Clove Oil
For the alla prima wet-into-wet oil painter – I recommend putting a few drops of Clove Oil around the edges of your sealed palette container (not directly in the paint) when you’re working on a longer studio painting. This will slow down the dry time of the oil paint. You can return to the painting a week later and it will be as wet as if you didn’t leave at all. 2 weeks isn’t uncommon either. It also keeps the paint on my palette wet forever. Clove oil along with an air tight seal (more on my masterson pallete) is the perfect combination to keep your paints fresh. I have a glob of white on my palette that has been wet for over 3 months… Amazing.
Be careful though, if you want certain areas on your painting to dry for layering techniques, you might be waiting for a while. And if you know the painting will be getting shipped somewhere soon, I wouldn’t recommend it either. To be safe, plan on 4 weeks for it to be dry to the touch. Otherwise, I love this stuff. It does exactly what it’s supposed to.
The only source I know of to get pure clove oil is LorannOils.com, recommended by Jeff Watts. Watch out, the stuff you get from Trader Joe’s isn’t pure and I haven’t tried it. So, I can’t vouch for it. If you find another source, please share in the comments. Also, get an eyedropper since it comes in a bottle. Please don’t pour it on your paints!
This is a wonderful site. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in a nice clean format. Have been away from painting for many years and this site will be very helpful in getting back to stride. Thank you again.
Thanks Stan for posting this clove oil infomational link. I ordered the clove oil. I paid more for shipping than the product, can you think of a way for all of us cheap artist to connect and buy like a co op and share the shipping costs? I would like to be on that list. You of course would charge a Concierge fee. always wanting more:) lisa
Lisa, check this out:
Pure and less expensive at iHerb.com. 4 oz for $11.50, 1 oz for $5.00. And it is FREE if you’ve never ordered from them before, AND use the code SAB900.
http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Clove-Oil-4-fl-oz-118-ml/902
No shipping charges at iHerb if you order $40 or more, (pretty easy if you buy some vitamins too. And, their prices are the best I’ve found).
One reviewer of this clove oil gave it 5 stars and said:
Believe it or not, I ordered the clove oil to use in my art studio as a drying retardant for oil paint. It works very well and wafts a wonderful soothing fragrance throughout the room as a bonus! Fast shipping from iHerb made this transaction a very satisfying experience. I must mention also that the price was decent.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tutorials and all the works, these are very useful for the students and professionals as well.
Abdul Malik Channa, Karachi Pakistan
I found Now Essential Oils brand 100% pure clove oil in a natural foods store.