Because glaze is used in relatively small amounts, you should use the smallest containers available, so long as you’re able to get the proportions right. Empty and cleaned baby food jars (about 2 to 4 ounces) are a good size to use. Poppy seed oil, walnut oil and other types of linseed oil will work as well. However, these alternatives result in slightly yellowing your painting. Mineral spirits may be used in lieu of turpentine if you don’t have turpentine available.
Use caution when handling the linseed oil, since it is highly flammable. If you use any rags to wipe up linseed oil, avoid simply throwing them in the trash since they can spontaneously combust. Instead, soak any linseed oil rags in jar filled with water and take them to a local hazardous waste site for disposal. [3] X Research source The jar used for mixing should be cleaned out and dried prior to mixing anything. Choose a small jar so that your glazing medium isn’t exposed to too much air which could cause it to dry out more quickly.
Linseed oil is quite thick so you’ll need less oil in comparison to the amount of turpentine needed.
Avoid shaking the glaze. Vigorous shaking will introduce air bubbles into your glaze which could be transferred to your paint. Air bubbles will cause your paint to dry poorly.
Glazes will also respond differently based on the makeup of the paint you are using.
All of these ingredients may be found at a local arts and crafts supplies store. This will make about 4 ounces of damar varnish glaze. Depending on how heavily you apply your glaze, this may be too much. Consider making half of this amount and making more as needed.
If you use any rags to wipe up linseed oil, avoid simply throwing them in the trash since they can spontaneously combust. Instead, soak any linseed oil rags in jar filled with water and take them to a local hazardous waste site for disposal. [8] X Research source
Don’t shake the jar too much before using it. Vigorous shaking will introduce air bubbles into your glaze which could be transferred to your paint. Instead, stir the glaze right before using it.
Look for oil of spike lavender at most fine art supply stores.
Make sure to keep it separate from other paints and mixtures.
You should use a high-quality artist’s brush in order to get the best effects from your glaze.
Using poppy seed oil, for instance, will result in a yellow tinge, which may be desired if you want your painting to look artificially aged.
You can also apply several light layers of glaze so you have more control. If you apply multiple layers, you may need to mix up more glaze.
When stored in an airtight jar, glazing medium will last several weeks up to a few months. If exposed to air, your glaze will dry out.
