Before you start painting with egg oil tempera, it is important to prepare the surface that will be painted. Here we go through how to prepare your painting project to achieve the best possible results.
Clean the surface
For the egg oil tempera to adhere properly, it is important that the surface is clean and free from dirt, grease, and dust. Use a cloth or a brush to clean the surface thoroughly before you start painting. If the surface is dirty, feel free to wipe it with a mild soap solution or dish soap. If there are grease stains, it may be necessary to wipe them off with turpentine before painting. Runs or stains that are greasy and do not come off can be covered with shellac.
Sand the surface if necessary
The egg oil tempera follows the substrate, so the preparation work is important if you want a completely smooth surface. If the surface is uneven or has old paint residues, it may be necessary to sand it before you paint. Use a sander or sandpaper to sand the surface smooth and fine. Fill in as needed. Remember to vacuum or wipe off the sanding dust afterwards.
Shellac/branch lacquer on branches
If the surface has branches, you should always shellac before painting to avoid bleed-through. This also applies to old wood. Pine often bleeds more than spruce. We recommend shellac flakes that dissolve in denatured alcohol, but ready-made shellac/branch lacquer also works.
Paint on lump paper, clay lining, or plaster
When you paint on lump paper, prepare the substrate by priming with wallpaper paste or cellulose paste. This reduces the material's absorbent effect, making it easier to apply the paint.
If you instead paint on plaster or clay lining, soak the surface thoroughly with water before you start painting. This technique facilitates the application of paint on these materials.
Prepare the workspace
Make sure you have everything you need for the painting project close at hand, such as brushes, egg oil tempera, mixing buckets, protective clothing, and safety equipment. Cover the floor and any furniture with masking paper to avoid paint splashes.
By following these steps for preparation before painting with egg oil tempera, you will create a good foundation for your painting project and increase the chances of a successful result. Remember to take your time to prepare the surface and workspace carefully, so your work with egg oil tempera will go smoother and yield a better final result.
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