Using Oil Bars

OIL BARS

Oil Bars are fundamentally different from oil pastels or oil crayons due to their unique formulation. Each of the colours are produced by combining artists' quality pigments with Linseed Oil, into which are blended specially selected waxes.

Using Oil Bars

To start using the Oil Bar simply wipe away the thin surface film which forms as the Oil Bar dries. The Oil Bar softens & flows as pressure is applied. They may be applied directly to the canvas so that nothing comes between artist and the surface to which it is applied.

This allows the artist to draw a continuous line of rich colour to create traditional sketches or abstract images.

Painting Surface

The Oil Bar can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, canvas & board. The surface should be sized and primed in the same way as for any oil-based product.

Compatibility

Oil Bars can be intermixed with traditional oil colours, oil pastels etc whilst painting and can be used with all types of mediums formulated for use with oil colours.

Drying Time

Subject to variation the oil colour will generally be touch dry in 2 to 7 days. The outer film of the remaining Oil Bar will reform after 2 to 5 days.

Canvas - Priming the Canvas

Priming

Canvases can be primed with either oil or acrylic primer. Acrylic primer is more versatile, flexible and, when applied properly, forms a good, non-acidic barrier between the paint and the canvas.

When dry, oil or water-based paints can be used on its surface. For extra protection a soft gel size can be applied before the coats of primer. There are many gels, which can be directly applied on top of the primer which will give various surface effects prior to painting.

If a permanent, safe, flexible surface is required, use materials designed for artists.  Do not be tempted to use emulsion or any other household paints. They may be cheaper, but they are designed for rigid substrates and will eventually crack and fade, ruining your artwork.

Tools for the Job
A brush or a roller.
A plastic container.
Some fine grade wet or dry paper.

or the first coat of primer, mix about 10% water to the primer in a separate container and stir well.

For larger canvases a roller will give a more even surface.
If using a brush, ensure the primer is worked thoroughly into the surface.

Apply the first coat in one direction only.

Allow at least 6 hours to dry.
If a smooth surface is required, sand down with a fine grade wet or dry paper between coats.

When thoroughly dry, brush the second coat at 90 degrees to the first and all other layers at 90 degrees to the previous layer.

A minimum of three coats is recommended.
For a smoother surface apply more coats giving a light sanding between coats.

Canvas - Stretching a Canvas

Tools for the Job

A tape measure.

A tack hammer.

A wooden mallet.

A staple gun (but 3/8" bayonet tacks can be used).

Knock the stretcher bars together with the mallet to form the required dimensions. If you have chosen a larger stretcher, the cross-bar should also be added.

Cut the canvas with an extra 2" each side. Place the canvas face down on a clean, flat surface. Then place the frame onto the canvas with the raised lip of the stretcher face down.

Centre the frame and check that the weave of the canvas runs parallel to the stretcher bars.

Starting on one side of the smaller sides, fasten the canvas to the stretcher with one tack in the centre of the bar. The tack should be placed about ½” from the edge of the canvas. Then follow the sequence for each side shown in the diagram.
The canvas needs to be pulled and held reasonably taut before each tack is secured.

Beginning on one of the longer lengths, tack the canvas to the bar in the sequence shown.

The tacks should be about 2 – 3” apart. Remember to keep the canvas pulled taut.

When one side is secured, repeat the procedure in the sequence shown.

Tack the smaller sides to about 3” from the corner, this allows room to fold and neaten the canvas.

Fold the corners as if making a bed (i.e. nurses corners).  

Tack each corner in turn.

Place the wooden wedges into the slots in the inside edge of the stretcher bars.

Adjust the tension of the canvas by gently knocking the wedges with the tack hammer.

The wedges are used to make final adjustments. Only slight alterations to the canvas tension can be made at this stage.

Canvas

Cotton Duck Canvas

Cotton Duck Canvas is the economical ground for oils and acrylics. Available in 9 oz or the heavier weight 12oz. Much less expensive than the traditional linen. Cotton represents good value good durability and toughness. Two coats of acrylic or gesso primer are required or alternatively cotton duck can be primed in the traditional manner using rabbit skin glue.

Painting Board

For oil and acrylic painting. Acrylic primed. A ready primed canvas covered panel with turned edges. Medium grain surface.