Do you size Masonite?

[Richard Budig]

I've been using Masonite panels for awhile now, especially for quick stuff and the not-so-important. I've always used the smooth side, which I rough up with course sandpaper, and then apply gesso. It usually take two -- sometimes, three -- coats to get it sifficiently isolated from the fiber panel.

I recently decided to try using the rough, dimpled side of the Masonite panel, and was surprised at how much gesso this side of the panel drinks, and continues to drink.

I got to wondering if it would be wise to size the rough side before putting on the gesso. I used to keep some animal glue, but lost it, or threw it out several years ago. Don't want to buy a big batch for a small experiment. I'm not sure I'll want to paint on the rough side, anyway.

I was wondering if something like dilute Elmer's Glue would work as a size for the rough side of Masonite.

Any ideas?