Phenol 8 fl oz

Phenol Spray is a 4% solution of phenol to prevent mold formation on gesso and grounds. Add Phenol to fresh liquid gesso or chalk ground mixtures and store it for days in a cool, dark place, or for even weeks in a refrigerator, without mold forming. Add to water to prevent solutions of casein, gum arabic, skin glues, etc,. from decomposing on storage, and as a preservative or antiseptic to prevent mold growth.

Directions of Use

For Casein, Gum Arabic and Hide Glue Solutions

1. Spray Phenol generously onto the surfaces of the containers, spoons and tools that will come in contact with the solution.
2. Add Phenol to the water (1 teaspoonful to 16 fluid ounces or 500 ml) in the recipe before adding other ingredients.

For Grounds

1. Spray Phenol generously onto the surfaces of the containers, spoons and tools that will come in contact with the ground mixture.
2. Add Phenol to the water (1 teaspoonful to 16 fluid ounces or 500 ml) in the ground recipe before adding solid ingredients.

Phenol (carbolic acid) has been accepted in the past as a more or less standard preservative, antiseptic, and germicide, but it has two disadvantages. It is volatile and has a powerful odor; it is customary in industry to mask this by the addition of an odorant such as oil of sassafras or some other essential oil [Ed.--clove oil is excellent for this purpose]. Despite its disadvantages, it is still employed widely, especially with gum arabic solutions, because of its thoroughly known behavior.

Ralph Mayer (1991). The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques. Fifth Edition. New York: Viking Penguin. p. 441.