MITRA Forum Question Details

Hello there,

It's not impossible in theory but risky chemistry in practice in more ways than one.

There are many suppliers of alkyds and many kinds of alkyds, some of which are not meant to air-dry at all.

Longer alkyds are meant to stain (seep into) materials, shorter ones are meant to be dried with UV/EB benches or other tools. You need the right medium length alkyd with high iodine value and to find and add the right driers as well. 

The whole of it is like liquid glue between honey and maple syrup only they don't wash with water. Meaning you'll be working with lots of WS to get things done properly.

Starting from scratch it would be hazardous procurement and results, and not safe​ for you. I'd think the reward is not worth the risks and trouble.

It should be possible however to start from mediums like liquin, although I'm not sure of the pigment wetting and dispersing quality. 

Where natural oils have the fatty acids to help, liquin does not. So it's likely possible to grind pigment in it, but I'm uncertain of the resulting quality and stability. I hear alkyds can be pretty gound grinding mediums but I haven't tested it myself yet and can't confirm it.

If you try it and your pigment separates or flocculates easily after a while in tube or pot, it probably will mean it wasn't great. If all goes well, that was a good idea. 

Then please come back to let us know it was a good idea. 

Cheers,

Lussh