"Question on drying time of artists oils." Topic

I'm still a bit old school in that I still paint with enamel paints but need a good brown wash for certain areas of my Napoleonic's. What I need to know is if putting the figs in small toaster oven will reduce the drying time of real oil paints. I have read that only time works with oils when painting with them.

Anyone here know for sure if heat will work. ( I know it works with my normal paints )

Cheers, Dean

Heat will work, but I wouldn't use that toaster oven for anything other than drying figures.

I use artist oils a lot. First thing, is there any plastic on the figure or the base? If there is, you will need a couple of weeks for drying, since even fairly low heat will warp plastic. Second, try a light box, not a toaster oven. My light box is a metal tool box with an incandescent bulb in the right rear of the box. The box gets pretty warm, but I have never burnt my hands opening or closing it. That level of heat dries oils overnight. Cobalt dryer is also an option. I don't use it, since some people claim it can cause crazing or paint crackling over time. As an advantage for my light box, I can pack a good hobby travel kit in it.

Paint them with link I've used these paints for more than 20 yrs., and they work amazingly well for me.

Put the painted minis on an interior window ledge in the sun and cover them with a cardboard box of some sort to prevent dust, bugs, etc. from getting on them. The sun will dry them out at a pretty good speed.

Capt. Z

Alkyd oil paints dry quicker by months if not years.

Do they sizzle like bacon when you put them in heat? :)

Dan

No. But they get loud and obnoxious.

Lol. Just like me!

Dan

I know nothing knowhow!

Thanks, the figs are metal not plastic ( I did said I was old school, eh! ) and yes, it's an old toaster oven that I took over just for my hobby "stuff".

Cheers
Dean

Oil paints dry by curing, the oil molecules become cross linked polymers. This process is driven by oxidation. Heat, air flow and sunlight can speed the evaporition of solvents from the paint, but full curing will take time.

Your figures may be touch dry in a matter of days or weeks though. A thinner paint film dries faster. Also note that titanium white is a notoriously slow drier, and umber dries fast.

Japan Drier.

Thanks Dave, that's what I thought. Thinking I will have to try something else.

Cheers
Dean