Orange Essence Medium

Orange essence is a solvent used to mix powdered ceramic pigments and create a smooth, workable paint. It is derived from the peel of oranges and has a slow evaporation rate, allowing artists more time to blend and work with their colors before they dry.

Uses of Orange Essence in Porcelain Painting

1. Mixing Medium: It helps dissolve dry pigments into a paintable consistency.

2. Blending and Shading: Due to its slow-drying nature, it allows for better control in shading and softening brush strokes.

3. Oil Painting Technique: It is commonly used in traditional porcelain painting methods where oil-based mediums are preferred over water-based ones.

4. Cleaner: It can also be used to clean brushes after painting.

 

How to Mix Orange Essence with Porcelain Pigments

 

Materials Needed:

Porcelain painting pigments (powdered form)

Orange essence

Porcelain painting medium (such as copaiba balsam or other oil-based mediums, optional)

Palette knife or small spatula

Glazed tile or glass palette (for mixing)

Fine brushes

 

Step-by-Step Mixing Process:

1. Prepare Your Palette:

Place a small amount (pea-sized) of powdered pigment onto a glazed tile or glass surface.

Add Orange Essence Gradually:

Using a dropper or brush, add a few drops of orange essence to the pigment. Start with a small amount you can always add more if needed.

Mix Thoroughly:

Use a palette knife or spatula to blend the pigment and orange essence until you get a smooth, lump-free paste.

The consistency should be similar to a thick cream or oil paint.

4. Adjust Consistency:

If the mixture is too thick, add more orange essence drop by drop.

 If its too thin, add a bit more pigment.

5. Optional: Add a Medium for More Control

Some painters mix in copaiba balsam or another porcelain painting medium to improve the flow and adhesion of the paint.

6. Test the Mixture:

Use a fine brush to test the consistency on a sample tile or plate.

Adjust as needed before applying it to your porcelain piece.

7. Painting & Drying:

The paint will dry slowly due to the oil base, allowing for smooth blending.

Once finished, let the piece dry before firing in a kiln at the recommended temperature (usually 750-850C for traditional porcelain painting).

 

Available in 10ml