Concept · Working With Each

Painting Over Dry Paint

Once a layer is dry, a painter can cover it, change it or start over on top.

Changes painted over are called pentimenti. In oil paintings, X-rays and other scans often find them.

• Oil: if a fingernail doesn't dent the layer, it's ready to paint over; go easy on solvent.
• Both paints: don't start a new painting over a finished one. Dirt, varnish or a slick surface can make the new paint lift or flake.

See

• Venus with a Mirror
• The Milkmaid
• Umbrella, Reverie

Image: Made for this site · Original work