Inquiries regarding Liquin oil medium are a frequent occurrence, with individuals seeking clarification on its essence, the diversity of offerings available, and their respective functions, as well as proper utilization. To dispel prevalent perplexities, this treatise endeavors to provide a comprehensive examination of the subject matter that is Liquin.
What is Liquin?
Liquin Medium is an alkyd medium that is used to enhance the volume and accelerate the drying time of oil paints. It comes in either a bottle or tube form, and its appearance is semi-transparent and gelatinous.
Expanding the Liquin Family
Gone are the days when there were only two options in the Liquin family: the original and the impasto. Today, the range of Liquin has expanded to cater to the diverse needs of artists. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of Liquin available:
Liquin Original: The Most Popular Choice
Liquin Original is the most widely used of all liquid alkyd mediums. It gives oil paints a slightly glossy finish and increases their fluidity and transparency. It can be easily mixed with a brush or spatula, and it helps to blur brushstrokes, creating textures similar to those in the works of Manet and Renoir.
Liquin Fine Details: Ideal for Delicate Details
Liquin Fine Details is a glossy and fluid medium that is perfect for detailed work. It leaves no trace of brushstrokes and is recommended for working on smooth surfaces. If you’re looking to emulate the works of Van Eyck or Dürer, this is the Liquin for you.
Liquin Light Gel: The Free-Flowing Medium
Liquin Light Gel is an improved version of Wingel that becomes fluid when in contact with a brush. When mixed with colors, it provides an anti-drip effect, making it ideal for glazing. This medium is perfect for artists who prefer to handle colors freely, like Rubens or Gainsborough.
Liquin Impasto: The Thickeninng Medium
Liquin Impasto is an improved version of Oleopasto and is perfect for creating impasto effects. This slightly glossy medium retains brush and palette knife strokes and forms a flexible and resistant film once dry. It is the only medium that thickens oils without any risk.
In this table, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Liquin and their respective characteristics and uses.
| Type of Liquin | Characteristics | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Liquin Original | Slightly glossy, increases fluidity and transparency, easily mixed with brush or spatula, blurs brushstrokes | Creating textures similar to Manet and Renoir |
| Liquin Fine Details | Glossy and fluid, leaves no trace of brushstrokes, recommended for smooth surfaces | Emulating the works of Van Eyck or Dürer |
| Liquin Light Gel | Improved version of Wingel, fluid when in contact with brush, provides anti-drip effect for glazing | Handling colors freely, like Rubens or Gainsborough |
| Liquin Impasto | Improved version of Oleopasto, slightly glossy, retains brush and palette knife strokes, forms flexible and resistant film once dry | Creating impasto effects, the only medium that thickens oils without risk |
Using Liquin
All varieties of Liquin can be mixed with pigment in a 2:1 ratio, meaning two parts pigment to one part liquid. The original Liquin can be mixed homogeneously on the palette with the paint, and once mixed, it loses its gel-like appearance. However, it’s important to stir the bottle before use to avoid caking. This medium, in particular, eliminates brushstroke marks. If you want to maintain the original texture, it’s recommended to apply the final coat of paint without a medium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liquin offers a range of possibilities for oil painters, from enhancing the volume and drying time of paints to creating unique textures and effects. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, Liquin is a versatile medium that’s worth exploring.