# Materials **URL:** https://www.smartermarx.com/c/core-topics/materials/18.md [Latest](https://www.smartermarx.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://www.smartermarx.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://www.smartermarx.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Materials category](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/about-the-materials-category/30)
**Author:** [@ava](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/ava)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 8:54pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/about-the-materials-category/30 "2017-02-05T20:54:45Z")
Please post any issues or advice about art materials in this section. --- ## [Medium, Solvent, Diluent, and Binder in Painting: Definitions, Etymology, Material Roles, and Historical Usage](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/medium-solvent-diluent-and-binder-in-painting-definitions-etymology-material-roles-and-historical-usage/2110)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2026, 2:38pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/medium-solvent-diluent-and-binder-in-painting-definitions-etymology-material-roles-and-historical-usage/2110 "2026-03-23T14:38:50Z")
Why “Medium” Is So Often Confusing Few terms in painting are used with greater broad-stroke ambiguity than “medium“. In common art-related conversations, some may use the word to refer to the binder in a paint system,… --- ## [Brush Durability: Why a Sable Can Often "Outlast" Synthetic Even When It Shouldn't](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/brush-durability-why-a-sable-can-often-outlast-synthetic-even-when-it-shouldnt/2097)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 9:40am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/brush-durability-why-a-sable-can-often-outlast-synthetic-even-when-it-shouldnt/2097 "2026-01-06T09:40:34Z")
During our late November Artist Roundtable, we discussed a comment an artist had made on social media, stating that, in her experience, sable brushes often outlast synthetics. While it seemed to me right away that this w… --- ## [When Dry Media Collide: Graphite with White Pastel/Charcoal-White](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/when-dry-media-collide-graphite-with-white-pastel-charcoal-white/2086)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2025, 12:44pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/when-dry-media-collide-graphite-with-white-pastel-charcoal-white/2086 "2025-11-04T12:44:48Z")
A great question came up on Instagram yesterday about some of the potential issues with intermixing graphite and white pastel (chalk/charcoal-white.) Mixing graphite with white pastel or chalk/charcoal-white is usuall… --- ## [A Miracle Pencil? Well...Not Really](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/a-miracle-pencil-well-not-really/2095)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2025, 11:54am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/a-miracle-pencil-well-not-really/2095 "2025-11-02T11:54:07Z")
In recent weeks, I’ve seen a surge of ads for a product called the Everpen, accompanied by some bold claims: an unbreakable, elegant, and timeless writing tool designed to outperform every traditional pencil. (I’d nor… --- ## [Household Hacks that can Hurt: The Hidden Chemistry of some Studio Shortcuts](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/household-hacks-that-can-hurt-the-hidden-chemistry-of-some-studio-shortcuts/2084)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/household-hacks-that-can-hurt-the-hidden-chemistry-of-some-studio-shortcuts/2084 "2025-10-27T18:03:29Z")
For as long as artists have worked with brushes, pigments, and varnish, they have also experimented with ways to correct, clean, and reclaim their surfaces. Much of that experimentation has been harmless; some of it h… --- ## [Voodoo Darkening of Oil Paint](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/voodoo-darkening-of-oil-paint/1163)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 5:27am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/voodoo-darkening-of-oil-paint/1163 "2025-09-19T05:27:23Z")
Many of us have read about the potential changes we might observe when oil paint dries. Dry oil paints can appear to darken or lighten depending on everything from the absorbancy of the ground (sinking) to the quality of… --- ## [Searching the Grounds: Acrylic vs Oil Grounds for Oil Paint](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/searching-the-grounds-acrylic-vs-oil-grounds-for-oil-paint/2079)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/searching-the-grounds-acrylic-vs-oil-grounds-for-oil-paint/2079 "2025-08-24T18:42:19Z")
Searching the Grounds: A Historical and Technical Comparison between Acrylic and Oil Grounds for Oil Painters The preparation of a painting surface has always been one of the most critical steps in creating durable an… --- ## [Mounting linen to cradled boards - adherence issues](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/mounting-linen-to-cradled-boards-adherence-issues/2076)
**Author:** [@Joseph](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/Joseph)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/mounting-linen-to-cradled-boards-adherence-issues/2076 "2025-08-18T18:38:12Z")
Greetings from The Netherlands. After moving from the US, I no longer have easy access to the superb-quality panels mounted with linen that I have used for some years. I have found nice cradled boards that are unfinished… --- ## [Sharpening General's](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/sharpening-generals/1990)
