Paint Type
Egg Tempera
Egg tempera is a traditional paint made by combining pigment with an egg-yolk binder and water. It dries quickly in thin layers and is normally used on a rigid, smooth, absorbent ground rather than a flexible painting support.
Egg tempera compatibility
Egg tempera works best on rigid panels prepared with a smooth tempera-compatible ground. Flexible supports are generally avoided because the thin, relatively brittle paint and ground layers can be stressed as the support moves.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painting Board | Excellent when the board is rigid and prepared for egg tempera | Use a clean, stable, rigid board and make the surface as smooth and even as the chosen technique requires. | Traditional gesso or a purpose-made tempera ground. | Build the painting in thin layers and allow it to mature fully before any optional protective treatment. | — |
| Wood Panel | Excellent when rigid, stable, and properly grounded | Use a well-seasoned, stable panel and prepare it to receive a smooth tempera ground. | Traditional gesso or another ground specifically suitable for egg tempera. | Apply thin layers rather than a heavy flexible paint film; final protection is optional and technique-specific. | — |
Sources: Natural Pigments tempera recipes, Natural Pigments comparison of tempera grounds, Natural Pigments tempera painting techniques, and Kremer Pigmente tempera recipe.
Egg tempera articles
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