When you have finished painting with egg oil tempera, it is important to know how to take care of brushes and wait for the right drying time to ensure the best possible results. Here we go through the aftercare, drying time, and brush cleaning after painting with egg oil tempera.
Drying Time
Egg oil tempera dries relatively quickly on the surface, but then takes time to fully cure and create a hard, durable surface. Often, it is fine to paint over the color after 12-24 hours. After the last stroke, the paint may chalk off for up to a week. Suddenly, one day, the chalking stops. If you want to polish the paint or finish with wax, it is good to wait 2-3 weeks. The paint is a bit more fragile to scratches and wear for up to a couple of months after painting. This is because the linseed oil needs time to oxidize and create a hard, durable surface. Light, heat, and good air circulation speed up the drying process. If the paint takes a long time to dry, it is often due to one of these reasons, but rest assured, the paint always dries in the end. In winter, in dark, enclosed rooms, it may take longer for drying. But in summer, with an open window, it often dries quickly.
Brush Cleaning
After painting with egg oil tempera, it is important to clean the brushes thoroughly to preserve their quality and extend their lifespan. Follow these steps to clean the brushes after using egg oil tempera:
- Wipe off excess paint from the brush against a plate or board.
- Rinse the brush in a mixture of warm water and mild soap or linseed soap. Work the soap into the bristles to remove any remaining paint.
- Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water to remove soap and any paint residues.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from the brush and shape the bristles back to their original form.
- Let the brush dry lying on a flat surface, or hang it with the bristles down to prevent water from collecting at the ferrule. It is preferable to store brushes hanging.
Summary
Taking care of your brushes and waiting for the right drying time is important to ensure the best possible results when painting with egg oil tempera. By following these simple steps for aftercare, drying time, and brush cleaning, you can enjoy your beautiful painted surfaces and extend the lifespan of your brushes.
