Glaze (painting technique)

For other uses, see Glaze.

A glaze in painting refers to a layer of paint, thinned with a medium, so as to become somewhat transparent. A glaze changes the color cast or texture (gloss or matte, for instance) of the surface. Drying time depends on the amount of medium used in the glaze; a higher ratio of medium to paint (producing a very thin, transparent glaze) decreases drying time, while unadulterated oil paint takes the longest to dry.

Techniques

In oil painting, the simplest form of a glaze is a thin, oily, transparent layer of bright color spread over the top of a lighter, opaque underpainting that is dry to the touch. Light travels through the glaze and is reflected back off of the underpainting. This causes a glowing effect similar to looking at a brightly lit white wall behind a film of colored cellophane. The thin oily layers of a glaze are easy to manipulate, facilitating the rendering of detail.

When multiple layers of glazes are used, the colors in all visible layers appear combined. However, the colors are not physically mixed, since the paint is left to dry before each successive glaze is applied. The artist may apply several layers of paint with increasing amounts of oil added to each successive layer. This process of applying the fat layers (more oil in the painter’s medium) over the lean layers (less oil) can minimize cracking.

Looking through multiple layers of glazes creates an illusion that the area recedes in space, as if looking through a deep pool of water at the rocks below. In addition, the increased oil content of glazes causes the paint to flow flat after being applied onto the canvas or other support. The resulting smooth glossy surface allows the viewer’s eye to pass more easily through the glaze and into the layers below, further increasing the illusion of receding space.

Many painters juxtapose glazes (that appear to recede) and opaque, thick or textured types of paint application (that appear to push forward) as a means to increase illusions of drama, brightness and depth.

Wall glazing

When the technique is used for wall glazing, the entire surface is covered, often showing traces of texture (French brush, parchment, striae, rag rolling). Either oil-based or water-based materials are used for glazing walls, depending upon the desired effect. Kerosene or linseed oil may be used to extend the "open" or working time of oil-based glazes. Water-based glazes are sometimes thinned with glycerin or another wetting agent to extend the working time. In general, water glazes are best suited to rougher textures where overlaps of color are acceptable.

Glaze is also used in cabinet, furniture, and faux finishing.

Scumble is a technique similar to glazing, except that the coating is opaque. It is normally quite difficult to identify if a painter has used 'scumble' on his or her work.

See also

• Faux Painting
• Strie
• Color Wash
• Rag Painting
• Acrylic painting techniques