Varnish Removal: How to Remove Artists’ Varnishes—Safely
Professional varnish removal for oil and acrylic: brand-specific methods, safe testing, gels, solvents, and isolation coats for conservation-minded re…
Category: Solvents and Thinners
A thinner is a volatile solvent that is used to dilute or extend oil-based paints or cleanup after use. A solvent is a liquid that dissolves a solid, liquid or gaseous substance called a solute. A solute is a substance dissolved in another substance.
Oil Painting Solvents: Effects on Underpainting, Layers, and Varnish
Learn how oil painting solvents affect underpainting, layers, and varnish—swelling, leaching, and chemistry—to choose safer techniques.
Solvents in Oil Painting: Insights for Contemporary Artists
How turpentine and mineral spirits affect oil paint—swelling, diffusion, leaching, evaporation, reactivity—and studio steps to limit sinking-in an…
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.
The Legacy of Distilled Turpentine in Painting
Explore the early use of turpentine in European painting. Discover its historical significance and impact on art conservation and modern practices.
The Role of Essential Oils in Oil Painting: A Comparative Review of Historical and Modern Practices
Explore how essential oils like lavender, clove, and thyme improve oil painting drying times and color retention. Learn practical applications for art…
Artist Solvents Safety: Essential Practices for Studio Use
Learn key safety practices for using solvents in art. Our guide covers everything from safe handling to disposal to ensure artists can work without co…
Solvents in Oil Painting: Ensuring Longevity and Color Saturation
Explore the critical role of solvents in oil painting, focusing on their effects on paint film integrity and color vibrance. Learn best practices for …
Dangers of Excessively Thinning Oil Paint
Explore the critical risks of thinning paint excessively with solvents like turpentine. Learn how it affects paint stability and longevity. Avoid comm…
