Oil Painting Varnishes And Mediums
Test your knowledge of varnishes, oils and thinners used in the craft of oil painting.
- 1.
Which of the following is NOT a plant-derived gum/resin?
- A.
Damar
- B.
Mastic
- C.
Shellac
- D.
Copal
Correct Answer
C. ShellacExplanation
Genuine shellac is derived from insects.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following is a function of varnish in a painting medium?
- A.
Improve tack
- B.
Impart even gloss
- C.
Retain wet appearance of colors
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Varnish serves multiple functions in a painting medium. Firstly, it improves tack, which refers to the ability of the paint to adhere to the surface. Secondly, it imparts an even gloss, giving the painting a uniform and attractive finish. Lastly, varnish helps retain the wet appearance of colors, preventing them from drying out and losing their vibrancy. Therefore, all of the given options are correct functions of varnish in a painting medium.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Rags saturated with linseed oil can spontaneously combust, even without an outside flame or heat source.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Stand oil is:
- A.
Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-starved environment
- B.
Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-rich environment
- C.
A blend of oils thickened by exposure to the sun
- D.
Linseed oil that has been left to stand until thick
Correct Answer
A. Linseed oil that has been heat-polymerized in an oxygen-starved environmentExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Retouch varnish can be applied to an oil painting that is dry to the touch, but not yet completely (6+ months) dry.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Retouch Varnish offers uniform gloss and protection from dust for paintings that are not yet dry enough for a final picture varnish.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is NOT a desirable property of a picture varnish?
- A.
Not removable
- B.
Removable
- C.
Optically clear
- D.
Neutral in color
Correct Answer
A. Not removableExplanation
A picture varnish should be removable with light-duty solvents to facilitate cleaning and conservation.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the purpose of alkali refinement of linseed oil?
- A.
Improve shelf stability
- B.
Remove free fatty acids and mucilage
- C.
Render expeller-pressed oil suitable for artistic use
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following resins cannot be prepared as a painting varnish at room temperature?
- A.
Damar
- B.
Styrene
- C.
Copal
- D.
Mastic
Correct Answer
C. CopalExplanation
Copal must be "run" by heating and dissolved in very hot oil; it will not dissolve in turpentine or mineral spirits at room temperature.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Matte varnish can be applied over gloss varnish.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Cobalt drier is a:
- A.
Top drier
- B.
Through drier
- C.
Bottom drier
- D.
Extender
Correct Answer
A. Top drierExplanation
Cobalt drier is a "top drier" that induces skinning. Excessive use in painting medium can cause wrinkling, darkening and embrittlement.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Alkyd resins are made from vegetable oils.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Alkyds are made from soybean or other oils.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Working in a "couch" of medium refers to:
- A.
Painting into a thin layer of painting medium on the canvas
- B.
Mixing into a large pile of medium on the palette
Correct Answer
A. Painting into a thin layer of painting medium on the canvasExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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