Oil Painting Varnishes And Mediums

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| By Mkinsey
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Mkinsey
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Quizzes Created: 4 | Total Attempts: 1,810
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  • 1/12 Questions

    Which of the following is a function of varnish in a painting medium?

    • Improve tack
    • Impart even gloss
    • Retain wet appearance of colors
    • All of the above
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About This Quiz

Test your knowledge of varnishes, oils and thinners used in the craft of oil painting.

Materials Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    What is the purpose of alkali refinement of linseed oil?

    • Improve shelf stability

    • Remove free fatty acids and mucilage

    • Render expeller-pressed oil suitable for artistic use

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Expeller pressing releases compounds undesirable in oil used as a painting vehicle and medium. Alkali refinement removes these compounds, resulting in a stable, clear oil with good film-forming properties.

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  • 3. 

    Rags saturated with linseed oil can spontaneously combust, even without an outside flame or heat source.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Oil-saturated rags, rubber gloves and steel wool can act as insulators while spreading oil over a large surface area. As oil quickly oxidizes, heat can build and materials can ignite. Single rags can be laid flat to dry, or placed in a metal lidded trash can with water for nightly disposal.

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  • 4. 

    Retouch varnish can be applied to an oil painting that is dry to the touch, but not yet completely (6+ months) dry.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Retouch Varnish offers uniform gloss and protection from dust for paintings that are not yet dry enough for a final picture varnish.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is NOT a desirable property of a picture varnish?

    • Not removable

    • Removable

    • Optically clear

    • Neutral in color

    Correct Answer
    A. Not removable
    Explanation
    A picture varnish should be removable with light-duty solvents to facilitate cleaning and conservation.

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  • 6. 

    Alkyd resins are made from vegetable oils.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Alkyds are made from soybean or other oils.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following is NOT a plant-derived gum/resin?

    • Damar

    • Mastic

    • Shellac

    • Copal

    Correct Answer
    A. Shellac
    Explanation
    Genuine shellac is derived from insects.

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  • 8. 

    Matte varnish can be applied over gloss varnish.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Matte varnish can generally be applied on top of gloss varnish of similar composition without removing the original coating. For the reverse order (gloss over matte), the matte layer should first be removed.

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  • 9. 

    Working in a "couch" of medium refers to:

    • Painting into a thin layer of painting medium on the canvas

    • Mixing into a large pile of medium on the palette

    Correct Answer
    A. Painting into a thin layer of painting medium on the canvas
    Explanation
    Painting into a "couch" involves painting in a uniform layer of wet paint or medium. This technique facilitates detail and suave transitions with subtle or nearly invisible brushstrokes.

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  • 10. 

    Stand oil is:

    • Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-starved environment

    • Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-rich environment

    • A blend of oils thickened by exposure to the sun

    • Linseed oil that has been left to stand until thick

    Correct Answer
    A. Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-starved environment
    Explanation
    Stand oil is linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-starved environment. Heat-polymerization is a process in which the oil is heated to a high temperature, causing the molecules to cross-link and form a thicker and more stable substance. In an oxygen-starved environment, the oil polymerizes without the presence of oxygen, which prevents the formation of a skin or film on the surface. This makes stand oil ideal for use in oil painting as it dries slowly, has a high gloss, and enhances the flow and leveling properties of the paint.

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  • 11. 

    Cobalt drier is a:

    • Top drier

    • Through drier

    • Bottom drier

    • Extender

    Correct Answer
    A. Top drier
    Explanation
    Cobalt drier is a "top drier" that induces skinning. Excessive use in painting medium can cause wrinkling, darkening and embrittlement.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following resins cannot be prepared as a painting varnish at room temperature?

    • Damar

    • Styrene

    • Copal

    • Mastic

    Correct Answer
    A. Copal
    Explanation
    Copal must be "run" by heating and dissolved in very hot oil; it will not dissolve in turpentine or mineral spirits at room temperature.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 09, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Mkinsey
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