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Jennifer Bogartz · 09-01-2008, 03:16 PM

I have several paintings that are painted in oil on paper and cardboard that were primed with shellac (one side of the paper only). The paintings were done in one session, alla prima, with little to no medium (walnut oil). I believe the paint I was using was M. Graham oil paints and I didn't use any turpentine. The paintings were done at least 6 years ago and they have never been varnished. I had them stacked on top of one another on a shelf. I looked at them recently and noticed a waxy looking film on most of the paintings, in spots, not over the entire painting. It only seems to have happened on the paintings that I did on shellacked paper and cardboard, my canvases don't have this problem. The waxy/dull looking stuff seems to rub away with just my finger. I'm not sure what I did wrong, does anyone know? I would appreciate any advice you may have on the matter.

09-01-2008, 03:16 PM	#1
Jennifer Bogartz Juried Member Joined: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 39	Can a painting get moldy? I have several paintings that are painted in oil on paper and cardboard that were primed with shellac (one side of the paper only). The paintings were done in one session, alla prima, with little to no medium (walnut oil). I believe the paint I was using was M. Graham oil paints and I didn't use any turpentine. The paintings were done at least 6 years ago and they have never been varnished. I had them stacked on top of one another on a shelf. I looked at them recently and noticed a waxy looking film on most of the paintings, in spots, not over the entire painting. It only seems to have happened on the paintings that I did on shellacked paper and cardboard, my canvases don't have this problem. The waxy/dull looking stuff seems to rub away with just my finger. I'm not sure what I did wrong, does anyone know? I would appreciate any advice you may have on the matter.