Regardless of whether the classical Oil Painting is painted on wood or canvas, it needs to be painted with a base. The materials used for the base include bonding materials and filling materials. According to different materials,
(1) Rubber sole. Ancient masters often used animal glue, such as bone glue, rabbit glue, etc. The best is parchment glue, which can be soaked in water and melted by heating.
(2) Chalk base. It is made by mixing one part of chalk (calcium carbonate) powder, one part of zinc white powder and one part of glue solution.
(3) Semi-chalk base. Mix one part each of chalk powder and glue solution. Then add half a part of cooked linseed oil and use 7% water glue to coat the base before using this base.
(4) Casein base. Painters have used casein since ancient art records. Casein is a brittle and soft substance that needs to be diluted with water and dissolved in a small amount of ammonium carbonate when used as a base.
(5) Egg base. Egg yolk can increase the softness of the base. Egg yolk base produces the best results when used as a final coating. Both egg white and egg yolk can be used as additives for chalky base.
(6) Gypsum foundation. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is also called light spar. It is usually used as a base on wooden boards. It has unusual lightness, and the preparation method is the same as that of chalk base.
(7) Oily foundation. Same as making the semi-chalk base, just increase the oil content (two parts cooked linseed oil).
(8) Colored base. On the completed chalk, semi-chalk and oil base, according to the painter's needs, thinly apply various transparent colors to make a color base. Rubens once mixed charcoal, white paint, and binders and applied them on a plaster base to make a silver gray base. No matter whether the Oil Painting is placed in the warehouse or hung, it is sure to be stained with a layer of dust. If the Oil Painting is covered with dust, the most scientific way to clean it is to go to an art supply store to buy a large and small Langhao pen, and use a brush to brush off the dust on the picture. But remember, be sure to see if there are any cracks or loose parts on the surface of the Oil Painting before swiping. If there are, don't touch those parts. The most taboo thing about Oil Painting is to wipe them with a rag, let alone a wet rag. It is even more dangerous to use a rag with soapy water. Moisture will enter the delicate texture of the Oil Painting and it will be difficult to get out. There is a layer of varnish on the older Oil Painting, which will produce a grayish-white lime effect after combining with water vapor, as if the work has been bleached. Humidity can also cause irregular shrinkage and swelling of the canvas, which is even more detrimental to the uniform adhesion of paint. If the problem is already very serious, it is safer to seek professional advice.
