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How to Paint Paper Mache Dolls With Gesso

Dried paper mache pulp often has a pebbled appearance. Gesso is used to smooth and strengthen paper mache doll surfaces. This preparation creates a hard layer over the paper pulp that is ideal for painting fine details. Gesso and sanding make rough textures smooth. This process forms coats of hardness that seal the porous paper for finishing. Gesso covers printing that may show through from paper pulp. You can make homemade gesso or buy it as a ready-to-use liquid.

Things You'll Need

White glue
Joint compound
Plastic mixing bowl
Paint stirrer
Acrylic paints
60-grit sandpaper
100-grit sandpaper
120-grit sandpaper

Instructions

Gesso recipe
- 1
  Combine 1 cup of white glue with 2 cups of joint compound in a plastic mixing bowl. Use a paint stirrer to blend these substances.
- 2
  Add 1/8-cup of white acrylic paint and mix thoroughly.
- 3
  Blend acrylic paints and add to the gesso to make your desired skin color.
- 4
  Increase glue if you notice cracks in your gesso mix. Temperature and humidity may affect gesso as it dries.
Application
- 5
  Apply two to five layers of gesso, depending on the finished look you desire.
- 6
  Let each coat dry, and sand between applications. Start with 60-grit sandpaper and proceed to 120-grit to achieve the finish you want.
- 7
  Mix skin tones or other colors of acrylic paint into the gesso before applying it to the doll.
- 8
  Dampen a brush with water and smooth over the dried gesso.

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