1 Part turpentine (or mineral spirits)While this has worked well for me in the past, I have wondered about using commercially available mediums (such as, Liquin and Galkyd). Although these products are more expensive, the overall cost is minimal when you consider the amounts used in painting.
1 Part oil (linseed or walnut)
I know many artists that use these commercial mediums but there are others that express concerns about using these products, especially for glazing. Here are the concerns:
- There are a few reports of poor adhesion between layers of paint containing alkyd medium. This could be a problem when glazing the same area multiple times.
- Alkyd mediums can yellow. This is not a problem when the medium is only used as a thinner, but it is more of a concern when glazing.
- Since alkyd mediums dry quickly, they can damage your brushes unless the brushes are cleaned immediately after use.
4 Parts stand oilAccording to this author the medium dries in a moderate amount of time, contributes a moderate gloss to the paint film, sets up stiffly when glazed thinly but allows some degree of over painting while still wet, and yellows less than linseed oil mediums.
6 Parts mineral spirits (or turpentine)
(from several authors, WikiHow)
1 Part stand oilThis recipe is offered as an all-purpose "lean" medium for painting and glazing. This means that when adding multiple layers of glaze, additional oil will need to be added to this recipe to comply with the "fat over lean" rule.
1 Part damar varnish
5 Parts turpentine
(from Utrecht)
The next two recipes come from Jodi Brody. The first is very similar to the one just provided.
1 Part linseed oil (sun thickened)Jodi explains that this medium is similar to the ones made and used by the Masters. It will give you good control when glazing.
1 Part damar varnish
2 Parts turpentine
Lavender oil - 3 drops per 1 oz (add just before using)
9 Parts damar varnishJodi calls this one a Venetian Glazing Medium and indicates that it is one of her favorites. This recipe gives a glossy finish to the paint and produces a stained glass appearance, with beautiful diffused highlights.
9 Parts turpentine
4 Parts stand oil
2 Parts Venice turpentine
(From Jodi Brody, WetCanvas)
Here is the most unusual recipe I found. It comes from an undisclosed source but the author speaks very highly of it. It sounds like a homemade alternative to alkyd mediums.
1 Part linseed oilThe author says the conditioner fills the role of stand oil and makes the paint dry hard and fast. Without adding a drier the paint will be dry to the touch overnight.
1 Part mineral spirit
1 Part PENETROL (a paint conditioner sold at Home Depot)
While there are many other alternatives out there they all seem to be variations on these basic themes. I guess the best thing to do is try one and see what you think. That is what I will do.
Regardless of which alternative you choose, you should only mix enough medium to last you six months. The mediums should be stored in glass jars that seal tightly with a lid. You should store the mediums in a cool dry place when they are not in use.
Happy glazing...
Thank you so much for valuable informations. I have attended a class in the past at Ogden Blue, and they told us never use Liquin for glazing as your painting will turn brown in a couple of years or earlier, I used Liquin before for glazing, or mixed with oil for the final coat, and it turned brown, it not good for your reputation as an artist if your paintings turn "dirty brown" I had to paint over my canvasses and start all over again. This might help someone!
ReplyDeleteJeanine Cobb
Hello All,
ReplyDeleteJust a thought on Liquin painting medium. I have been doing some research on Liquin after a friend told me, that although it is a good medium to mix in with the paint, that it was not recommended as a medium for oiling out a dry painting. I contacted the company and received the same caution. (You would think they would have that info on their label). It concerns me since so many artists I know use it for that purpose. I have since decided to go back to a traditional stand oil medium as a solution. You might want to pass this information on to other artists using Liquin.
John Hughes
I'd recommend Gamblin products.
ReplyDelete