Mixed Media over oil paint?

[JudyS]

I'm doing a mixed media piece and have painted in oil over some modelling paste .

I would like to add some more paste over some of the oil paint (which has been drying for the last week, touch dry).

I know that one shouldn't paint acrylic over oil but if I want to add some paste - do you think I could? Perhaps if I mix it with some oil based glue (as opposed to water based glue) What do you think?

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

[Cyndi L]

This is just my thought, not experience...I'd avoid trying to add anything "lean" over anything "fat". If you can get the paste to mix and combine with oil-based glue, you could certainly give it a try. The problem is that the problems don't always show up right away

[JudyS]

Thanks for the reply Cyndi. I think I'll give it a go anyway - I'll be hanging on to this piece for sure and I can watch and wait!!

[vissi_d_artemaria]

I don't think this will work any better than mixing oil with water. It's essentially the same thing.

Also, oil oxidizes and hardens, it doesn't dry, and it can feel 'dry' to the touch but is still not hard throughout. Depending on how thick the application is and what pigments you used, it may not be entirely cured yet.

'Fat over lean' is the rule. Perhaps there is a medium or sealer that will allow the type of application you're wanting to do, but I don't know what it would be.

You might call Gamblin. They are to oils and alkyds what Golden is to acrylic, and they might know of or have something. There are impasto pastes that can be used with oils (like thick gel mediums for acrylics can be mixed with acrylic paint) but I don't know if they can be used alone for a modeling paste effect, or if they could be applied over oil paint.

I think Windsor Newton makes a gel paste for oils, but I don't know if it would do what you're trying to do.

But I don't think an acrylic paste over oils will work over time and there will at some point be a failure between your layers.

[JudyS]

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. It certainly makes sense, I think I might try emailing Gamblin and see what they say but I may just put this down to experience.

[vissi_d_artemaria]

Originally Posted by JudyS

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. It certainly makes sense, I think I might try emailing Gamblin and see what they say but I may just put this down to experience.

Have done that many times myself. Mixed Media inspires experimentation. I've had some substrate adventures for sure.

I always view them as future reference experiences.

Take a pic and let us see your piece!

[JudyS]

I added some stucco paste mixed with vinyl glue after sanding down the work I'd done previously I actually found I liked the effect of the sanding and so I've painted over that and now waiting for the undercoat to dry! When this is done I'm going to add a few more layers especially to the old wall and will sand when dry to hopefully give a crumbling effect. When all this is done (phew!) I am hoping to varnish it (eventually) with a heavy varnish to seal the whole lot - polyurethane I'm thinking unless anyone shouts STOP! I'll then hang it up and watch it for the next few years!!

Attached is the WIP (I hope!)

[Cyndi L]

Since I don't know, I won't shout stop, but I will say that it is very beautiful!

[JudyS]

Thank you Cyndi - I'm really enjoying it and I'll post the finished piece eventually.

[Edradour]

In the UK (and presumably Ireland) domestic acrylic paint is called 'vinyl' - so that is acrylic over ~whatever~
Since you sanded down first, you may get away with it

I agree with Cyndi - looks lovely

[JudyS]

Thank you Edradour. That's good to know Vinyl=Acrylic based. So having sanded it first, I may get away with it as you say. I've decided to keep this piece in any event and so I'll keep my eyes peeled for the peeling paint!! I wonder would the polyurethane varnish seal it enough? Again, I'll experiment with that too. Many thanks for your interest.

[debi-d]

nice.