Liquin

Winsor & Newton suggests the use of Liquin as a ''fat'' or ''flexible'' agent, to increase the flexibility subsequent layers.^[1] While Liquin Original,^[2] and Liquin Light Gel Medium^[3] are mixtures of petroleum distillates, Liquin Oleopasto,^[4] and Liquin Impasto^[5] are mixtures of alkyd resin and petroleum distillates.

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Notably, it is used to speed the drying time in oil painting, though it may also be used as a barrier layer to achieve some effects. Painted over the top of etchings, India-ink drawings and other line art, it enables the application of colours by tinting with thin glazes of oil paint. This technique was first discovered by the artist Patrick Woodroffe and is outlined in his book A Closer Look (Paper Tiger, 1986, ISBN 1-85028-025-8).

Liquin also permits the creation of "save" layers in painting. (Though W&N states right on the product: "Not suitable as a varnish or final coat.")

Painted over all, or part, of an artwork in progress (and left to dry), Liquin allows the artist to scrape or wipe back subsequent work to the Liquin layer, while preserving all work beneath.

It can also be used as a simple carrier base and, when compressed together with paint under a layer of plastic wrap, produces effective decalcomania.

Liquin is not to be used as a varnish or final coat, as stated on the bottle. This is a common misconception for which multiple fine artists have used Liquin to do, Liquin is an alkyd and as such will taint the paint and becoming brittle over time if used in concentrations greater than 20% Liquin to Paint. The aforementioned techniques were pioneered as illustration techniques, where time is crucially important to meeting deadlines. Liquin is a workable medium popular to artist working in the field of illustration due to its ability to cure oils overnight in most cases. These are not widely regarded as "safe" archival practices for fine artist to employ.

Correct uses limit the amount of Liquin to paint ratios below 20%. By adding Liquin to the paint before beginning any paint mixing, then use that paint, any over saturation can be avoided, and maintain the proper ration throughout the painting session.