Switching mediums

Stanka Kordic · 10-15-2002, 10:29 AM

Hi everyone.

Help! I decided to give Gamblin Lite a try on a sample piece and do not like it at all. I'm really frustrated with this. It's like painting with dry brush.. (Thank goodness its not a commission). The painting is in the very early stages, maybe two days work.

Can I let this dry thoroughly, and finish with my usual Liquin?

Thanks in advance.

Marvin Mattelson · 10-15-2002, 04:51 PM

I am a big proponent of Gamblin Alkyd Mediums. That said I would never use either Galkyd Lite or Galkyd since they dry too fast. Galkyd slow dry has poppy oil added and is more to my liking. I find the Neo Megilp the best for my use and either of these last two more similar to Liquin in the way they handle.

When buying the Neo Megilp be careful the contents are not milky but more honey like for there was a bad batch erroneously released. I prefer the Neo Megilp to Liquin for many reasons, scent and toxicity being the most prevalent but I'm sure you could use the Liquin over the Galkyd Lite if you must.

Paint well.

Stanka Kordic · 10-16-2002, 09:05 AM

Marvin,

Thanks for your help.

Unfortunately I did try the Slow-dry and liked that even less! However, I do admire the Gamblin philosophy (love Gamvar) and do not want to give up on their products. I'll give Neo-Maglip a try.

As much as I love the many favorable qualities of Liquin, the toxicity alarms me. With winter coming on, the idea of painting with my windows open (again) just doesn't appeal to me anymore. My bones don't like it!!

All best.

Mary Reilly · 10-17-2002, 08:54 PM

Hi Stanka,

I tried the Gamblin Lite and didn't care for it either. Halfway through the painting I switched back to Liquin. There seemed to be no negative effects from the switch.

Mary

ReNae Stueve · 10-18-2002, 12:10 PM

I have been down this road. It started with a remark about the toxic effects of Liquin. I had been having headaches, so picked up various Gamlin mediums, Neo Meg, Galkyd Lite, etc.. None of these have worked for me. They are much too tacky, and don't handle in a way that is compatable with the qualities I adore in oils.

SO...I'm back to Liquin. I am being more diligent about ventilation.

Sennelier's Turner Transparent Medium in now on my table. I've used in a little, and it feels GREAT, but dries slow, and it must be ABOSULTELY dry before glazing again or it will roll up like tapioca.