Ever heard of latex ground linen.

[Anthony Emmolo]

Thank you Richard,

Your answer was very informative. What I gather formyou reply is that I wouldn't want my latex ground to be mirror smooth. Is that correct?

I also have the question- How does one know the water content in the latex is completely evaporated? I usually touch the surface when working with gesso. However, I'm now guessing that that i naive.

Thank you again, Anthony

[Richard Bingham]

My pleasure, Anthony. What you should have gathered is that I feel the "problem" of suitable painting grounds which will be of archival permanence has been solved over 500 years ago. Why re-invent the wheel? No good reason.

In the meantime, I'm not a person to strain over "permanence" as the primary goal for painting. Using "latex" materials, or abusing traditional oil materials will not cause a painting to explode before the last brush-stroke is laid . . . in truth, it usually takes decades for the worst of materials and procedures to "go south". People will use what they are convinced is "good" material and technique, regardless of the point of information.

As for knowing when water-reducible plastics are "dry", it depends a little on ambient humidity, but a good rule of thumb is that if the surface feels cool to the touch, it's probably still damp.

[Anthony Emmolo]

Thank you once again, Richard,
Anthony