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MEDIUM
Stand Oil
Stand oil is linseed oil that has been thickened by heat-polymerisation — historically by leaving linseed oil to stand in sunlight for months, hence the name. The result is a much more viscous oil with exceptional flow-leveling properties. Applied to canvas, stand oil self-levels beautifully, reducing brush marks to a smooth enamel-like surface. It yellows less than regular linseed oil and dries to an extremely durable, flexible film.
Properties ▾
Base: Heat-polymerised linseed oil
Colour: Pale amber to treacle
Consistency: Very thick — like treacle or honey
Drying speed: Slow (slower than linseed)
Yellowing: Less than regular linseed
Film strength: Excellent — very durable
Leveling: Exceptional — self-levels to smooth surface
Techniques ▾
Traditional glazing medium
Mix stand oil 1:1 with turpentine or OMS. This is the classic, historically used glazing medium — produces a smooth, luminous, enamel-like glaze layer. The thickness of stand oil balances perfectly against the thinning action of the solvent.
Brush mark elimination: Add a small amount of stand oil to paint when a smooth, brushstroke-free surface is required. Particularly effective for portrait work and smooth colour transitions.
Final layers: Stand oil is well-suited to upper and final paint layers where durability and gloss are desired. Its slow drying allows extended wet-in-wet working time in these layers.
Combination medium: Mix stand oil with a small amount of Damar varnish and turpentine for a richer, more resinous glazing medium with increased gloss.
Brush mark elimination: Add a small amount of stand oil to paint when a smooth, brushstroke-free surface is required. Particularly effective for portrait work and smooth colour transitions.
Final layers: Stand oil is well-suited to upper and final paint layers where durability and gloss are desired. Its slow drying allows extended wet-in-wet working time in these layers.
Combination medium: Mix stand oil with a small amount of Damar varnish and turpentine for a richer, more resinous glazing medium with increased gloss.
Stand oil is the secret behind the glass-smooth passages in many Old Master paintings. Vermeer and other Dutch masters are believed to have used stand oil-based mediums to achieve the extraordinary luminosity and surface perfection in their work.
Works in ekphra ▾
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