Acrylic over Oils?

[RachelG*]

I think the question at hand is pretty obvious..but I've got a few paintings I have to finish by Thursday (for class) and they're just not drying in time. Can I paint acrylic over the oils I've already laid down? That way I can actually finish these things!
I'm not sure if it'll affect the longevity of the painting or have any other negative reactions..Anyone?

Thanks!!

[stapeliad]

No, it's a really BAD idea to paint acrylic over oils.....as they dry the oils underneath will destroy your top layers (cracking, delamination, etc)

Put the painting in a warm dry area...by a heater would be good. NOT in the oven. (People have previously asked LOL)

If you have to do quick oils for class that have to dry, you may consider using Liquin.

Good luck!

[wabbitt]

I think you already know the answer: acrylic over oils is not recommended...it'll peel...violates fat over lean...etc.

But what popped into my head is you imply the oil is still wet so I'd like to know how you would get acrylic to stick at all. If it were me I'd paint oils very thick over what I got, maybe even applied with a knife. I'd show it (final critique?) wet. No points off where I take classes for final critique with wet paint, most of the oil students show that way. Just my opinion.

[RachelG*]

Oven, huh? I'd never thought of that..what a strange idea!
My concern isn't having the paintings dry by the critique, but rather having them dry by that evening when I have to move home! Maybe I'll just stick them in storage at a friends' house or something...but I guess I won't try acrylic over oils.

[CareyG]

There are ways you can transport wet paintings fairly easily.

Look into pre-made wet canvas carriers for one. You can build your own box that will not allow the painting surface to touch anything. Or you can use a super cheap frame from Walmart, etc, cover the opening with board, and secure the painting in the frame just as you would if it were to hang. (I've made plein air transport boxes this way and it's quite easy--the only thing is, of course, the edges of the painting will be touched by the frame. You can either plan for this as you paint, making the paint thinner there, or you can allow the paint to be smudged and clean it up from the frame and retouch the painting when you get home, which should be easy enough to do if it really is still wet, especially as the edges are usually not all that important and, if framed, will be covered when shown, anyway.) You can also transport them in their original frames (if they're in them) by covering up the front with board and tape.

~!Carey

[Howard Metzenberg]

You can use what is called a retouching varnish to seal an oil painting that is dry to the touch, but not dry enough to apply a final varnish.

Retouching varnishes
http://www.dickblick.com/varnishes/retouching_varnish

The retouching varnish can be left in place when a final varnish is applied, or it can be removed.

Howard Metzenberg
Blick Art Materials
Highland Park, IL

[JamieWG]

I'd suggest completing the painting with alkyd paints, like Winsor Newton Griffin.

Jamie

[RachelG*]

Huh! Thanks for all the info! That plein aire box sounds really neat.
Is it okay to blow-dry a painting with a hair dryer?

[stapeliad]

You'll be blow-drying for a long time...remember that oils dry by oxidation, not evaporation.

But even if nothing was added, regular oils should be dry to touch in a few days' time...unless you have a lot of white.