Boiled oils, particularly boiled linseed oil, are a cornerstone in the history and practice of oil painting. These oils have played a crucial role in the development of painting techniques, influencing the durability, appearance, and longevity of artwork. For artists, understanding the properties and best practices for using boiled oils is essential for mastering their craft.
The featured illustration above is an example of the many paint recipe books published describing the use of combinations of siccative, such as combinations of several siccatives (driers) found in the “Haus-und Kunst-Übung” of 1715, where the illustrated recipe begins with a list of the siccatives: “Take burnt lime 4. loth, massicot 4. loth, white vitriol 2. loth, Venetian glass 2. loth. […].”
The Evolution of Boiled Oils
Boiled oils have a long and storied history in the art world. Originally, the term “boiled oil” referred to linseed oil that had been heated to a high temperature, often with the addition of drying agents such as lead or manganese oxides. This process enhanced the oil’s drying properties, making it more suitable for use in paints. Historical texts reveal that boiled oils were often dark, thick, and possessed a strong odor, characteristics that were once considered indicative of a high-quality product.
Steam-jacketed pans were used to prepare pale boiled linseed oil. This method became widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Prior to this method, raw oil was boiled for many hours in large open pots over an open flame.
Early 20th-century Installation for boiling oil by super-heated steam.
Over time, the methods of producing boiled oil evolved. By the early 20th century, advancements in chemistry and manufacturing led to more refined processes. Boiled oil was no longer simply heated; instead, manufacturers began incorporating metal salts directly into the oil, sometimes without heating it at all. This method, often referred to as “treated” linseed oil, allowed for better control over the oil’s consistency, color, and drying time.
Properties of Boiled Linseed Oil
Boiled linseed oil is distinct from its raw counterpart in several key ways. Incorporating metallic salts such as lead, manganese, or cobalt significantly accelerates the drying process. While raw linseed oil might take several days to dry, boiled linseed oil can dry within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the specific formulation.
This accelerated drying is due to the catalytic action of the metallic salts, which absorb oxygen from the air and transfer it to the oil. As a result, the oil oxidizes and polymerizes more quickly, forming a durable, lustrous film. This film, however, can be brittle if the oil is used alone, which is why it is often mixed with raw linseed oil to maintain a balance between hardness and flexibility.
Boiled linseed oil typically has a higher viscosity than raw oil, giving it a slightly thicker consistency that can influence the texture of the paint. Depending on the processing methods and the type of drier used, the color of boiled linseed oil can range from pale yellow to reddish-brown. For artists working with light colors, choosing a pale, less viscous oil is advisable to avoid discoloration.
Best Practices for Artists
Choosing the Right Boiled Oil: Artists should select a boiled linseed oil that suits their specific needs. A quick-drying boiled oil is recommended for fast-drying applications, such as underpainting or working with slow-drying pigments like blacks. For top layers or final glazes, a slower-drying oil might be preferable to allow for better blending and manipulation.
Mixing with Pigments: When mixing boiled oil with pigments, it’s important to consider the oil’s acid number and compatibility with the pigment. High-acid oils can cause pigments to “liver” or prematurely thicken, leading to unwanted texture and difficulty in application. Using a non-reactive pigment can mitigate this issue.
Application Techniques: Boiled oil is ideal for creating a hard, glossy finish, but it can also lead to cracking if used excessively or without proper layering. To avoid this, artists should apply boiled oil in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next. Mixing boiled oil with raw linseed oil in a ratio that suits the desired drying time and finish can also help achieve a more durable paint film.
Conservation Considerations: Paintings created with boiled linseed oil are known for their durability, but they can be prone to yellowing over time, especially if exposed to sunlight. To minimize this, it is advisable to store finished works in a stable environment, avoiding direct light and extreme humidity.
Use of Boiled Oil in Oil Painting
Boiled oils, especially boiled linseed oil, are invaluable to artists because they enhance the drying time, durability, and finish of oil paints. By understanding the properties of these oils and employing best practices in their use, artists can achieve superior results in their paintings. Whether working on a quick sketch or a detailed masterpiece, boiled oils offer the versatility and performance needed to bring your artistic vision to life.
Bibliography
Bureau of Standards. (1919). Recommended Specification for Linseed Oil - Raw, Refined, and Boiled. Department of Commerce.
Hurst, G. H. (1892). Painters' Colours, Oils and Varnishes: A Practical Manual. C. Griffin.
Van den Berg, J. D. J. (2002). Analytical Chemical Studies on Traditional Oil Paints. PhD thesis, Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences.
Towles, M. L. (1922). Linseed Oil and its Oxidation Products. Electronic Theses and Dissertations.
The Modern Use of Pale Drying Oil and Gel in Oil Painting
Pale Drying Oil and Pale Drying Gel from Natural Pigments are essential tools for painters seeking the perfect balance of drying time, texture, and durability in their oil paintings. These products are rooted in the long tradition of using boiled oils but represent a significant advancement through scientific formulation and the precise addition of driers, offering artists superior control over their medium.
The Benefits of Pale Drying Oil
Pale Drying Oil is a modern evolution of traditional boiled linseed oil, explicitly designed to meet the needs of contemporary artists. This oil is made by heating well-settled, filtered raw linseed oil sourced from select North American flax seeds. The oil is combined with liquid driers under controlled, low-temperature conditions. This process yields a pale oil with a viscosity comparable to refined and cold-pressed linseed oils, making it an excellent choice for artists who require a fast-drying medium that does not compromise clarity or texture.
