How to Apply Oil Ground for Professional Painting Results

Rublev Colours Oil and Alkyd Grounds offer professional artists historically informed, high-performance grounds designed for oil painting. Unlike paste grounds that require thinning, these formulations have a brush-spreadable viscosity and are ready to use directly from the container. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve optimal results with the following products:

• Rublev Colours Lead Oil Ground

• Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground

• Rublev Colours Titanium White Alkyd Ground

Supplies Needed

• Rublev Colours Oil Ground (Lead, Lead Alkyd, or Titanium White Alkyd)

• High-quality natural bristle brushes or foam rollers

• Stainless-steel spatulas (optional for smoothing)

• Wooden stirring sticks for thorough mixing

• Sandpaper (220–400 grit) for surface preparation and between coats

• Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning non-porous supports

• Fine abrasive pad (for aluminum composite panels)

• Lint-free cloths

• Mineral spirits or odorless petroleum solvents for clean-up

• Personal protective equipment: gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate respirator if sanding lead-based grounds

General Guidelines

• Surface Preparation: Suitable substrates include rigid supports such as hardwood panels, aluminum composite panels, and properly prepared stretched linen or cotton canvas.

• Environmental Conditions: Apply in a well-ventilated area with ambient temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) and relative humidity below 60%.

• Application Tools: Use high-quality bristle brushes, foam rollers, or stainless-steel spatulas for smooth application. Avoid synthetic brushes that may leave streaks.

• Stir Thoroughly Before Use: Pigments may settle during storage. Use a wooden stirring stick (similar to those used in paint stores) and ensure you reach the bottom of the can, where pigments may form a dense pack. Stir until the ground is completely uniform before applying.

Surface Preparation

Rigid Supports – Wood Panels

1. Seal the Wood: To reduce absorption, apply a size or sealant such as Rublev Colours Fluid Medium or Rublev Colours Shellac Sealer.

2. Sand the Surface: Lightly sand with 220–320 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, even surface. Remove all dust before applying the ground.

3. Apply Ground: After sealing and sanding, apply Rublev Colours Lead Oil Ground, Lead Alkyd, or Titanium White Alkyd Ground according to the application instructions.

Rigid Supports – Aluminum Composite Panels (ACM)

1. Surface Cleaning: Wipe the panel thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils, dust, or manufacturing residues.

2. Abrade the Surface: Lightly scuff the surface using a Scotch-Brite™ pad or fine abrasive pad to promote adhesion.

3. Clean Again: Remove any remaining dust with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

4. Apply Ground: Once clean and dry, apply Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd or Titanium Alkyd Ground directly according to the application instructions.

Flexible Supports (Canvas)

1. For best results on flexible supports, we recommend Rublev Colours Lead Oil Ground. This should be your first consideration before proceeding with sizing and drying the canvas to ensure optimal material compatibility and long-term performance.

2. Size the Canvas: For oil painting, always apply a size to the canvas to isolate the fibers from oil penetration. Use Rublev Colours Fluid Medium or Gelatin Size.

3. Dry Thoroughly: Allow the size to dry completely before applying the oil ground. Insufficient drying may result in adhesion issues.

Application Instructions

Rublev Colours Lead Oil Ground

• Characteristics: Traditional lead white-based ground with superior flexibility and durability, ideal for oil painting on both rigid and flexible supports.

• Application:

  1. Stir thoroughly before use. Do not thin.

  2. Apply directly with a bristle brush or roller in even strokes.

  3. For best results, apply in one thin, uniform coat. The thickness should not exceed 6 mils (0.15 mm) wet film thickness.

  4. Allow to dry for 7–10 days before applying oil paints. Drying time may vary with environmental conditions.

Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground

• Characteristics: Combines the traditional qualities of lead white with faster-drying alkyd resins. Ideal when faster working times are needed.

• Application:

  1. Stir well before application. No thinning is required.

  2. Apply in a thin, even coat using a bristle brush or roller.

  3. This ground dries faster than traditional oil grounds. Typically, surface dry in 2–4 days under normal conditions.

  4. Allow to cure for at least 5–7 days before painting.

Rublev Colours Titanium White Alkyd Ground

• Characteristics: A brilliant, opaque white ground made with titanium white pigment and alkyd resins for rapid drying and a resilient surface.

• Application:

  1. Stir thoroughly before use. Do not dilute.

  2. Apply evenly using a high-quality bristle brush or roller.

  3. This ground typically becomes touch dry within 1–2 days. Ensure full cure (5–7 days) before painting to prevent sinking in of paint layers.

Multiple Coats

• For a smoother surface, apply a second coat after the first coat has dried to the touch and is firm (usually 24–48 hours for alkyd grounds and 7–10 days for lead oil ground).

• More coats may be required on absorbent substrates.

• Lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper (320–400 grit) to remove imperfections.

Clean-Up

• Clean brushes and tools immediately after use with mineral spirits or odorless petroleum solvents.

• Do not use water or water-based cleaners.

Sanding Grounds

DO NOT sand Lead Oil or Lead Alkyd Ground. The dust from sanding lead products is highly toxic, especially to young children, and can be easily inhaled. Titanium White Alkyd Ground can be sanded if desired. Always wear a properly fitted respirator when sanding to avoid inhaling particles that can cause respiratory irritation. Ensure all dust particles are thoroughly removed from the surface before applying paint.

Safety Precautions

• Rublev Colours Lead Oil and Alkyd Grounds contain lead compounds. Avoid inhaling dust when sanding and prevent skin contact.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment: gloves, protective clothing, and a respirator rated when using these materials.

• Follow all local regulations for the disposal of these materials.

Storage

• Reseal containers tightly after use.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Use within 12 months of opening for best results.

For further assistance, contact Natural Pigments Customer Support at +1-888-361-5900 or email [email protected].