Violin Forum/Message Board

Michael N · Junior Member Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 9

I have aquired a tube of Old Holland oil paint. It's Orange, Very Orange but I'm sure there are ways of toning that down. From very small sample tests it appears quite transparent. Is there a 'correct' or easy method of application ie. is it better to put it on neat, thinned or mixed with a little varnish? I intend to move it around with the palm of the hand.
Just out of curiosity. Is it possible to apply a short oil varnish (55/45) over the glaze. or is that asking for trouble?

Michael Darnton · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 11:52 am Post subject:

I don't think you'll have a problem as long as the paint layer is very thin, which it should be.

As for a "correct" method--whatever you want to do.

Oded Kishony · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject:

First to test the transparency of the pigment, smear it on a piece of glass, you should be able to read fine print through it.

Combining two transparent pigments can result in one opaque color, so be sure to first test the pigments in various combinations to be sure they remain transparent after mixing.

I put a dab of pigment on a flat white plate. I have a shallow cup with a few tablespoons of turpentine. I first dip the brush in the turp and "pull out" color from the pigment. A dab of varnish and a dab of raw linseed oil mix the diluted color on the side of the dish until I have enough to cover the area I intend to work on.
I brush this on the surface very thinly. I can go over areas as the turpentine evaporates dabbing the brush to either lift color or apply more color, wiping with the palm of my hand to eliminate streaks. Changing the angle of my view, looking at the surface obliquely to spot too dark or light areas. Stepping back to get a good overall view.

To help decide what color to apply next, I brush some color on a microscope slide or piece of glass and hold it in front of the surface .

Oded Kishony