How the Pigment to Oil Ratio Changes the Way Your Paint Dries and Ages
New research shows your pigment to oil ratio shapes how oil paint ages — and that zinc white behaves unlike any other pigment tested.
Category: Drying Oils
An oil that hardens to a tough, solid film after a period of exposure to air. The oil hardens through a chemical reaction in which the components crosslink by the action of oxygen. Drying oils are a key component of oil paint, oil painting mediums and some varnishes.
Varnishing Oil Paintings: Long‑Term Behavior of Spirit- and Oil‑Based Varnishes and Mediums
Guide to varnishing oil paintings: dammar vs mastic, spirit vs oleoresinous media, yellowing, reversibility, and best-practice application.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Lead Ground: A Study in Oil Saponification and Technique
Discover how Leonardo da Vinci prepared his lead ground using oil and PbO—based on new analysis of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
Preventing Yellowing in Oil Paintings: Techniques and Best Practices
Discover effective techniques for preventing yellowing in oil paintings. Learn how materials and storage affect color stability.
Mastering Glaze Medium: Historical Techniques for Modern Artists
Learn to create glaze mediums with historical oil painting techniques to improve texture, color depth, and durability in your artwork.
Oil Paint Drying Times: Why Do Some Pigments Dry Faster?
Discover the science behind oil paint drying times. Learn how pigments, oil types, and environmental factors influence drying speeds for better painti…
Long-Term Risks of Cold Wax Techniques: Insights from Historical and Scientific Research
Explore the risks of combining wax with oil paint in the cold wax technique. Learn how to ensure long-term durability with expert advice on materials …
Oil Painting Siccatives: Historical Recipes and Modern Applications
Explore historical oil painting siccatives, including lead oxide, alum, and Venetian glass. Learn how to prepare and use these traditional driers in p…
Understanding the Aging of Linseed Oil Paint: Key Insights for Artists
Discover how different treatments of linseed oil affect paint longevity and stability. Essential insights for artists on using linseed oil in artwork.
Understanding and Preventing the Yellowing of Oil Paints
Learn how to prevent yellowing of oil paints with proven techniques and scientific insights. Ensure your artwork stands the test of time with these ex…