Can I use soapstone dust to make gesso?ApproveRejectUn-ApproveSubscribeUn-Unsubscribe
Question asked 2017-12-15 23:09:45 ...
Most recent comment 2017-12-18 10:25:41
Oil Paint
Grounds / Priming
Hello,
I've been working on a soapstone carving and have produced a ton of dust in the process. I was wondering if I can use it in place of marble dust to make gesso? Would it be a stable ground for oil painting?
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(mkinsey)
Soapstone dust is not a good substitute for calcium carbonate in paints and grounds. The particle size of the dust produced by carving is probably not optimal for paint and grounds anyway. I would just dispose of it (wearing a particle filter mask), and if you want to use hydrated magnesium silicate/talc in the studio for inks or ceramics, select a cosmetic grade that is finely processed and product free of asbestiform particles.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
Matthew
is probably right about the particle size issue
The
comment below was written by Bruner Barrie who runs Sculpture House
Since there
is various type of soapstone or Talc Block that may also be called Serpentine
or know by other names it would be difficult to answer this question without
more information. I cannot see why any of the different types might not
be used with Gesso although the porosity might be different within the
different types. Montana, India African, and Alaskan stones all vary so I would
suggest the person take a small amount and mix up test batches and lay around
to see what they might like best. That is what I do quite often when trying
something new and exciting and it seems to work well in the long run.
Hope
this helps.
Thanks
and Sincerely,
Bruner
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
You could certainly make tests of your powdered stone and
perhaps you could find a use for it. I have doubts about is appropriateness for
silverpoint. I generally use ground silica for that purpose. The hardness of
silica facilitates mark making. Perhaps yours would be too soft. Who knows
unless you try. On the other hand.
Marble dust, ground gypsum, and ground silica are about the cheapest materials
used in art making. You have to decide for yourself if it is worth it to you to
substitute your ground stone powers for materials of known qualities and a
history of successful application.
This Page Last Modified On:
restricted