WORK IN PROGRESS: Pigment Stick® Drying Test

The number one question we get at R&F on the daily is - “How long do Pigment Sticks® take to dry?” We answer as best we can, pointing out that drying times are affected by a number of factors including: how thickly the paint is applied, the absorbency of the surface, the ambient temperature, exposure to light, and even the surrounding colors.

So, what exactly is this? This is a Pigment Stick® drying test. A true “Work in Progress.”

As you read this, a natural process is occurring right before our eyes. We can’t see it or hear it, but the process of oxidation is slowly (sometimes very slowly) turning linseed oil and pigment (and in our case, wax) into a solid film.

R&F Pigment Sticks® are made with just three ingredients: linseed oil, pigment, and natural wax. We don’t add any driers or fillers that might affect the natural drying process and because of this, each of our colors dries at a different rate.

This test, one we’ve conducted many times before, is to better determine exactly how long each color takes to dry under very specific conditions. In this case, a 4 mil draw down on a coated surface.

We’re doing this for two reasons:

1. Because raw materials (linseed oil, pigment, natural wax) are always changing and so we need to test again (and again).

2. Because we want to tell you, the artist, with confidence and clarity, just how long it will take for each Pigment Stick® to dry.

Come see for yourself (but please don’t touch).

On view now at WORK IN PROGRESS, our project space at 84 Ten Broeck Ave, Kingston, NY.