Surface Preparations

Chalk ground for panels

 

3 parts whiting

1 part Titanium white pigment (Optional)

3 parts glue size (1: 15 water)

 

Sized panel (1:15 solution)

 

On a glass slab form a well in the centre of the whiting and add the glue size, gradually folding in the powder and work with a palette knife until a firm but glossy paste is formed. If the mixture is too dry it can be adjusted with a small addition of 1:15 glue size, if too wet a small quantity of whiting can be added.

The stiff paste can be stored in a jar and refrigerated. To apply the paste it needs to be diluted to a brushable thin cream consistency by transferring a quantity to a basin adding a 1:30 solution of warm glue size. 2-3 coats of this priming will usually suffice. The surface can be made smooth by wiping with a damp cotton handkerchief.

 

 

 

Half chalk ground for panels and canvas

 

1 part Titanium white pigment

3 parts whiting

3 parts glue size (1: 15 water)

1 part Stand linseed oil

 

Sized panel (1:15 solution) or sized linen (1:30 solution)

 

Mix the whiting with the Titanium white pigment on a glass slab. Form a well in the centre and add the glue size leaving room to float the stand oil on top. Gradually fold in the powders and work with a palette knife until a firm but glossy paste is formed. If the mixture is too dry it can be adjusted by adding more glue size, if too wet a small quantity of whiting can be added.

The stiff paste can be stored in a jar like the chalk ground. It also needs to be diluted to a brushable thin cream consistency by transferring a quantity to a basin and gently warming it through by standing it in hot water before adding a 1:30 solution of warm glue size.