Utrecht Gesso!

Gesso is a primer which is applied to canvas, wood, or other surfaces before painting. Gesso forms a barrier between paint and the painting surface to prevent paint from soaking into the surgace. When paint comes into direct contact with the surface, it can eventually destroy it. Gesso stops this process so that your painting will remain archivally sound for generations. Gesso also makes the painting surface a little stiffer, giving it texture or "tooth," so that paint adheres better.