Friday, September 9, 2011

The oil painting scraper and turpentine that we need

The scraper, sometimes called by dealers canvas erasers, are very sharp, small blades of curved steel which are used to scrape down the inequalities of the paint when it has been very thickly laid on. Sand-paper is also used for this purpose, but it must be of a very fine quality, and wet before using.  A sharp palette knife held sidewise, is sometimes used to scrape down the paint instead of sand-paper or scraper. It is well to have all these things at hand, however, if possible A good two-inch steel scraper or "canvas eraser," costs 50 cents.

Refined spirits of turpentine is used in the first painting, being mixed with the colors to make them dry quickly. Turpentine is sometimes used to dip brushes in while painting, to clean them off. After the day's work is finished, however, the brushes should always be washed in soap and water; to wash them only in turpentine will surely spoil them.

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