There is something deeply satisfying and gratifying about making oil paint. The process is relatively simple and quick once you have a few tools in place. While store bought oils will remain a convenient necessity, the advantages of crafting ones own oil paints speak for themselves: lower cost, control of consistency, connection to the process, and sometimes a tangible connection to ones subject.
Tools: The most critical tool for paint making is a mauler. These come in various sizes and styles and prices. The ground glass, slightly convex, underside does all the work. The size you want depends on how much paint you want to make in one batch, but I recommend you begin with a medium size. There is nothing stopping you from making several batches at once. Maulers can be obtained from various sources. Next you will need is a grinding stone. The ideal is smooth porphyry but marble is a good choice and obtainable. Ground glass is also available. I found a slab of marble that was once a dresser top at a local antique salvage shop. You will also need a flat pallet knife and some empty paint tubes (available at some good art supply houses or online).
Pigment: I want to mention, because pigments are usually simple ground minerals their shelf life is functionally infinite. even if they get wet, one simple has to dry them and grind them in a pestle and mortar to use them again, There are two categories of pigment sources, pre-made pigments from pigment manufacturers and home-made pigments from found sources.
Pre-made Pigments: There are many sources of manufactured pigments ranging from industrial concerns to makers of hand-crafted historic pigments. It is possible to obtain and paint with ancient Egyptian pigments, renaissance pigments, etc.
Home-made Pigments: For me, home-made pigments are the most fun and meaningful pigments. They are however, more work, but the process is generally simple. Local clay is and excellent starting point. Collect as clean a sample as possible, mash into a slurry, let stand, skim off organics such as root hairs and scum, decant top layers and discard sand and pebbles, repeat until no sand remains, dry on wax paper, break into pieces, pound and grind in mortar until powdered. Proceed as with store bought pigments.
Oil: The only other thing you will need is an oil. It is the oil that forms a polymer through oxidation and “dries”. as the oil dries it adds oxygen and expands which is why we paint lean to rich. The most common oil is refined linseed oil. Others are also good such as walnut oil. The oil type will affect the drying time and other properties of your paint. this is another reason making ones own paint is a benefit, you get to choose the properties of your paint. Don’t let this overwhelm you as the margin is quite wide and you will be able to feel the paint as you go. You can self correct on the fly by simply adding more oil or more pigment.
Making Paint: Place a small pile of pigment on the center of your grinding surface and make a well for the oil. add a small amount of oil and begin mixing with your palet knife. Once the mixture comes together like a very lose dough, place the mauler on the pile and begin circular motions. The convex surface will begin to grab the mixture and pull it under and between the mauler and the marble. this will generate a suction, so you don’t have to push. the mixture should be lose enough to flow some, like a nice buttery paint. you will need to scrape up the pile and redistribute is as you go with your pallet knife. continue to grind your paint until it is well mixed and even throughout. Some pigments get brighter the more they are ground, but you are in control.
Once the paint is the consistency you desire it is ready to use, or you can put it in a tube for later use. The invention of lead paint tubes gave enormous freedom to painters. Until then, paint was made as above every day as needed. Because home-made paint has no preservatives or stabilizers it dosn’t last forever, but I have tubes that are good after three or four years. Another huge advantage to home-made oil paint is the lack of cheap fillers. You will fint the tinting power of these paints far superior to manufactured paints. This will also allow the addition of more media if other effects are desired.
Personally, I use almost any quality paint I can get my hands on, but find making my paint a meaningful and useful endeavor that adds depth and enjoyment.
