To effectively cover up oil paint, you must use more oil paint. Specifically, the best approach is to apply a mixture of half white oil paint and half fast-drying medium, such as Galkyd, Liquin, Liquin Gel, or cold wax.
Covering Oil Paint: A Detailed Approach
It is crucial to understand that oil paint will not adhere to surfaces covered in acrylic or water-based paints. Therefore, it's necessary to cover it with a compatible oil-based product. Here's a step-by-step guide to properly cover up oil paint:
Step-by-Step Guide
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Ensure the Original Painting is Completely Dry: Before attempting to cover up your oil painting, it is crucial to let it dry completely. This process might take a few days to weeks, depending on the thickness of the paint.
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Prepare the Mixture: Create your cover-up mixture by combining equal parts of white oil paint and a fast-drying medium. Some options include:
- Galkyd medium
- Liquin medium
- Liquin gel
- Cold wax medium
- Cozica
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Apply the Mixture: Use a brush or palette knife to apply the mixture over your old oil painting. Make sure to spread it evenly to effectively cover any visible areas you're trying to conceal.
Why This Method Works
- Oil on Oil: The key to successful oil painting is ensuring that each layer is compatible with the layer underneath. Since oil paint does not properly adhere to acrylic or water-based paints, it is vital to apply more oil on top of oil.
- Fast-Drying Medium: Using a fast-drying medium speeds up the drying process of your cover-up layer, allowing you to continue working on your painting quicker.
- White Paint: Using white oil paint in the mixture helps in creating a neutral and opaque base, making it easier to repaint on the surface with a fresh color.
Important Considerations
- Compatibility: Avoid using acrylic-based paints over oil paints. Doing so can lead to the paint cracking, peeling, or flaking over time.
- Drying Time: Keep in mind that drying times can vary depending on the medium used, thickness of the application, and the environment.
- Multiple Layers: If a single coat does not fully conceal the original painting, you may need to apply additional layers, ensuring each is dry before applying the next.
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| White Oil Paint | Provides the opacity needed for coverage and a neutral base for repainting. |
| Fast-Drying Medium | Shortens the drying time, facilitating further painting quickly. Examples: Galkyd, Liquin, Liquin Gel, cold wax. |
| Original Oil Paint | Must be fully dry before applying the cover-up mixture. |
By following these guidelines and using compatible materials, you can effectively cover up oil paint and start with a fresh canvas.
