Hi MITRA,
Do you know specifically what substance(s) are added as matting agents to matte varnishes and mediums?
Thanks, Koo
I recently learned about a substance called Terpineol, a few drops of which can apparently be added to a medium to make it more matte. Has anyone used this before or have more information about it?
-Aliza
Hi Brian – Apologies for the delayed reply. Yes exactly, I learned about it from Kremer. They only have a very large container available at this time, so I’m waiting for smaller bottles to come in before trying it out as well. Thanks for looking into this!
Aliza
It appears that you can purchase smaller bottles of Terpineol on ebay and amazon. 30ml for $10 was one example I found. Kremer lists it in their catalog thusly: “Terpineol, slowly evaporating solvent for oil paint mediums.” I couldn’t find any reference to it on their website other than the catalog listing.
Typical types of matting agents for varnishes are fumed silica, wax and zinc stearate.
I am unaware of the use of this substance as a matting agent. Perhaps Matthew or George can shed more light on this.
I have corresponded with a few other moderators and no one has heard of turpeneol being used as a matting agent. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. Where did you get this information?
Aliza
Matthew Kinsey found this product on Kremer’s site and it does appear to create a matte paint surface. We have no experience with its use. George has said that he will be experimenting with it. We will report back when there is more to say.
Thanks
I cam to know about it as a material that Brice Marden used to create a matte surface, but have never done testing although do have some and can say it smells like an overpowering Pine-Sol. For a couple of references to the use by Brice Marden see (do a search for the term):
https://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/fineart/people/faculty/hay_PDFs/contemporary/Interview%20Marden.pdf
https://assets.moma.org/documents/moma_press-release_387100.pdf
But as to its true long-term impact on the paint, I have not seen any research but as a painter that loves matte surfaces it did catch my curiosity.
I’m actually not sure. It was quite a few years ago, as part of a wide range of materials we were curious about, but am not even certain if we still have it in storage. I can check the next time I am on-site but currently work from home, so it might be a couple of weeks. And of course am not even certain if the one we brought in is the same as Brice Marden used or the most optimal.
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