You can revive old, stiff oil paint by mixing it with a medium like solvent-free gel or safflower oil to restore its creamy consistency.
Reviving Stiff Oil Paint
When oil paint becomes stiff or less workable over time, you can bring it back to a usable state. One effective method, as demonstrated in a reference, is to incorporate a medium directly into the paint.
Using Solvent-Free Gel
According to a reference, using a solvent-free gel is a preferred method for reviving stiff oil paint.
- Simply mix a small amount of the gel into the stiff paint.
- Work it in thoroughly until the paint reaches a desirable, creamy mixture.
Benefits of Solvent-Free Gel
The reference highlights specific advantages of using solvent-free gel:
- It effectively whips stiff paint into a creamy mixture.
- It can help speed up the drying time, which is particularly beneficial for techniques like plein air painting where faster drying is often desired.
Alternative Method: Safflower Oil
While the reference indicates a preference for solvent-free gel, safflower oil is also mentioned as an alternative medium that can be used to revive stiff oil paint. Like solvent-free gel, adding safflower oil can help restore the paint's workability and texture.
By carefully mixing in a suitable medium like solvent-free gel or safflower oil, you can often save stiff paint and extend its lifespan.
