Pebeo Artist Acrylics Transparent Gesso is a transparent, lightly matt primer. A gesso or a primer is essential for proper preparation of the surface to be painted. Indeed, its application gives a toothy or textured surface which ensures proper adhesion of paint layers on the surface. It can be applied onto all painting surfaces. It is particularly important when using oil paints on an acrylic base. There are also gessoes which give a smooth surface instead of a textured look.