gesso

[ˈʒɛ.su]
nounmasculinepl: gessos
plaster; gypsum; primer
1. a white powder or paste made from gypsum, used as a base coating on canvas or wood before painting
The artist applied gesso to the canvas before starting the oil painting.
O artista aplicou gesso na tela antes de começar a pintura a óleo.
2. a plaster-like material used in sculpture and relief work
The sculptor carved intricate details into the gesso.
O escultor entalhava detalhes intrincados no gesso.
3. a primer or undercoat used in preparation for painting surfaces
Apply two coats of gesso to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Aplique duas demãos de gesso para garantir a aderência adequada da tinta.
Gesso is essential in Brazilian art education and is widely available in art supply stores throughout Brazil. It's a fundamental material in both fine arts and decorative arts, particularly in São Paulo's vibrant art scene. The term is borrowed from Italian and is used identically across Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
gipsoemplastomassaprimerbase

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
gesso
Standard term used in art and construction contexts
São Paulo
gesso
Commonly used in art studios and construction
Rio de Janeiro
gesso
Standard usage in artistic communities
Portugal
gesso
Also used but sometimes refers more broadly to plaster materials

Related Words

tintapinturatelaesculturaargamassareboco
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