**Author:** [@mokxmatic](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/mokxmatic)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/sharpening-generals/1990 "2025-08-16T22:19:46Z")
What do you use to sharpen your Pencil? I got mine today and within 5 minutes it broke 3 times in my pencil sharpener. Then I used a knife, which was an improvement.ø, but not great. Are the pencils the right ones? Edi… --- ## [MATERIALS LIST:Waichulis Curriculum:Language of Drawing](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/materials-list-waichulis-curriculum-language-of-drawing/125)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2025, 11:09am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/materials-list-waichulis-curriculum-language-of-drawing/125 "2025-06-02T11:09:15Z")
Specific Materials used by the Ani Art Academies (for the Waichulis Curriculum Language of Drawing) \[image\] DRAWING BOARD/PAPER 1-2 Drawing Board (s) (approx. 23"x26") (Item # 22945-1002) 30 sheets of Sky Blue Canso… --- ## [SID (Support Induced Discoloration)](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/sid-support-induced-discoloration/1997)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2025, 12:00am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/sid-support-induced-discoloration/1997 "2025-03-11T00:00:11Z")
Understanding Support Induced Discoloration (SID) and Its Effects on Painting Grounds While watching several colleagues priming a number of Masonite panels with Acrylic Gesso (Acrylic Dispersion Primer), I noticed o… --- ## [Color/Value Isolator](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/color-value-isolator/1994)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/color-value-isolator/1994 "2025-02-18T14:59:41Z")
Trying to figure out where a gradation might “go astray” can be a real challenge for artists in an observational, representational effort—let alone when there’s particularly “difficult colors” in play. For example, ye… --- ## [MATERIALS LIST:Waichulis Curriculum:Language of Painting](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/materials-list-waichulis-curriculum-language-of-painting/126)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2025, 2:13pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/materials-list-waichulis-curriculum-language-of-painting/126 "2025-02-02T14:13:39Z")
Specific Materials used by the Ani Art Academies with the Waichulis Curriculum:Language of Painting. \[image\] 1 Palette (Wooden or Melamine) (Item # 03087-2005 ) 1 Palette Knife (Item #03107-1003) 1 Art Bin/Box (Ite… --- ## [RESOURCE:Acrylic Dispersion (Modern Gesso) Masonite Panel Prep](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/resource-acrylic-dispersion-modern-gesso-masonite-panel-prep/45)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 4:52pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/resource-acrylic-dispersion-modern-gesso-masonite-panel-prep/45 "2017-02-06T16:52:59Z")
PREPARATION PROCESS FOR UNTEMPERED MASONITE WITH ACRYLIC DISPERSION PRIMER (Modern Gesso) Directions Step 1 Begin with a ¼ inch thick piece of Untempered Masonite that is pre-cut to a desired size. It is… --- ## [Visualizing the Dynamics of Oiling Out and Varnishing](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/visualizing-the-dynamics-of-oiling-out-and-varnishing/1309)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2025, 6:47pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/visualizing-the-dynamics-of-oiling-out-and-varnishing/1309 "2025-01-02T18:47:13Z")
Some well-timed rain this past week granted me an opportunity (and some useful analogs) to discuss “oiling out” and varnishing. When oil paint is spread out over a surface and exposed to air, it begins a sequence of che… --- ## [The palette of a madman](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/the-palette-of-a-madman/864)
**Author:** [@timdose](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/timdose)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/the-palette-of-a-madman/864 "2024-12-30T22:55:49Z")
Thought you all might enjoy seeing one of the palette setups I use. I’ll admit it’s crazy, but I really enjoy using it :slight\_smile: --- ## [Acrylic Gesso Cracking](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/acrylic-gesso-cracking/1959)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 11:30am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/acrylic-gesso-cracking/1959 "2024-12-06T11:30:17Z")
Acrylic Gesso (Acrylic Dispersion Primer) can form cracks in its surface after application due to several factors related to its application, drying conditions, or the surface it is applied to. First, it should go wi… --- ## [Liquin (Original) Color Changes in Bottle](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/liquin-original-color-changes-in-bottle/1958)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 11:02am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/liquin-original-color-changes-in-bottle/1958 "2024-12-06T11:02:35Z")
Over the years, some have expressed concern over the significant swings in color observed in bottles of the alkyd-based medium, Liquin. These color changes can occur for a number of reasons. Here are a few worth notin… --- ## [Easel and Palette Lights](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/easel-and-palette-lights/287)
**Author:** [@Slade](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/Slade)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2024, 8:25pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/easel-and-palette-lights/287 "2024-09-11T20:25:29Z")
While moving and setting up my new studio, I (wince) knocked my lamp off of a table and broke the bulb that’s used to light my palette, which lead me down the rabbit hole of searching for a more accurate light bulb for c… --- ## [Magnetic board?](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/magnetic-board/1897)
