Instructions
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Dorland’s Wax Medium is a mixture of waxes and resin to be mixed with oil paint, powdered pigments, powdered metals,
colored sands, dyes and other compatible fine art materials. The proportions of medium to pigment depend largely on the
characteristics of the pigment and the desires of the artist.
NOTE: If using more than 1/3 cold wax medium to 2/3 oil paints, a rigid support such as a wood panel should be used.
Paintings may crack on canvas because of the flexibility of the surface.Oil Painting: Mix 10%-25% wax medium to 90%-75% oil paint.
Oil Painting and Cold Wax Techniques
Mix desired proportions of wax medium with oil colors or dry pigments. (Some common ratios are 10% - 25% was to 90% - 75% oil
paint for oil painting; and 30% - 50% wax to 70% to 50% oil paint for more impasto techniques. However, as stated before,
the proportions are flexible and depend on the effect the artist is trying to achieve).
Apply at room temperature using a brush or palette knife. The translucent wax allows light to penetrate into the paint body
giving richness and vibrancy of tone. Cold wax paintings dry and cure faster than pure oil paintings, and may be polished when dry if desired.
Hot Wax Painting
We do not recommend using Dorland’s for hot wax painting because of the possibility of fire and the release of toxic fumes when the solvent is heated.
Mixed Media
Wax is unlimited in this technique. Thinned washes or thick translucent impastos of Dorland’s Wax Medium may be applied over drawn or
painted artwork, or combined with a wide variety of media; dry or dispersed pigments, metallic powders, tempera powders, paper, wood, etc.
A Masonite or wood panel with a gesso ground makes an excellent support. Use the wax for over painting, glazing, finishing, as a resist, etc.
Glazing and Thinning
Use turpentine and/or poppy seed oil for thinning or glazing to desired consistency. Adding Damar Varnish or other good quality artist’s varnish
will increase gloss and improve brushability. Other additives such as cobalt drying agents, etc., can be experimented with in conjunction with
Dorland’s, but may take away the characteristics of the wax.
Other Uses for Dorland’s Wax Medium
Dorland’s Wax Medium is a museum-quality, matte finish protective coating. It is unsurpassed for cleaning and preserving antiques, woodcarvings,
bronze, plastics, and other items worth protecting. For use over paintings photos, picture frames apply by rubbing wax over surface. Let harden
for up to several days then buff with soft cloth.
