Preparation of Picture Canvas

[George O'Hanlon]

You should not suffer dire consequences. It is a precaution to first dissolve the alum in water, as the undiluted alum can adversely affect the collagen glue. However, this may be minimal and not too much to worry.

[Kakwirakeron]

Having followed the directions and recipe for the genuine RSG, tonight I applied the size as directed - that is, in jelly form; my next question is about whether or not you advise a second coat of size. I ought to note that my linen is a lighter weight portrait grade which means I am concerned about the relative openness of the weave. In the past I have applied RSG size in heated liquid form and have found I needed two coats. Thank you.

[George O'Hanlon]

You should always apply the size warm as it is more liquid and penetrates the weave of the canvas better. You may need two coats to prevent the ground from penetrating the canvas weave.

[Kakwirakeron]

Now I AM confused. I followed the directions that are posted on the site along with the product description for the genuine RSG. It specifically indicates applying the size with a knife in jelly form.
Glue Size Recipe

Ingredients
50 grams rabbit skin glue (dry)
1 liter water
5 grams alum

* Prepare rabbit skin glue by soaking 50 grams of rabbit skin glue in 800 ml of water for approximately 2 hours. You can also leave it overnight.
* Add 5 grams of alum to 200 ml of water and let it dissolve. Add the alum solution to the warm glue before applying it on the panel or canvas. The alum will make the sizing water resistant and form a jelly-like consistency once the glue has had time to cool down.
* Apply the glue as a jelly, in a single, thin layer by using a spatula.
* Let the size dry for approximately 24 hours.

While that direction seemed to be in contradiction to the one on this thread I used it as my procedure. I've pasted the text here. Have I misread it in some way? At any rate the jelly was quite soft and appeared to have penetrated the weave quite well. Ah well, I will proceed to a second coat tonight, this time with warm size applied with brush...not scrubbing it in with the brush of course. (sigh) Thank you for you patience George.

[George O'Hanlon]

These are two different recipes, both of which work. Try each and see which one provides the best method for your application.

[Kakwirakeron]

George, I just wanted to let you know that I had no difficulty with the RSG as soft jelly. I also have to tell you your Rublev lead primer is an amazing product. Applying it was an absolute joy - extremely easy to apply with brush right out of the can, as advertised, and smooths out flawlessly with palette knife. Thank you.

[Kenneth Freed]

Indeed, the lead oil primer is an amazing product that I have grown to love. Congratulations to Natural Pigment and George for such a wonderful addition to the artist's arsenal.

[ 12. December 2009, 13:28: Message edited by: Kenneth Freed ]

[Kakwirakeron]

Kenneth all you've managed to do is give me another reason to add to what I said. I have to state that in my honest opinion it is the best oil primer I have ever used. I'm really looking forward to having this first coat set up any applying the second coat. Then Will come the painting.
How would you describe painting on it?

[George O'Hanlon]

Thank you for the encouraging words. It has been many hours of research, trials and tests to achieve this type of oil primer. We constantly strive toward improvement, so this is part and parcel of the results.

[Kenneth Freed]

Kakwirakeron,
I would describe it as the perfect surface with exactly the right amount of tooth, opacity, ease of application, excellent drying qualities, etc.

I have used it as a base for oil painting on canvas with either RSG or PVA glue underneath, I have used it to top coat a true gesso ground on panel and have used it for a component of a 1/2 oil ground on canvas. It has worked wonderfully on three applications.