Paint Binders - How the binder changes a painting

Pigment provides the colour, but the binder transforms loose particles into a coherent paint film and connects that film to its support. The choice of binder influences adhesion, drying time, blending, transparency, gloss, flexibility, durability and ageing.

Drying oils, egg tempera, acrylic polymers, gum arabic, animal-glue distemper and beeswax encaustic each behave differently, and each presents distinct conservation challenges. Their interaction with canvas, wood, paper or plaster can profoundly affect how a painting changes over time.