The best ground for silverpoint is a surface with an abrasive texture, such as Traditional Silverpoint Ground. This ground ensures optimal adhesion of metal particles while providing a smooth finish for detailed artwork.
Traditional Silverpoint Ground – Premium Surface for Metalpoint Drawing
As low as €20.40
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
550-SPTG
Traditional Silverpoint Ground is a ready-to-use dry mix ground based on Cennini's 15th-century recipe that provides the right abrasive surface for silver and other metal point drawings that are applied to paper or wood.
Traditional Silverpoint Ground is a ready-to-use dry mix ground based on Cennino Cennini's 15th-century recipe that provides the right abrasive surface for silver and other metal point drawings applied to paper or wood.
Traditional Silverpoint Ground is formulated to provide the right absorbency, texture, surface hardness, and excellent adhesion to wood or paper. It contains finely ground calcite (calcium carbonate), titanium dioxide, silica, and rabbit skin glue.
Uses for Traditional Silverpoint Ground
Traditional Silverpoint Ground is best used on rigid supports like wood panels and paper. We recommend using heavyweight paper for the ground. It is also well suited for egg tempera, distemper, watercolor, and oil paint. For oil painting, we recommend applying a thin coat of imprimatura to reduce absorbency and help to prevent sinking in.
The suggested four coats yield an eggshell-like surface that is indescribable to draw on. Traditional Silverpoint Ground can be easily tinted with Rublev Colours Aqueous Pigment Dispersions to achieve colored grounds like those described by Cennino Cennini in his 15th-century treatise. Tint the ground with yellow ocher, indigo, or alizarin crimson to achieve the traditional yellow, blue, and salmon-colored prepared grounds from the Italian Renaissance.
Directions
- Mix equal parts by volume of dry Traditional Silverpoint Ground into a container with warm water.
- Stir and allow to stand for at least two hours. It will gel.
- Place the container in a pot full of hot tap water—no hotter than 65° C (150° F). The gel will liquefy. Be sure that all glue flakes are completely dissolved.
- Apply the liquid gesso with a broad brush. Allow each coat to dry.
- Apply at least four coats to produce the best surface for painting. Sand the final coat, if desired, for a smoother surface.
- The leftover ground can be stored in a jar or other closed container in the refrigerator and warmed the next day for more applications. The ground can be stored for several days at cold temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silverpoint
What is the best ground for silverpoint?
What is silverpoint ground?
Silverpoint ground is a specially formulated coating applied to drawing surfaces to create a slightly abrasive texture. This texture allows silver or other metalpoint tools to deposit metal particles, enabling detailed and precise marks.
What are the disadvantages of silverpoint?
The disadvantages of silverpoint include its limited tonal range, as it primarily produces light gray marks. It is also a challenging medium to correct or erase, and its dependence on specialized grounds can make it less versatile than other mediums.
Is silverpoint a dry medium?
Yes, silverpoint is considered a dry medium because it does not require the use of solvents or liquids. Instead, it relies on the physical deposition of metal particles onto an abrasive surface.
Does silverpoint darken over time?
Yes, silverpoint marks can darken over time due to the natural oxidation of the silver. This gradual change adds a patina-like effect, enhancing the artwork's character and depth.
Can silverpoint be smudged?
No, silverpoint marks cannot be smudged because they are made of metal particles embedded into the surface. This permanence is one of silverpoint’s defining features.
What are the advantages of silverpoint?
The advantages of silverpoint include its ability to produce fine, delicate lines and its durability over time. The medium is ideal for detailed work and has a unique aesthetic quality that cannot be replicated with other materials.
| SKU | 550-SPTG |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rublev Colours |
| Vendor | Natural Pigments |
| Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |
DANGER! CONTAINS CRYSTALLINE SILICA. Causes lung damage through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation. Do not breathe dust. Read the SDS for all cautionary statements. Conforms to ASTM D 4236.
Hazard Pictograms
 |
| GHS08: Serious Health Hazard |
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Designation
H372 Causes damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation.
Safety Designation
P260 Do not breathe dust.
P285 In case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection.
P501 Dispose of contents/containers in accordance with local regulations.
