Hard Drying Oil

[Robert Garrett]

Do you sell a Copal Varnish?

I should know the answer to this but I'm drawing a blank.

RG

[George O'Hanlon]

We do not offer a copal varnish at this time.

[John Kennedy]

Another good fast and hard drying oil would be 1 part homemade Damar Varnish (1 to 1 Damar and turp), it should be a thick honey like consistency, 1/4 part Balsam, 1/4 part epoxide oil and 1 part turpentine. Heat all together in a double boiler, stirring until all is well mixed together. Strain through cheesecloth if any dirt or forigen matter is in the mix, or decant into clean jar or bottle. When painting with this dip your brush into it and mix on the palette with your paint. It will absorb the oil that is in the paint itself and the resin and epoxide oil help it to dry fast and fairly hard. You can thin it a bit with turps for glazing thin layers (always do a test run to make sure it isn't to thin). Thin it 1 to 1 with turp for a final varnish for oil paintings. Thin it with 4 parts turp for a final varnish for egg tempera and distemper paintings. It is also good as an emulsifier for other glazes and mediums. Enjoy! Blessings, John