Put the water in the top part of a double boiler and when it's very warm and add the glue granules. Stir until dissolved. Allow to sit overnight. It will have set but with gentle heat it will melt again. Use a little of this to prime the wood. When the glue is heated add the whiting stirring it thoroughly to make a creamy paint. Can be tinted with slaked natural pigments.

Apply gesso when it's still warm and fluid. You'll need to use several coats and each coat must dry before the next. Sand lightly between coats. Each subsequent layer will take longer to dry - the first a few minutes, the last perhaps up to a couple of hours. Sand the last layer with superfine sandpaper to give a smooth hard finish. Oil or wax for a durable finish. Wash brushes with warm soapy water.