The simple answer is that it depends. Many painters buy primed canvases, which means the canvas is already primed and ready to be painted on.
However, gesso would be a perfect addition to your kit if you are planning to buy an unprimed canvas or reuse a canvas that has already been painted on (check out my previous post on reusing canvases). Additionally, Gesso is also great to use on paper, wood and board to prepare the surfaces for a fresh painting.
What does gesso do for a painting?
Gesso helps acrylic paints adhere to your canvas and creates a smooth surface. Watercolor/acrylic papers are examples of surfaces that may require a layer of gesso. These papers frequently have a rough surface area, and paint can quickly absorb into the texture of the paper, preventing the paints from blending smoothly. So a coat of gesso can provide the necessary foundation for a seamless blend!
