Sanguine Paint, M1

Process & Production

In this recipe following ingredients were individually reduced to a powder in a bronze mortar: iron fillings (Fe), natural haematite (Fe2O3), lead-silica glass (PbO·SiO2), lead(II) oxide (PbO), and gum Arabic in the proportion of 1:5:2:1:1 by wt. The lead-silica glass had been previously prepared according to Félibien (1676) and Blancourt (1697) (PbO: SiO2, 3:1 by wt). The powdered mixture was placed in a glass and distilled water was added (1:3 wt/v). After three days the solution was carefully decanted to another glass and placed inside, on a windowsill in the sun, until all liquid had evaporated. The powder was then painted on a glass with gum Arabic dissolved in distilled water. Finally the paint was fired at 620ºC for 30 minutes (ramp 3ºC/minute).

Find more at:
Â. Santos, M. Vilarigues (2019). Sanguine Paint: Production, Characterization, and Adhesion to the Glass Substrate. Studies in Conservation 64, 4, 221-239.

Recipe Details