Hello MITRA folks. I can’t find the reference within the forums here, but I seem to recall that someone expressed some hesitation about using water-miscible oil paints for an underpainting for further regular oil layers (for a solvent-free approach to oils). Something about “they haven’t been around that long to demonstrate their long-term archivalness.” That was also said about acrylics used for the same purpose, and apparently they are now proven to be reliable. Would someone comment more on the use of water-miscible oil paints for an imprimatura and/or underpainting for regular oils? Thank you so much!
Yes, that was the post I remembered, Kristin. It seems from re-reading Brian’s reply about water-miscible oil paints used as an underpainting orimprimatura, that the official opinion is “yes, but we can’t know for sure if they will age archivally.” Would that be your take on this question too, Kristin? Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your clarity, Kristin!
Kristen (or others)…these additives in water-miscible oil paints…is there concern in the conservation community that they might lead to de-lamination (like the Zinc issue) somewhere down the road, or some other structural malfunction? I’m weighing my odds here, as I do really like using them as a very fluid and thin solvent-free underpainting approach. And would painting on a rigid support mitigate some of the concerns? Barring their use, the only other solvent-free thin underpainting solutions I’ve come up with are acrylics, watercolor and egg tempera… Thank you!
I believe this might be the thread? Have a read and let us know if you have additional follow up questions: https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/forums/question?QID=300
I would have to say “yes”….we have some idea about the potential issues associated with some additives present in WM oil paints….but unless these paints (and by that I mean multiple brands) are thoroughly tested it is really to hard to provide any concrete “predictions” when it comes to longevity.
I think it is too early to say for sure….have you experimented with using the other mediums you mentioned for underpainting with oils?
