Trying to develop a medium in oils to suit my inclinations

[Anwar Shaikh]

I really enjoy thickened linseed oil as an addition to tube oils as a medium. I do not enjoy the higher gloss level. I have tried beeswax as an additive and it alters the handling much and when I use very little it seems to have no affect on the gloss level. Many have suggested to wait until dry varnish it with a semi gloss varnish and just deal with it when wet. I have done that and the result is reduced optical clarity. Is there a way to reduce gloss yet not alter the self leveling quality of sun thickened linseed yet remain clear? I am considering fumed silica as an addition to the thickened oil.

[George O'Hanlon]

You can add fumed silica to reduce the gloss of bodied oils, but it too will have some effect on the behavior of the paint, although not to the same degree as wax. This is what we've done in Rublev Colours Oleoresgel, which is a composition of bodied oil, alkyd resin and fumed silica. It has self-leveling properties, but does not build too much gloss.

[Anwar Shaikh]

Thanks, I am unfamiliar with fumed silica. I think I would be interested in if it could gotten in some sort of pure form-perhaps in solvent or in a safe dry state. I will check your site thanks.

[George O'Hanlon]

Fumed silica, also known as pyrogenic silica, is available from Natural Pigments in powder form. Please be aware that in this form it is crystalline silica, which can lead to silicosis if inhalled in sufficient quantities. Wear a dust mask or a NIOSH-approved respirator when using fumed silica in powder form.

[Anwar Shaikh]

Thanks, I will give that a try. Actually, my current medium is nearly perfect already but a bit lower gloss and greater clarity is welcome.