Re: Paper for Oil Painting

[pete <temperaprint@blueyonder.co.uk>]

Witho

Please find a section from my book Creative Sunprinting that has been
slightly up dated

 
 Matrix base material
 
 One of the main problems in oil printing is obtaining a gelatine coated
base material suitable for the process. Originally, a paper known as double
transfer, as used in the carbon printing process, was the recognised base
material, but as carbon materials are now very difficult to obtain,
substitutes must be found.
 
 Normal photographic paper is useless, as it is supercoated and includes
hardening agents. Most matt photographic papers, such as Kentmere's art
document photographic paper, can be used as they are nonsupercoated.
Unfortunately, these papers contain a high proportion of starch grains to
give the matt look to the surface of the paper, resulting in a gelatine
layer which is very thin and dry to work with.
 
 Ideally, the matrix should be rich in gelatine which is only just
insoluble, very soft and jelly like in character, so that, when conditioned,
it holds a great deal of water in the highlight tonal areas. A matrix in
this condition will give a print of long density range rich in tonal
quality.
 
 Homemade matrix material is the answer to this problem. Make a solution of
approximately 15% dry cooking gelatine in hot water. Coat this gelatine
solution whilst still hot onto a good quality Watercolour paper such as
Fabrinarno Artistica 300 GMS or the back of used photographic prints. Use a
large paintbrush or four inch foam roller. Place on a level surface to cool
and set, then dry in a very gentle stream of warm air at no more than 30C
(86F) or the gelatine will reliquefy and simply drip off the paper. Once the
paper is dry, store for future use in a dry atmosphere. This material should
prove to be more than adequate for the production of oilprints, but a more
rugged material will need to be made for oil transfer work, owing to the
fact that the matrix has to pass through the press, where it can be damaged
very easily.
 


I have sent the whole chapter as an attachment to you off list as it is
rather large hope this helps

Pete