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If you have technical questions about art supplies for us at Utrecht Portland, feel free to ask! If we can’t find an answer for you, we’ll make one up that sounds really convincing. (Not really, that’s just to show we have a sense of humor!)
December 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
thanks for the info on varnishing - you guys are the best
December 20th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
what’s the difference between stand oil and linseed oil?
December 20th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
What’s the difference between cotton and linen?
December 20th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
stand oil is linseed oil that has been heated and held at high temperature until it polymerizes. Stand oil is thick, like honey, and is often used in glazing recipes, as it has excellent leveling qualities. Stand oil can sometimes take longer to dry than linseed oil, and it can be used to create saturated, enamel-like finishes.
December 20th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Cotton vs. Linen
Cotton and linen can both be used to create permanent, archival works of fine art. Linen is generally considered superior because it is resistant to tearing and rot. Cotton is more vulnerable to water damage, mold and mildew, and cutting in from the sharp edges of stretcher bars. Cotton has a more uniform and regular pattern to the weave, and linen exhibits a more varied appearance both in weave and in color. For some larger paintings, cotton can retain its tautness for longer periods of time, as linen can be more vulnerable to stretch. This was one reason that the ship America won the first America’s Cup, as its american made cotton sails retained their tightness longer than the european linen.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I love your store! Everyone there is so friendly and helpful, and there is always interesting art on the wall near the entrance. I was just wondering which kind of notebook is best for writing. I like unlined paper, and I like to write in pencil. Thanks.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
hey champ,
“best” for anything is a loaded question. best for someone who works in sharpie pens might not be best for someone who uses very light pencils. Moleskin journals are very popular, and I prefer the sketch (lilac cover) over the plain paper (green label) as it is slightly heavier paper and stands up better to erasure. the best way to choose is to just open up a book and feel the paper - that’s your best indidcator of quality.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Thanks for the tips! Do you sell moleskin journals at your store?
December 26th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
yes! and we are generally less expensive than other local sellers.