One of the primary advantages of Pale Drying Oil is its ability to accelerate the drying time of oil paints significantly. Traditional linseed oils can take several days to dry, but the scientific addition of driers in Pale Drying Oil reduces this time to as little as 16 hours. This makes it an invaluable addition to an artist’s toolkit, particularly for those working on layered techniques or requiring quicker turnaround times between layers.
Moreover, the pale color of this oil ensures that it does not darken over time, preserving the vibrancy and integrity of the colors used. It can be mixed directly with oil paints or added to painting mediums to achieve a faster drying time without risking the addition of excessive driers, which can lead to cracking or other undesirable effects in the paint film.
The Unique Qualities of Pale Drying Gel
Pale Drying Gel offers a different yet complementary set of benefits. This firm oil gel medium is also derived from well-settled, filtered linseed oil and incorporates fumed silica to create a gel that thickens the oil while retaining its fast-drying properties. The inclusion of driers in the formulation further enhances its drying capabilities.
Pale Drying Gel is particularly useful for artists who wish to add transparency to their oil colors without thinning the paint’s consistency. This quality is crucial for techniques such as glazing, where maintaining the body of the paint is essential for achieving the desired visual effects. Additionally, the gel can be used to create impasto effects, adding texture and dimension to a painting without the risk of the paint sinking in or losing its form.
The controlled drying time of the Pale Drying Gel, which can be as quick as 24 hours, allows artists to build up layers more rapidly, facilitating complex compositions and detailed work. Furthermore, the gel’s stability ensures it does not cause flow-out or leveling of brushstrokes, preserving the artist’s intended textures and finishes.
Integrating Pale Drying Oil and Gel into Your Practice
When combined, Pale Drying Oil and Pale Drying Gel provide a versatile and powerful set of tools for the modern artist. Whether you are working on the underpainting, final glazes, or textured impasto techniques, these products offer the flexibility and performance needed to execute your artistic vision with precision and confidence.
For best results, use these products sparingly and experiment with different ratios to find the ideal balance for your specific techniques. Always consider the drying times and adjust your application methods accordingly to avoid potential issues such as cracking or uneven drying.
Pale Drying Oil and Pale Drying Gel represent the cutting edge of artist materials, combining the rich history of boiled oils with modern scientific advancements. Their carefully crafted formulations provide artists with enhanced drying times, consistent textures, and lasting durability, making them indispensable for traditional and contemporary painting practices. By integrating these products into your work, you can achieve results that are technically superior and creatively satisfying.
These products, built on the foundation of boiled oils but refined through modern technology, offer a unique advantage to artists striving for excellence in their craft. As you explore their possibilities, you will find that they are not just materials but tools that can significantly enhance the quality and depth of your artistic expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is boiled linseed oil used for in painting?
Boiled linseed oil is used in painting to speed up the drying time of oil paints. It provides a durable and lustrous finish, which is ideal for underpainting and glazing techniques. In the past, artists used boiled or siccative linseed oil to improve the consistency and flow of their paints, ensuring a smooth application while preserving the vibrancy of the colors.
How does boiled linseed oil differ from raw linseed oil?
Boiled linseed oil differs from raw linseed oil in that it contains added metallic driers, significantly reducing drying time. Raw linseed oil can take several days to dry, while boiled linseed oil typically dries within 16 to 24 hours. Additionally, boiled linseed oil has a slightly higher viscosity and a darker color than raw linseed oil.
Is boiled linseed oil safe to use in oil painting?
Yes, boiled linseed oil is safe to use in oil painting when handled properly. Rags or paper towels used with boiled linseed oil should be disposed of carefully, as they can spontaneously combust if not handled properly.
Can I use boiled linseed oil for all types of pigments?
Boiled linseed oil can be used with most pigments; however, care should be taken with pigments that may react with the oil’s acidity. Using non-reactive pigments can help avoid issues such as “livering,” where the paint thickens too quickly. Testing the compatibility of the oil with specific pigments is recommended to ensure optimal results.
What is the difference between Pale Drying Oil and traditional boiled linseed oil?
Pale Drying Oil is a modern formulation of boiled linseed oil specifically designed to be pale in color and to dry quickly without compromising the quality of the finish. Unlike traditional boiled linseed oil, which can be darker and more viscous, Pale Drying Oil contains driers that enhance drying times while maintaining a consistency similar to refined linseed oil.
How do I use Pale Drying Gel in my paintings?
Pale Drying Gel can be added directly to your oil paints to increase transparency and speed up drying times. It is particularly useful for creating glazes or impasto effects without thinning the paint. When using Pale Drying Gel, apply it sparingly to avoid drying cracks in the paint layers. It is also excellent for maintaining brushstroke textures, as it does not cause the paint to level out.
What are the best practices for storing boiled linseed oil and related products?
Boiled linseed oil and related products like Pale Drying Oil and Gel should be stored in a cool, dry place with the container tightly closed. It is important to prevent contamination and avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which can degrade the quality of the oil. Always ensure that rags or paper towels used with these oils are stored in an airtight metal container or are properly disposed of to prevent spontaneous combustion.
