Example of sunken-in areas in an oil painting

Oiling Out and the Cause of Dead Spots in Oil Paintings

It’s been a problem for a very long time. At least according to the historical record. Blotchiness. Sinking in. Dead spots. For oil painters these are well known terms, conjuring up images of skin disease as much as painted surfaces, but whatever words are used the implication is clear – it’s

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GAC 400: Fabric and Paper Stiffener

GAC 400 is used to stiffen fabric or paper made from natural fibers. It is a water-borne acrylic that dries to a hard, stiff film. One good coat that soaks in well should be enough to stiffen the material. It can be used to replace rabbit skin glue for stiffening

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Painting on Location with QoR Modern Watercolors

When first painting with your watercolors outside, there are a few things you will definitely need, and other items that can ease your way: paint, a mixing surface or palette, water and water container, a brush, and watercolor paper on a support of some kind are the minimum things you

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Tubes representing the average volume of oil vs pigment.

Volume, Weight, and Pigment to Oil Ratios

Oil painters concerned with fat over lean will often turn to information about the oil absorption values for particular pigments as a way to compare how oily or lean certain colors might be. However this has led to many misconceptions and outrightly wrong conclusions which seem to persist in various forums

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Selecting Equipment for Spraying Varnish

Large paintings present an increased difficulty level when it comes time to apply an “isolation coat” or a varnish layer. Spraying in lieu of brushing makes sense when a smooth, defect-free surface is desired.  After all, there are reasons vehicles are spray painted instead of using a brush!  While one

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Adhesion test Products

Painting on Dibond

Dibond is a trade name for a type of painted aluminum composite panel made by Alcan Composites. There are other brands and types of Aluminum Composite Panels that may have a bare aluminum side or different types of coatings, which may require different surface preparation. Dibond panels are made with

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Creating an Encaustic Look with Acrylics

Any Matte or Semi-Gloss medium or Gel Medium can impart a waxy look. The specific manner in which it is applied can also increase or decrease this effect. It can be helpful to test with several mediums or gels on sacrificial pieces until you get a feel for the mediums or

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EU Decides Not to Ban Cadmium Pigments in Artist Paints

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently published its final decision that Cadmium pigments will not be restricted in artist paints. You can read the entire document here: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8530&lang=en In two previous issues of Just Paint we shared information concerning the possibility of Cadmium pigments being banned in artist paints. Just

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