Home › Forums › Explore Media › Oil Painting › Soften dried paint?
- This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 11 months ago by Dave Johnson.
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May 8, 2012 at 10:20 pm #989670
I did something unintended (as is most of what I do :rolleyes: ) by using a finger to soften edges on a part of a boat that is in shadow. I was really intrigued by the result. However, now the part of the boat that is in sun, looks odd because the paint is applied with a brush and not softened.
It has dried for a week already, and is quite dry to the touch. Can I wet this part with linseed oil and get it to where I can soften the edges and the surfaces with a fingertip?
May 9, 2012 at 12:30 am #1162293Hi there…
I’m sorry to have to tell you this…Unless the layer is really thick and has only skinned over (it would still feel mushy underneath), once oil paint is dry, it’s dry forever. Oil paint polymerizes when it dries which means that the chemical composition of the dry oil is different from the wet. If it is dry to the touch it is too late to rewet it with linseed oil or even turpentine. Turpentine on a rag might take a little color off the surface, but it won’t rewet it to the point where it’s workable again.
The best way to fix your painting is to repaint the boat on top of the dried layer. Hope this helps and good luck!
Jason
Jason
"Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Therefore, I believe we should be economical with it." —Mark Twain
http://www.WalcottFineArt.comMay 9, 2012 at 1:24 pm #1162295Thanks Jason, for saving me a futile attempt. So perhaps scrape/sand it down? There’s some thick layers of paint on the side of the boat, I think I’ll sand it and try again.
This is so interesting, this entire learning process.
May 9, 2012 at 3:30 pm #1162294Hi Toril,
If you haven’t already sanded it down, maybe first try painting on top because what might happen is if you get down to the canvas you may find it looks odd too because there is only one layer of paint and all around it is more that may not blend in w/the rest of the painting. It is really hard to say too, because I don’t have a painting to see. lol
gracehttp://gediehl.fineartstudioonline.com/
http://graceediehl.blogspot.com/
C&C's are always welcome. medium:)oilsMay 9, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1162296Grace, the layer that is finger blended has less paint on it – it’s too thick where it’s not blended, so I think sanding will work out. Only time will tell, but it will be an experience nonetheless. Not a crucial part of the picture, fortunately.
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