Gesso is a generic term used for the initial coat applied onto a surface before you paint on it. Gesso is an initial coat applied on the surface on which you are painting, whether it's canvas, wood or even paper. The purpose of gesso is to protect the surface from the paint, some of which contain components that could damage it, provides the surface for the paint to stick to, and affects the absorbency of the surface.Gesso dries to a matt, rough surface that provides adhesion for the paint. To get a smoother finish, you can sand it.
Most ready-made canvases are primed with an acrylic gesso, and are suitable for both oils and acrylics.The packaging on the canvas will tell you what type of primer was used.
If you are unsure whether a canvas is primed or not, compare the front and the back. Sometimes the color will make it immediately evident, otherwise look at whether the grain of the fabric has been filled in or not. If in doubt, give it another coat.
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