What Are Oil Paint Primers and Grounds?

Oil paint primers and grounds are used to prepare surfaces before painting. Primers seal the surface, enhancing adhesion and ensuring that oil paint does not seep into the substrate. Grounds, often referred to as primers, stabilise the painting surface while providing a smooth or textured base, depending on artistic preferences. Typically, primer is applied first, followed by the ground. These materials are made from ingredients such as gesso, linseed oil, or other binders tailored to the needs of oil painting.

Why Would an Artist Use an Oil Primer or Ground?

Artists use primers and grounds to create a barrier between the oil paint and the painting surface. Primers improve the adhesion of oil paints and prevent the colours from sinking into the substrate, maintaining their vibrancy. Grounds add texture and prepare the surface for the painting process, ensuring durability and optimising the final look. ‘A ground is the surface that your paint comes in contact with. It’s the part that you experience with your brush. You may want it to be hard or soft, smooth or textured, absorbent or non-absorbent, coloured or white. The characteristics of your ground affect the way the paint handles, how easily it moves on the surface and how quickly it dries. Many acrylic texture pastes such as fibre paste, modelling paste, or iron oxide, can be used as painting or drawing grounds.’ - Julie Caves, Jackson’s Art Materials Expert

How Long Have Artists Used Oil Paint Primers or Grounds?

The use of primers and grounds dates back to the 16th century when artists began transitioning from wood panels to canvas. Painters like Titian and Rembrandt prepared their surfaces using materials made with animal hide glues, such as rabbit skin glue (or RSG). RSG is considered to be a major cause of cracking in oil paintings by most modern conservators. Over time and with the invention of plastics in the early 1900s, the availability and quality of these products have greatly improved. Modern acrylic gesso is now one of the most popular types of primer, offering modern artists a wide range of options.

Why Choose an Oil Paint Primer or Ground from Jackson’s Art Supplies?

At Jackson’s, we provide a comprehensive selection of oil primers and grounds from trusted brands, as well as our own range made in collaboration with the finest manufacturers. Whether you need acrylic gesso, oil-based primer, or speciality products like tinted primer from Michael Harding or Holbein, we cater to every artist's requirements. With our 4.8-star Trustpilot rating and industry recognition, we ensure high quality materials and excellent customer support.

Oil Paint Primers, Grounds & Gesso

Oil grounds and primers prepare your surface and provide a stable, absorbent base for oil painting. They help improve paint adhesion and surface longevity.

Our range includes traditional gesso and oil primer, plus modern acrylic-based options suitable for canvas and other surfaces. You can choose from white or a tinted oil ground to suit your palette and painting style.