Hide glue and gelatine both provide a low cost, easily formulated paint which the British call distemper. Diluted with water, it is good for color sketching, as well as for painting. Distemper paintings have lasted for centuries without change.
Ingredients:
| 1 part | hide glue (dry) | |
| ||
| 10 parts | water |
- Leave the glue in water overnight or for a full day.
- Let the glue absorb as much water as it can, then pour off the excess water.
- Warm this swollen glue buy surrounding the container with hot tap water. This will cause it to melt.
- All hide glues should never be heated past 140F. Hence, do not use a double boiler as the glue will be weakened.
How to use:
Work the dry pigments with water into a heavy paste with a pallete knife. Then grind the pigment into the warm solution of glue. Keep the paints warm enough to remain in solution while painting with them, and use the warm water to dilute them. Use a bristle or synthetic brush for painting, applying the paint in thin layers to glue-sized paper, cardboard, panel, or canvas. This method is excellent for alla prima painting and for thin underpainting. To harden and preserve, spray the dried painting with a 10% solution of water and alum.
