Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground

Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground for Oil and Alkyd Painting — High Pigment Content, Crack Resistant

Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground is a blend of white pigments in alkyd for a semi-absorbent ground ideal for oil and alkyd painting. It is formulated for priming non-absorbent rigid supports, such as ACM or copper. Still, it can also be used on absorbent rigid supports, such as solid wood or hardboard, or canvas mounted on rigid supports. While it is best applied to rigid supports, it can be applied to stretched canvas. Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground typically dries within eight hours.

Rublev Colours Lead Alkyd Ground has a high concentration of pigments, so usually, only two coats are necessary, but more coats create a smoother, less absorbent surface. Apply directly onto ACM or copper panels with the recommended preparation below or onto wood surfaces. Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground is an excellent foundation for oil and alkyd paints.

The essential characteristics that grounds should have are (1) adhesion, 2) flexibility, 3) penetration control, 4) a type of surface to which upper layers can adhere well, 5) blister and crack resistance, and 6) good application properties. Careful selection of ingredients in an oil ground is essential to impart these qualities to the ground. Ground natural calcite (calcium carbonate) in combination with lead white (basic lead carbonate) and a maximum chalk-resistant grade of rutile titanium dioxide have proven to be an excellent choice of pigments in such grounds.

Pigments

We make Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground using all three white pigments: calcite, lead white, and titanium white in just the right proportions to make a flexible, tough film with some absorbency.

The dry ground calcite in Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground has a closely controlled particle size distribution. This grade of calcite is designed to provide the lowest possible oil absorption. It offers the desired penetration control with maximum chalk resistance. Calcite aids in forming the type of surface on grounds to which upper layers will adhere easily.

Lead white, and to a lesser degree, ground calcite, have low water absorption properties and hence develop better blister and crack resistance. Furthermore, lead white contributes to more film flexibility.

The presence of titanium white increases the opacity of this ground and provides a brilliant white surface. We have selected a grade of titanium white with good hiding and excellent dispersion properties.

Does Not Contain Zinc Oxide

Many manufacturers use zinc white (zinc oxide) to get a brighter white in their grounds and paint. Zinc oxide is not recommended in oil grounds since it tends to cause blistering and cracking in oil paint and grounds—we have not used any zinc in this product.

Vehicle

After many trials, we have chosen a specific alkyd with limited oil penetration into absorbent substrates to maintain sufficient holdout, establish a good foundation for the upper layers, and ensure good adhesion to non-absorbent substrates. This alkyd provides the best possible leveling properties, minimizing brush and knife marks.

As part of the vehicle, Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground contains mineral spirits to provide the right fluid consistency and to hasten drying.

Driers

A blend of cobalt, zirconium, and calcium driers has been added to ensure rapid drying once it is applied.

Storage

Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground contains an anti-skinning agent to prevent skinning and drying in the can during storage. If kept tightly closed, the contents can be expected to last indefinitely, but we recommend purchasing only an amount that can be used within one year.

Directions

STIR WELL BEFORE USING.

Brush Application

Using a bristle brush, apply the first Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground coat evenly across the panel's surface. Remove any excess and smooth the surface with a brush or palette knife. Let it dry completely—hard dry. Apply at least one more coat by repeating the process. Allow the panel to dry thoroughly before painting.

Roller Application

Apply with a foam roller (not a nap roller) for an eggshell finish. Foam rollers produce the smoothest finish and are ideal for use on ACM. Apply a thin coat with the foam roller and make it slightly tacky. Smooth the ground with the foam roller without loading more ground.

It is unnecessary to dilute Rublev Lead Alkyd Ground, but it can be thinned with mineral spirits, odorless mineral spirits (OMS), or turpentine. For best results, do not over-dilute.

Preparing Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) For Priming

Note: Use only the coated side of the panel for painting and mounting.

• Remove the protective film from the coated side slowly and carefully to avoid static build-up.

• Clean the panel surface with denatured ethyl or isopropyl alcohol using a non-colored, lint-free cloth for best results. It is essential not to use solvents, soaps, or liquid cleaning materials as they may leave a film residue that can affect adhesion. Additionally, cleaners containing silicone can interfere with adhesion and are not recommended. A solution of isopropyl or denatured alcohol is recommended as the cleaning material.

• Scuff the surface with abrasive paper, preferably using a grain size of 360 grit. Do not grind through the coating to the aluminum metal.

• Remove dust with a lint-free cloth moistened with denatured or isopropyl alcohol.

• For priming, please follow the directions above.

Hints for Better Priming Results on ACM

• Acclimate the panel to room temperature before use—especially when the panel has been stored at a low temperature.

• Avoid fluctuating humidity and dry environments—this can lead to static build-up.

• Do not touch panel surfaces with bare hands, and do not allow any liquid cleaning materials or solvents (except denatured or isopropyl alcohol) to dry on the panel surface.

• If the panel has a protective film, this should be removed slowly and carefully to avoid static build-up.

• For best results, sweep the panel surface with ionized air before painting or mounting and consistently apply measures to reduce static build-up.

• Do not subject the ACM panel to heat exceeding a maximum of 80° C (175° F).