When oil paints are brushed onto a sealed surface, they present unique physical characteristics not found in modern paints. The characteristics of hand-ground paint include high gloss, brushy texture (called a “ropey” texture), and a very slight tonal variation to the finish that gives the illusion of depth. The distinct surface texture is dictated by the force, angle, and direction of the brush during application. Traditionally, the brushstrokes followed the direction of the wood grain, which produces a linear formality (and in some cases, a pattern) to the room that changes with the lighting conditions. Over time, the high gloss finish gradually shifts to a softer semi-gloss that is hard and durable. These characteristics served as the aesthetic standard in distinguished households and buildings into the mid-19th century.
Our methods used to make the paints are derived from 18th and 19th-century treatises and information gathered through paint analysis and research. The oil paints are made with specified dry pigments hand-ground (with a muller and slab or with a mid-19th century hand-crank paint mill) in linseed oil, then extended with handmade drying oil, turpentine, and chalk. The grinding of the pigments and proportions of the extenders are adjusted to match the original application’s transparency, texture, and gloss level. Unless specified, the hand-made paints will not contain lead or other pigments that are now known to be hazardous.
Our methods used to make the paints are derived from 18th and 19th-century treatises and information gathered through paint analysis and research. The oil paints are made with specified dry pigments hand-ground (with a muller and slab or with a mid-19th century hand-crank paint mill) in linseed oil, then extended with handmade drying oil, turpentine, and chalk. The grinding of the pigments and proportions of the extenders are adjusted to match the original application’s transparency, texture, and gloss level. Unless specified, the hand-made paints will not contain lead or other pigments that are now known to be hazardous.