Tempera Ground

Rublev Colours Tempera Ground is formulated with a polymer emulsion of vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) and high pigment volume concentration (PVC) of titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, and wollastonite to produce an easily sanded and absorbent surface. The surface of the ground is very absorbent and formulated explicitly as a ground for tempera painting, providing a surface ideally suited for egg, casein, and collagen (distemper) tempera paint.

WARNING: This item is subject to freeze/thaw damage. Please check winter weather conditions before ordering this product.

NOTE: This product is designed for rigid substrates only and is NOT to be used on flexible materials, as cracking may occur.

Product Application

Only use on rigid substrates such as hardboard, wood, or metal panels. Potential for cracking may occur on highly absorbent surfaces and flexible substrates, like a stretched canvas. Check for adhesion on non-absorbent surfaces before use.

Apply in multiple thin layers, gradually building up to the desired thickness. Single thick layers could crack upon drying. We recommend applying at least four coats.

Sanding:

When sanding, follow these general guidelines:

• Allow Tempera Ground to dry completely before sanding. Cured films are easier to sand.
• Start with coarser grit sandpapers, then finer grits until desired smoothness is achieved.
• Both wet and dry sandpapers may be used.
• Wet sanding generates less airborne dust and produces a smoother surface than dry sanding.
• Sanding to a glossy (polished) surface can reduce the mechanical adhesion of paint films. As always, test your application.
• Upon completion of sanding, use a damp, soft cloth to remove sanding dust particles from the surface. Failure to do so can cause poor adhesion.

Diluting:

Brushing: This product may be diluted with up to 20% water for easy brush application.

Spraying: Dilute Tempera Ground with Rublev Fluid Medium. Begin at a 3:1 ratio (Ground:Medium) and test spray quality, as various spray equipment may require additional thinning. Further, reduce viscosity by adding up to 20% water.

Support Induced Discoloration (SID) Protection:

To reduce discoloration of the ground and paint layer caused by Support Induced Discoloration (SID) when painting on supports that contain water-soluble impurities, such as canvas and wood, first, apply two coats of Rublev Fluid Medium and allow to dry thoroughly. Then apply the desired number of coats of Tempera Ground.

Oil Painting Substrate Protection

Tempera Ground is designed for tempera (egg, casein, collagen) paint. Its high absorbency may cause sinking in of oil paint, especially dark colors. If used as an absorbent ground for oil paint, canvas and paper substrates should be protected from linseed oil fatty acids. To protect natural substrates, follow the above instructions for SID protection. Allow sufficient time for the ground to cure before applying oil paints to maximize mechanical adhesion.

Tinting

Rublev Colours Tempera Ground may be tinted up to 20% with Rublev Colours Aqueous Dispersion colors. Higher levels of pigment dispersions may reduce sandability and increase the product's absorbency.

Disclaimer

The above information is based on research and testing done by Natural Pigments and is provided as a basis for understanding the potential uses of the products mentioned. Due to the numerous variables in methods, materials, and conditions of producing art, Natural Pigments cannot be sure the product will be right for you. Therefore, we urge product users to test each application to ensure all individual project requirements are met. While we believe the above information is accurate, WE MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, and we shall in no event be liable for any damages (indirect, consequential, or otherwise) that may occur as a result of a product application.