Binding Mediums

Binder is exactly what it sounds like, the substance that binds the paint together and turns the loose components into a paint. Different types of paint have different binders and you can often get a clue as to what the binder is from the name. Oil paints have linseed oil, acrylic paint an acrylic resin in water dispersion, egg oil tempera an emulsion of egg and linseed oil. The binder can also be glue, either of animal or synthetic origin, wax or gum arabic as it is in watercolour paints. In this category you will find what you need if you want to experiment with making your own colours.