**Author:** [@timdose](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/timdose)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2024, 3:03pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/magnetic-board/1897 "2024-05-13T15:03:54Z")
I’ve seen posts on Instagram of Ani students using a magnetic board that holds drawings and reference up with magnets. Looks super useful! I have a ton of magnets laying around and am getting annoyed with tape. Anyone h… --- ## [What are some recommended lighting options for engaging in activities like puzzles or LEGO with children?](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/what-are-some-recommended-lighting-options-for-engaging-in-activities-like-puzzles-or-lego-with-children/1879)
**Author:** [@CynthiaZhang](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/CynthiaZhang)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2024, 6:24am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/what-are-some-recommended-lighting-options-for-engaging-in-activities-like-puzzles-or-lego-with-children/1879 "2024-03-26T06:24:22Z")
I am planning to do some craft works under the light too. --- ## [Ergonomic Easel for Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/ergonomic-easel-for-neck-back-and-shoulder-pain/1834)
**Author:** [@Slade](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/Slade)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/ergonomic-easel-for-neck-back-and-shoulder-pain/1834 "2024-03-04T17:27:39Z")
About 9 months ago I developed severe neck problems. Five vertebrae had seen better days. Unfortunately, a big part of the cause was my painting posture. Leaning in and holding my arm up for hours were contributing facto… --- ## [What color palette do you use?](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/what-color-palette-do-you-use/1861)
**Author:** [@thomas3](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/thomas3)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2024, 2:50pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/what-color-palette-do-you-use/1861 "2024-02-14T14:50:55Z")
For several years I’ve been using a piece of glass as a palette and underneath I put a piece of canvas paper painted with the same mid-value neutral color I used to tone my canvases, thinking it would be better for mixin… --- ## [Resource: artistpigments.org](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/resource-artistpigments-org/1840)
**Author:** [@paul.beckingham](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/paul.beckingham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/resource-artistpigments-org/1840 "2023-11-16T15:31:56Z")
I am finding this site fascinating, and useful. I used it to find the highest chroma paint for a project. --- ## [Understanding Synthetic Brush Curling](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/understanding-synthetic-brush-curling/592)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2023, 2:11pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/understanding-synthetic-brush-curling/592 "2023-10-25T14:11:06Z")
Understanding “Curling” or “splaying” with Synthetic or Synth-blend Brushes: Brush curling or splaying can be extremely frustrating. There are many factors in one’s process that can bring about such changes in your br… --- ## [Getting to the Point (The Pencil Point that Is...)](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/getting-to-the-point-the-pencil-point-that-is/807)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2023, 6:43pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/getting-to-the-point-the-pencil-point-that-is/807 "2023-10-09T18:43:01Z")
Artist and Smartermarx community member Sigrid Junold Käppeler brought up the practice of developing needle-like pencil points the other day in a post titled “Frightfully pointy pencils.” While I was in college I was t… --- ## [Stop the Varnish Porn by Trevor Wade Thomas](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stop-the-varnish-porn-by-trevor-wade-thomas/1440)
**Author:** [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2023, 12:06am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stop-the-varnish-porn-by-trevor-wade-thomas/1440 "2023-08-01T00:06:12Z")
Here’s a link to a great video by Trevor Thomas on why it’s a really bad idea to “pour” varnish all over your painting. Should I brush on my varnish? What about spreading it out with a brush? Soft or stiff… --- ## [Surface smoothness](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/surface-smoothness/593)
**Author:** [@dianedavichcraig](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/dianedavichcraig)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2023, 2:15pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/surface-smoothness/593 "2023-05-22T14:15:19Z")
Hello there! I am starting a new painting and I toned the background gray. Although I have a few worries about this I forged ahead and drew out the guide to paint by. After doing this I began to wonder about the smoot… --- ## [Stacking Varnishes](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stacking-varnishes/524)
**Author:** [@VictoriaSteel](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/VictoriaSteel)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2023, 12:19pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stacking-varnishes/524 "2023-05-22T12:19:54Z")
Wondering if anyone here has ever stacked two varnishes before? I was reading a Natural Pigments article, and they talk about using two (Conservar Finishing Regalrez 1094 on top of Conservar Isolating/Finishing Laropal … [Next page](https://www.smartermarx.com/c/core-topics/materials/18.md?page=1)