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Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth
I get this sinking in of upper dark layers even when the layer I'm painting on is dry to the touch, after a week or so of drying. Hmmm.....
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Hmm..... My post is based on traditional knowledge from the house painters craft that I have been taught and included theoretical teaching on school.
When a painted surface looks matte it is because the oil content is low compared to the pigments. This is seen when the paint is lean or the oil has disappeared down into the ground or when the paint has been added mineral spirit that had evaporated.
Imagine a shallow water with stones under the water. The stones will show their real colors when wet. But on low tide the stones get dry and look different.
Dark pigments that are matte will get relative lighter than light pigments. Also some earth colors need more oil to stay covered.
I was told that linseed oil will dry over a longer period. First within a couple of days and then it will bleed (get soft) and harden even more. Later it will bleed again. This process takes place in longer and longer intervals and progress over years. Incredible but true.
The linseed oil will obtain water from moist in the air or the wood, it is painted on, and let it through.
Linseed oil has the smallest molecules of all medias and will swell when drying. That is what makes it superior as a painting media because it secures a solid adherence.
That might also be the reason why it is so forgiving to us painters and all our different practices.
Allan