How to Make Egg Tempera Paint

Have you ever wondered how the old masters achieved such rich and vibrant colors in their paintings? It’s all thanks to a medium called egg tempera paint. This ancient technique has been used for centuries, but many artists today have never tried it.
Not only does egg tempera paint create stunning colors, it also has unique properties that many modern paints lack. For example, it dries quickly, can be layered endlessly, and has a beautiful matte finish. But with so many different recipes and techniques out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll break down the process of making egg tempera paint step-by-step. From sourcing ingredients to mixing your own pigment powders, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create your own stunning works of art. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Ingredients needed to make egg tempera paint

Egg tempera is a painting technique that has been used for centuries. It involves mixing dry pigments with egg yolk as the binding agent. Here are the ingredients you will need to make egg tempera paint:

• Egg yolks – one yolk per color
• Dry pigments
• Water or other medium (optional)
• Mixing container
• Paintbrushes

When selecting pigments, it’s essential to use high-quality dry pigments from a reputable supplier. Some common pigments used in egg tempera include ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and titanium white.

To prepare the egg yolks, separate them from the whites and discard the whites. Then prick the yolks with a pin or needle and let them drain into a container. Gently rinse the yolks under running water to remove any remaining white.

Preparing the egg yolk for use in egg tempera paint

Once you have separated your eggs and collected your yolks, you will need to prepare them for use in your egg tempera paint mixture.

Here are the steps for preparing your egg yolks:

1. Carefully separate the yolk from the white.
2. Pierce each yolk with a pin or small knife.
3. Gently mix each pierced yolk with water until it becomes homogenous.

The amount of water added will depend on how thick or thin you want your paint to be. The general rule of thumb is to add one part water to one part yolk.

It’s essential not to overmix your eggs as this can cause frothing or bubbling. Once mixed, let your eggs sit for 5-10 minutes to allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface.

Grinding pigments for use in egg tempera paint

To make egg tempera paint, you will need dry pigments. Grinding your pigments to a fine powder is necessary as it allows for a smooth and even application of color.

Here are the steps for grinding your pigments:

1. Select your pigment and place it on a flat surface.
2. Add a few drops of water to the pigment to create a paste.
3. Using a glass muller or flat tool, grind the pigment in circular motions until it becomes smooth and creamy.

You can also use a mortar and pestle or an electric grinder to grind your pigments. When using an electric grinder, be sure not to over-grind as this can cause the pigment particles to break down too much, resulting in poor quality paint.

Mixing pigment and egg yolk to create egg tempera paint

Once you have ground your pigments and prepared your egg yolks, you can mix them together to create your egg tempera paint.

Here are the steps for mixing your pigment and egg yolk:

1. Add a small amount of water or other medium (optional) to your prepared yolk.
2. Slowly add small amounts of dry pigment at a time while stirring continuously.
3. Continue adding pigment until you reach your desired consistency and hue.

It’s essential not to add too much pigment as this can cause the mixture to become too thick. If this happens, add more water or medium until you reach the desired consistency.

Adding water or other mediums to egg tempera paint

If you want to thin out your egg tempera paint, you can add water or other mediums. Water is the most common medium used to thin out egg tempera paint.

Here are some tips for adding water or other mediums to your egg tempera paint:

• Add water in small amounts and stir continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
• Be careful not to add too much water as this can cause the pigments to break down, resulting in a poor-quality paint.
• You can also add other mediums such as vinegar or alcohol to your egg tempera paint. These mediums can help with drying time and improve the adhesion of the paint to the surface.

Drying time of egg tempera paint once applied to a surface

The drying time of egg tempera paint can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the application, humidity, temperature, and surface type.

Generally speaking, egg tempera dries quickly compared to other painting techniques. It typically dries within 10-20 minutes after application.

To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer set on low heat or place your painting in direct sunlight. However, it’s essential not to overheat your painting as this can cause cracking or fading.

Using egg tempera paint on different surfaces and necessary preparation

Egg tempera can be used on various surfaces, including wood panels, paper, canvas, and plaster. However, before using egg tempera on any surface, it’s essential to prepare it properly.

Here are some tips for preparing different surfaces for use with egg tempera:

Wood Panels

1. Clean the panel with a damp cloth and let it dry completely.
2. Apply a layer of gesso (white primer) using a brush or roller. Let dry completely before applying another coat if needed.
3. Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting.

Paper

1. Stretch the paper using a stretcher or tape to prevent warping during painting.
2. Apply a layer of gesso to the paper using a brush or roller. Let dry completely before applying another coat if needed.

Canvas

1. Prepare the canvas by applying a layer of gesso using a brush or roller. Let dry completely before applying another coat if needed.
2. Sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting.

Special techniques or methods for painting with egg tempera

Egg tempera has been used by artists for centuries and has several techniques and methods that can be used to achieve different effects.

Here are some special techniques and methods for painting with egg tempera:

• Cross-hatching – this technique involves overlapping lines in different directions to create texture and depth.
• Sgraffito – this technique involves scratching through layers of paint to reveal underlying colors or textures below.
• Glazing – this technique involves layering thin, transparent washes of color over each other to create luminosity and depth.
• Burnishing – this technique involves rubbing the painted surface gently with a soft cloth or tool to create a smooth, polished finish.

Explore these techniques and experiment with them to find what works best for your artistic vision.

In conclusion, making egg tempera paint is a simple and cost-effective process that can be achieved with just a few ingredients and tools. With proper preparation and technique, artists can create beautiful and long-lasting paintings using this traditional medium.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Egg Tempera Paint

How is egg tempera made?
Egg tempera is a type of paint that is made by combining egg yolk, powdered pigments, and water. Typically, this type of paint was used on wooden panels that had been coated with gesso, with poplar being a popular choice.

Is tempera paint mixed with egg?
Tempera, also referred to as egg tempera, is a type of painting medium that uses colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, typically a glutinous material like egg yolk. It dries quickly and is a permanent medium.

Is egg tempera simple to make?
The egg tempera painting technique has been used for centuries and is both affordable and simple to master. With proper execution, the end result can be stunning, as demonstrated in the image below of a tempera work on wood by Niccolo Semiticolo from 1367.

What binder is used for egg tempera?
Egg tempera art medium is made up of powdered pigment, egg yolk, and distilled water. The egg yolk acts as the binding agent that keeps the pigment components together.

What is the disadvantage of egg tempera?
Egg tempera, a type of paint, has a tendency to be brittle and is typically applied to a solid surface to prevent cracking. However, using a flexible surface may increase the chances of paint layers cracking. If egg tempera is applied too thickly, it can also crack and flake off, so it is recommended to apply it in thin washes mixed with water according to technical manuals.

What are the 3 ingredients in tempera paints?
Tempera paint comes from the Latin word “temperare,” which means “to mix.” It is created by combining a medium with emulsions, dry pigments, and water to achieve the desired texture.

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