesion of the paint. For the oil and acrylic paint samples Golden Gesso, an all-acrylic liquid ground, was used to prime the substrate. Several coats were applied to ensure an even and uniform coat using a dampened 1 ½” Robert Simmons White Sable Skyflow brush (278W). Each coat was applied at a 90 degree angle relative to the previous layer to ensure even coverage.