Painting with egg oil tempera is easy. With a little practice, anyone can succeed. Here we go over some useful techniques and tips for painting with egg oil tempera.
Preparation
Make sure the surface you are going to paint is clean, dry and free of dust. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper if necessary to create a smooth and clean surface for the paint to adhere to.
The color
Stir in the egg oil tempera before painting so that the color is even and fine. Make sure the paint has a good consistency before you start painting. It should be like gruel or light filet in consistency.
Use the right brush
Use a good quality brush suitable for egg oil tempera, for example a round or flat natural brush or mixed brush. Use a larger brush for larger areas and a smaller brush for details and smaller areas.
Paint fluidly without the paint running
Apply egg oil tempera fluidly and preferably with some speed. Only paint wet on wet and avoid ironing on paint that has begun to dry on the surface. This gives the best surface and results and reduces the risk of the surface looking flamboyant or uneven.
Painting on absorbent surfaces such as rag cardboard, clay lining or plaster
For painting on scrap cardboard , make sure that the cardboard is literally saturated with wallpaper paste, so it will not absorb as strongly when painting. When painting on clay lining and plaster, it can be good to spray the surface with water just before the paint is to be applied, this also means that the substrate does not absorb as strongly.
Cross pull technique
Use the cross stroke technique to get a smooth surface when painting with egg oil tempera. Paint first in one direction (vertical or horizontal) and then in the opposite direction (horizontal or vertical) to get an even distribution of the color on the surface.
Let the paint dry
Allow the egg oil tempera to dry thoroughly between layers and before using the surface. The drying time may vary depending on the temperature, substrate and thickness of the paint layer.
In conclusion, it is important to follow these techniques and tips to achieve the best possible results when painting with egg oil tempera. By preparing the surface, using the right brushes and painting lagon thickly, you can create a beautiful and durable surface on your painting project.
On to the next step: Finishing work: drying time and brush cleaning →
