It started with a conversation among artists...
Dan Freed
Nov 24, 2010
What are your thoughts on best practices for oiling out between layers and when the painting is finished? What oil do you suggest? I want to get that nice "gallery finish" look. What about varnishing instead?
George O'Hanlon
Nov 24, 2010
Oiling out can be done with linseed oil mixed with solvents, such as mineral spirits or turpentine, and applied in very thin layers. Many artists have had excellent results using Oleogel to oil out paint layers by rubbing a small amount into the paint surface with a finger. Oleogel is a gel oil medium that has some "drag" to allow you to paint directly into its wet surface.
Dan Freed
Nov 24, 2010
Thanks. What about using retouch varnish instead of oiling out? People do that to unify the gloss/dullness instead of oiling out.
George O'Hanlon
Nov 27, 2010
Yes, some artists use an isolating or retouching varnish, but then you are introducing a new substance (varnish resin) into the oil painting that may reduce the compatibility of the paint layers.
William Whitaker
Dec 20, 2010
I've been painting professionally since 1965, and I certainly recommend oiling out rather than using retouch varnish to refresh dull, dried colors. Oleogel is a wonderful material for this, and I rub it on with my fingers. I control the effect much better using my fingers rather than applying it with a brush. My oiling out application is very, very thin!
Dan Freed
Dec 20, 2010
Are you using Oleogel thinned out? Are you using it between layers or only when your painting is finished? Does it get yellow after a few years?
William Whitaker
Dec 20, 2010
I use Oleogel straight or add up to 50% more linseed oil to it to make a weaker gel. Depends on technique. In my experience, linseed oil does not darken or become more yellow than the original color of the oil in the bottle as long as the painting is not kept in the dark. Linseed oil loves daylight. The yellowing of paintings is usually due to the aging of natural resins such as dammar in final varnishes.
George O'Hanlon
Dec 20, 2010
Oiling out is only done between layers. If the surface in the final painting has an uneven surface gloss (sheen), this is best finished with a picture varnish.
