Paint-on Primer?

[Silopolis]

Where I live, it's both cold and humid at the same time. I could spray in the basement, but it's a shared basement, and I don't want to leave someone a paint-fume present down there if I can help it. So I was looking at paint-on primers, but I don't know where to begin.

Anyone using paint-on primers? Any particular kind or brand that works well? Is it something you can get at a general art-supply store?

Thanks!

[Valander]

I use brush-on primer exclusively. I've used a few different things:

Reaper Master Series Brush On Primer: Pretty decent, comes in both black and white. Decent game shops that carry RMS should have, or you can order online.

Vallejo Model Color Foundation White: Also pretty good, about the same as RMS. Only white, though.

Glass & Tile Medium + Ink: Better tooth than RMS above, and can be tinted to whatever color you want or left clear. A little more hassle to find if you don't have a craft store nearby.

Acrylic Gesso: Recently tried this, and probably going to stick with it. Easy application. Excellent tooth. As strongly adhering as other primers. Available in black, white, and clear from art supply stores. For the volume in comparison, dirt cheap.

[Silopolis]

Thanks!

What kind of Gesso do you use? We tried it before, and it rubbed off with a thumb (not even a nail). I think it was Liquitex Black.

[Valander]

I'm using Golden acrylic gesso. It will rub off, but it takes some doing, and feels about the same as other primers (both spray and brush-on) that I've used. I don't thin it down at all, and slather it on pretty heavily, relying on the "gesso magic". So far, I've also let it dry at least 24 hours before working on it, which I recommend for any primer, really.

EDIT: Aw, man! I didn't know there was a "Bob Ross" brand gesso. When I run out, I'm totally getting that just so I can have "happy little trees." ;)