Traditional Silverpoint Ground – Premium Surface for Metalpoint Drawing

As low as €30.30
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
550-SPTG
Traditional Silverpoint Ground is a ready-to-use dry mix ground based on Cennini's 15th-century recipe that provides the right abrasive surface for silver and other metal point drawings that are applied to paper or wood.

Traditional Silverpoint Ground is a ready-to-use dry mix ground based on Cennino Cennini's 15th-century recipe that provides the right abrasive surface for silver and other metal point drawings applied to paper or wood.

Traditional Silverpoint Ground is formulated to provide the right absorbency, texture, surface hardness, and excellent adhesion to wood or paper. It contains finely ground calcite (calcium carbonate), titanium dioxide, silica, and rabbit skin glue.

Uses for Traditional Silverpoint Ground

Traditional Silverpoint Ground is best used on rigid supports like wood panels and paper. We recommend using heavyweight paper for the ground. It is also well suited for egg tempera, distemper, watercolor, and oil paint. For oil painting, we recommend applying a thin coat of imprimatura to reduce absorbency and help to prevent sinking in.

The suggested four coats yield an eggshell-like surface that is indescribable to draw on. Traditional Silverpoint Ground can be easily tinted with Rublev Colours Aqueous Pigment Dispersions to achieve colored grounds like those described by Cennino Cennini in his 15th-century treatise. Tint the ground with yellow ocher, indigo, or alizarin crimson to achieve the traditional yellow, blue, and salmon-colored prepared grounds from the Italian Renaissance.

Directions

  • Mix equal parts by volume of dry Traditional Silverpoint Ground into a container with warm water.
  • Stir and allow to stand for at least two hours. It will gel.
  • Place the container in a pot full of hot tap water—no hotter than 65° C (150° F). The gel will liquefy. Be sure that all glue flakes are completely dissolved.
  • Apply the liquid gesso with a broad brush. Allow each coat to dry.
  • Apply at least four coats to produce the best surface for painting. Sand the final coat, if desired, for a smoother surface.
  • The leftover ground can be stored in a jar or other closed container in the refrigerator and warmed the next day for more applications. The ground can be stored for several days at cold temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silverpoint

What is the best ground for silverpoint?

The best ground for silverpoint is a surface with an abrasive texture, such as Traditional Silverpoint Ground. This ground ensures optimal adhesion of metal particles while providing a smooth finish for detailed artwork.

What is silverpoint ground?

Silverpoint ground is a specially formulated coating applied to drawing surfaces to create a slightly abrasive texture. This texture allows silver or other metalpoint tools to deposit metal particles, enabling detailed and precise marks.

What are the disadvantages of silverpoint?

The disadvantages of silverpoint include its limited tonal range, as it primarily produces light gray marks. It is also a challenging medium to correct or erase, and its dependence on specialized grounds can make it less versatile than other mediums.

Is silverpoint a dry medium?

Yes, silverpoint is considered a dry medium because it does not require the use of solvents or liquids. Instead, it relies on the physical deposition of metal particles onto an abrasive surface.

Does silverpoint darken over time?

Yes, silverpoint marks can darken over time due to the natural oxidation of the silver. This gradual change adds a patina-like effect, enhancing the artwork's character and depth.

Can silverpoint be smudged?

No, silverpoint marks cannot be smudged because they are made of metal particles embedded into the surface. This permanence is one of silverpoint’s defining features.

What are the advantages of silverpoint?

The advantages of silverpoint include its ability to produce fine, delicate lines and its durability over time. The medium is ideal for detailed work and has a unique aesthetic quality that cannot be replicated with other materials.

More Information
SKU550-SPTG
BrandRublev Colours
VendorNatural Pigments
Processing TimeUsually ships the next business day.

DANGER! CONTAINS CRYSTALLINE SILICA. Causes lung damage through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation. Do not breathe dust. Read the SDS for all cautionary statements. Conforms to ASTM D 4236.

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H372 Causes damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation.

Safety Designation

P260 Do not breathe dust.

P285 In case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection.

P501 Dispose of contents/containers in accordance with local regulations.

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Below is an approximate guide to shipping costs for locations in Europe. Rates may change without notice.

COUNTRYALPHA-2RATES PER PARCELSCARRIER
0–10 kg>10 kg–30 kg
AustriaAT11,50 €11,50 €DPD
BelgiumBE10,95 €10,95 €DPD
BulgariaBG20,25 €30,25 €FedEx
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBA49,25 €49,25 €DPD
CyprusCY21,80 €29,30 €FedEx
SwitzerlandCH25,85 €42,98 €FedEx
Czech RepublicCZ12,00 €12,00 €DPD
GermanyDE5,50 €5,50 €DPD
DenmarkDK12,00 €12,00 €DPD
SpainES17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
EstoniaEE21,70 €21,70 €DPD
FinlandFI17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
FranceFR14,60 €14,60 €DPD
United KingdomGB– €– €
GreeceGR17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
CroatiaHR29,25 €29,25 €DPD
HungaryHU15,90 €15,90 €DPD
IrelandIE17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
IcelandIS30,70 €62,40 €DHL
ItalyIT15,90 €15,90 €DPD
LiechtensteinLI25,85 €43,00 €FedEx
LithuaniaLT21,70 €21,70 €DPD
LuxembourgLU10,95 €10,95 €DPD
LatviaLV21,70 €21,70 €DPD
MaltaMT21,80 €30,25 €FedEx
MonacoMC15,95 €24,30 €FedEx
NetherlandsNL10,95 €10,95 €DPD
NorwayNO25,85 €43,00 €FedEx
PolandPL14,90 €14,90 €DPD
PortugalPT15,50 €15,50 €DPD
RomaniaRO21,80 €30,25 €FedEx
SerbiaRS49,25 €49,25 €DPD
SlovakiaSK15,90 €15,90 €DPD
SloveniaSI15,90 €15,90 €DPD
SwedenSE15,90 €15,90 €DPD
TurkeyTR27,30 €46,20 €FedEx


Note: Countries in RED type are not members of the European Union.


Postal Service

Shipping (EU and non-EU countries):

Up to 500 grams Tracked: 6,85 €

Up to 1000 grams Tracked: 10,45 €

Up to 2000 grams Tracked: 20,50 €


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Traditional Silverpoint Ground
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