Lead Priming and the Test of Time

[Sharon Knettell]

Marvin,

I use Claessens 13dp. The roll I have is lead primed, but I don't know if they make lead primed anymore.

Thanks for posting your source.

I prefer canvas because I am addicted to those little bumps which give texture to fabrics like tulle.

As to new materials, if people want to use them, that's great. I am all for trying new things and I think people should. But plastic has not really stood the test of time as a painting substrate, and the adhesion in the long term of paint especially oil, to a polymer or plastic is a big unknown. There is the embrittlement and out-gassing problem as well, pointed out by the curator of the National Gallery in Washington. Embrittlement and out-gassing can be controlled, by completely covering the plastic substrate, but adhesion remains an open question.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Claessens no longer makes genuine lead priming due to certain laws in Europe. They use some kind of alkyd concoction now. Not nearly as good. I believe NY Central also sells lead primed canvas.

Where I come from, we used a very specific term when reffering to out-gassing.