Painting surfaces

When a painting is painted on “hardboard”, “Panel” or “Board” in the description: It is painted on an Australian 4.8mm thick Hardboard panel double primed with Michael Hardings non-absorbant primer. A professional primer for artists. Primed or gessoed panel are the most common surface for artists creating similar sized work and will last many generations. Paintings on similar prepared modern hardboard panels that are over 80 years old can still be seen in good condition.

When a painting is painted on “Italian linen panel” or “Belgium linen panel” in the description: It is painted on Belle Arti oil-primed linen, a professional linen made in Italy, or Claessens fine Belgium linen mounted with archival and removeable EVA glue to rigid hardboard panels for stability and logevity that will last hundreds of years and can be conserved. This traditional oil primed linen surface has been used by European painters for centuries and ensures long-term archival strength. Having the painting on linen means a conservator or art restorer can remove the linen and remount it if required.

Paints

Each painting is made with the highest quality professional oil paints available. The brands I use include Michael Harding, Old Holland (established in 1664) and Langridge Proffessional oil paints. Made with pure pigments and refined linseed oil, they are known for their rich colour, high pigment load, lightfastness and permanence. Michael harding takes almost twice as long to dry so some works will require that extra drying time before sending.

Varnish and protection

Each painting after 2 weeks of drying is protected with an archival, removeable Retouch Varnish. This is a special type of varnish that is applied to oil paintings to bring the depth and vibrancy back into the artwork, making it look the same as when the work was first painted. “Final Varnish” requires a 6 to 12 month drying time before being applied, where as “Retouch Varnish” can be applied once the painting has dried for around 2 weeks. The final results between the two varnishes are minimal. A Varnish is necessary to the look of oil paintings, without it, colours often look dull, matte and lifeless by comparison. Please avoid touching your artworks surface for atleast 6 months after recieving. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean dust when necessary.

Framing

I have hand selected a collection of professional wood mouldings that best suit my artwork. I offer these framing options at competitive rates and are often cheaper than getting the same framing done yourself due to a strong business relationship I maintain with my framer. My most premium frame is the “Italian” frame which is handmade in Italy and I highly reccommend for your choice of painting.