Egg Tempera Paint Binder
Background
The simplest tempera technique is the one that uses pure egg yolk as a binder. Egg yolk is a natural emulsion, containing fatty oils, watery material, and the emulsifying agents, lecithin and albumen. The egg yolk technique is uncomplicated and has proven its durability in the many paintings that have survived in good condition for more than 600 years.
Procedure
- Select a colored, powdered pigment
- Measure out a small amount (0.5 grams) into a small jar
- Add enough water to make a stiff paste
- Set aside
- Break the egg and separate the white from the yolk by passing the yolk between shells
- Transfer the intact yolk to a paper towel and gently roll it about to remove any remaining white
- Roll the yolk to the edge of the paper towel and hold it over a clean beaker
- Puncture sac and let the contents run into the beaker
- Add about ⅓ teaspoon full of water to the yolk and stir
- Combine the pigment/water paste with an equal amount of yolk binder and mix thoroughly
- Use the egg tempera paint to paint a lovely picture!