Can I use white acrylic paint instead of acrylic gesso, as a base?

Question

I want to paint (using acrylic colours) on plain white canvas shoes. I researched techniques online, and most people seemed to advise using acrylic gesso as a base before painting the design. However, I don't have any of this, and was wondering if I could avoid having to buy any by simply using white acrylic paint instead? Does anybody know if there's a significant difference between the two?

Answer 1

Do whatever you want.

Answer 2

Acrylic gesso would be the proper base for acrylic painting on stretched canvas but I am unsure if that would be appropriate for shoes. Flexibility would be the main characteristic required for painting on shoes and I'm not sure the technique for art on stretched canvas would translate to art on footware.

Answer 3

yes, use the gesso first. here is some info for you:

Gesso is an art supply used as surface preparation or primer for painting, gilding, and sculpting. Its origins are uncertain, but gesso is believed to have been developed in Italy, since the word gesso is Italian for 'chalk'. Preparation varies according to intended use, but usually consists of mixing glue with plaster, chalk, or gypsum.