Can
you tell me how to make my own maroger
medium?
Maroger Medium is a glaze medium used
in oil painting. It can be purchased
pre-made in tubes (Sennelier is one popular
brand) or can be made from scratch. During
an oil painting demonstration at Meininger's,
David Leffel provided us with detailed
instructions on how to make your own.
The following is his complete recipe:
NOTE:
This recipe contains highly toxic ingredients.
Please follow directions closely. Not
recommended to anyone under 18.
Supplies: porcelain or enamel pan
wooden spoon
diet or postal scale
paper cups
nylon hose
plastic funnel
five empty large painting tubes
hot plate
Ingredients:
10 oz cold pressed linseed oil
1/2 oz litharge* (exact measurement)
41/2 mastic crystals
10 oz pure spirits of gum turpentine
Note: All measurements are by weight.
Use particle mask when handling litharge.
Directions:
Heat oil in pan over hot plate until
smoking (about 15 minutes). Slowly add
litharge until completely dissolved.
It may be necessary to remove from heat
periodically to keep temperature from
getting too high. Stir until no litharge
remains. Remove from heat. Slowly add
mastic, stirring constantly until dissolved.
Let cool about 15 minutes. Add turpentine
and stir. Cover funnel with nylon and
strain mixture into tubes. Let sit overnight
and crimp.
Troubleshooting:
Too dark-Too much litharge or heat too
high
Doesn't Gel-Not enough litharge
ALWAYS USE ADEQUATE VENTILATION!!!
*Litharge is a highly toxic substance
not available in art supply stores. It
must be obtain through chemical supply
houses.
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