More on FastMatte Oil Colors

On February 5, 2012, I put up a post called Oil colors and drying time - Part 2 - Solutions in which I mentioned that Gamblin Oil Colors had a recent release of FastMatte, a quick drying oil color which has a matte finish as it is originally intended for under-paintings.  My preference is using it as the finished surface.

Some asked about the formula to create the fast drying and matte finish mixture to add to regular oil colors as mentioned in the February post.

The formula is 50% by weight of each of these: Gamblin Galkyd Gel and Gamblin Dry Pigment "Whiting". 

Also get empty paint tubes to put the mixture into as the quantity that you mix will dry rather fast in the open air.  By the next morning the mixture will be either dry or very rubbery depending upon the volume exposed.

Gamblin Galkyd Gel Link

Gamblin Artist's Colors Dry Pigment Link

To make FastMatte and the Formula more fluid for under-painting techniques, thin it with a 50/50 mixture of Gamblin Galkyd Painting Medium and Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits. Moderate use of this mixture ensures the adhesion of thinner paint applications while maintaining the matte surface quality.

In the February post I mentioned that there were more colors of FastMatte coming out later this year.  Here is the list of colors which do contain my preferred palette and  a few special colors that I just love to add. Click here.

Oil colors and drying time - Part 2 - Solutions

About 10 or 15 years ago, I was shopping for some oil colors to replenish my supply when I noticed a color chart next to a rack of oil colors. Oh what a treat as the chart opened up to 16" by 23" printed on both sides with tons of information on the colors, light fastness, transparency, composition and Munsell color system number.  The company is Gamblin Artist's Colors and for the color chart, click HERE.  Just ask for the color chart. I learned something new about alkyd resin oil colors and how wonderfully they improve drying time, workability and flexibility of the dried paint.

Recently however, Gamblin came out with another product call FastMatte which dries to a matte finish very fast, depending on the thickness.  It was created as an under-painting for painters who like to work in layers.  That's me.  I also like the matte finish.

Of course I sent off to a supplier and ordered the complete set of eight colors.  With the limited pallet I mixed in my regular colors to obtain the colors I needed and in the evening put in the first layer.  By the next morning it was ready to go for another layer.  The matte finish gave a tooth to the base layer for good adhesion of the next layer.  Now this was exciting.

I wrote to Gamblin about the product and asked if they are making a medium to give existing Gamblin colors the same characteristics as FastMatte.  They returned my email promptly and said a similar effect could be produced using existing Gamblin products.  If you are interested, send me a note for the specifics.  Gamblin also mentioned that they will be expanding the list of FastMatte colors to 24 later this year.  I looked at the list and see that it will include my basic color pallet.  I am happy.

           

SUNRISE using FastMatte in layers.