Product Technical Information

By: Genesis Artists Supplies Pty Ltd

Not Oil or Acrylic

 

Genesis® Oil Paints are a new paint chemistry, called "Heat-Set Artist Oils." Genesis® is an artist quality fine-art paint that is ready to apply without repeated pre-mixing and will not dry until you are ready; then it dries very quickly.

 

Genesis® Oil Paints stay wet until heated, making them more convenient than oils or acrylics. The paint will not dry when left in the open on a non-porous surface.

 

Genesis® Oil Paints offer fine control in mixing, blending and application, and can be worked in many states without the addition of mediums. They are very similar to oil paints in feel, opacity and translucence. We encourage you to experiment with your style to achieve the desired effect.

 

Other paints have very different chemistries from Genesis® Oil Paints. Do not mix Genesis® Oil Paints with other oils or acrylics because the results are unpredictable.

 

Since Genesis® Oil Paints do not air dry, you do not have to clean your brushes even if you will not get back to painting for days, weeks or even months. When cleaning brushes for quick colour changes, simply wipe off excess paint, swirl in rubbing alcohol or Genesis® Brush Cleaner, wipe and repeat. The alcohol quickly cleans and evaporates out of the cleaned brush. You may also clean brushes by using warm water and soap, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent. Dry your brushes thoroughly after cleaning.

 

While Genesis® Oil Paints can be thinned or cleaned with solvents commonly used with oil pants such as paint thinner, turpenoid and mineral spirits, these solvents are not necessary. Most artists prefer rubbing alcohol or non-toxic Genesis Thinning Medium. Genesis® Oil Paints are not water soluble.

 

Certified Non-Toxic

 

Genesis® Oil Paints are certified non-toxic and conform to ASTM D-423. They are certified in a program of toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no material in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans or to cause acute or chronic health problems.

 

Background

 

Oil colours have been available to artists for five centuries. Recent decades brought the advent of acrylics and alkyds. Watercolours evolved from temporary weak paints to having longevity never before dreamed possible. The latest advancement is Genesis® Oil Paints Heat-Set Artist Oils.

 

Developed and patented by professional artists, Genesis® Oil Paints offer the look and feel of traditional oils without the drying time restrictions, toxicity and odor. Genesis® Oil Paints contain a heat activated curing agent that allows for on-demand drying.

 

However, since they are a completely new medium, in spite of the similarities to regular oils, they also have special characteristics of which the artist can take advantage.

 

One of the characteristics of Genesis® Oil Paints is that they are thixotropic, therefore although they may be thick and like stiff paste in the jar, it only takes a little stirring or mixing with the spatula, for them to become soft and malleable. Application by spatula or brush is done very easily at this point, even when using the impasto, thick application technique. This painting can be used without having to add any thinning or other mediums.

 

Thin coats of Genesis® Artist COlors are also possible by using the paint straight from the jar. The advantage that Genesis® Oil Paints have when working in thin overlapping layers is that you can dry the painting between the layers, thus application can go on smoothly without pulling off the pre-painted surface or intermixing with it. In case of regular oil, you would have to wait until the first layer is dry before continuing the painting, which would take time.

 

Because Genesis Oil Paints do not dry on their own, they require cleaner work habits. One good method is to use paper towels to wipe the brush while working, then dispose of the dirty towel often. A rag is not practical to use with Genesis® Colours because it will transfer the wet paints to your hands, clothes and eventually to things around you.

 

Genesis® Mediums

 

Artists have always added various mediums to enhance control of drying as well as the handling characteristics of their paint. With Genesis® Oil Paints, you will find less need to adjust. They have excellent body, offer fine control mixing, blending and application, can be worked in many states without the addition of medium and have a thick, rich consistency. Try working Genesis® Oil Paints with your brush or palette knife. Notice how the paint becomes more buttery and smooth? Left alone for a time on a non-porous surface (such as glass), the paint will return to its original, thixotropic state - without having dried.

 

Genesis® Thinning and Glazing Mediums

 

Genesis® Thinning Medium or Genesis® Glazing Medium are recommended. When adding Genesis® Mediums to thin, use just a very little at a time on the palette - it's very efficient! Adding a Genesis® thinning or glazing medium permanently thins the paint.

 

Transparent washes can be achieved by adding the Glazing Medium. Glazing Medium gives you a good layer of paint and the transparency that you need.

 

If you like to paint with a thinner consistency, you can add a small amount of Thinning Medium. This medium is very efficient so additions must be very small. Do not add more than 40% of these mediums to the paint.

 

Genesis® Thick Medium

 

This medium can be mixed with the paint while maintaining the same body. It will function as a colour extender. If a smaller amount of paint is added to the medium the result will be a transparent heavy-bodied mixture. You can add as much Genesis® Thick Medium to the paint as desired.

 

Using Oil Solvents

 

Thinning with a small amount of an oil solvent will not permanently thin the paint, as the paint will return to its original state as the solvent evaporates off. This process should be tried by professionals only.

 

Varnishes

 

You do not need to varnish a Genesis® painting for protection. If you choose to use a varnish, Genesis® Removable Varnish is an ideal protective coating for application over paintings created with Genesis® Oil Paints. After heat setting the paint, apply with a brush and let it air dry. Do not heat set the varnish! If the painting gets dirty over time, the Genesis® Removable Varnish can be removed with ammonia solution or window cleaner and a fresh coat reapplied. An acrylic varnish can also be used over Genesis® Oil Paints, but be sure to test the varnish that you choose before using it on a finished painting.

 

Genesis® Colours and Pigments

 

At the dark end of the spectrum, Genesis® Oil Paints are made with pure pigments. Generally, lighter values are more opaque to ensure their covering power. To obtain the light values, a specially blended white is added to a pure colour.

 

Choosing a Substrate

 

Always ensure that the surface on which you are painting can withstand the drying temperature you will be using. Some painting techniques will require several layers be dried, and the substrate must withstand the number of heatings you will use.

 

Test heat stability over multiple drying sessions. Certain substrates that might release moisture when heated should be pre-dried as the moisture may result in bubbling and poor adhesion.

 

About the GMC Drying Gun

 

The GMC Drying Gun was designed to be lightweight and comfortable to use, while delivering an appropriate heat range for drying Genesis® Oil Paints. It is not a hair dryer!

 

If you choose to user other "heat guns," be careful not to overheat the paint. Most high-powered heat guns will destroy any paint if brought too close. Hair Dryers, on the other hand, have too little heat to bring Genesis® Oil Paints to full drying temperature.

 

Read the GMC Drying Gun instructions completely before using. Following the instructions and experimenting on trial samples acquaints you with how Genesis® Oil Paints dry. This helps you avoid damaging your work layer.