<p>So the golden rule when layering oil paint is to work <strong>lean to fat</strong> (or fat over lean).</p>

<p>What does this actually mean? Lean paint is paint that is diluted with white-spirit or turpentine. It is 'watery', and dries quickly. Typically underpaintings are done in this way, as it's quick and easy to correct mistakes. As you then build up subsequent layers, use less spirits and more medium (typically linseed oil) - the oil being the 'fat'. These layers dry more slowly as a result.</p>

<p>Doing this ensures that the lower layers dry more quickly than the upper layers. Cracking happens when the top layers dry first, then the lower layers.</p>

<p>Some other considerations: cheaper paint will have more varied drying time between different colours. If you notice some particular colours cracking this may be the cause. Information about drying times is usually available on the manufacturer's website.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-03-07T06:02:42.740Z
@Reed-SEisaFishonDryLand, it can't be due to the pigment directly, pigment is inert powder. The only thing that dries or hardens is the binder (oil in this case). It's possible that with certain pigments, they use more binder, which could translate to longer drying times.
Dolly
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-28T22:31:26.967Z
i agree that the problem here is lean over fat, however different drying times is not due to the manufactured but the pigment. Maybe some brands try to compensate a littlke but intrinsicaly earth colors for instance dry much faster than titanium white or alizarine.
Reed -SE is a Fish on Dry Land
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-04-28T07:25:57.943Z
2016-04-28T10:28:11.747Z
2016-04-28T10:28:11.747Z
Tom Medley
<p>As I'm painting with oils, I often layer new colors over older parts of the canvas. This generally works fine, but sometimes the upper layer can crack as it starts to dry. Why is this and what can I do to prevent it?</p>

<oil-paint>
Why are the top layers of my oil painting cracking when it starts to dry?
Joanne C
# Why are the top layers of my oil painting cracking when it starts to dry?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-04-28)

As I'm painting with oils, I often layer new colors over older parts of the canvas. This generally works fine, but sometimes the upper layer can crack as it starts to dry. Why is this and what can I do to prevent it?

**Tags:** oil-paint


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-04-28. Score: 10 | Accepted answer

So the golden rule when layering oil paint is to work **lean to fat** (or fat over lean).

What does this actually mean? Lean paint is paint that is diluted with white-spirit or turpentine. It is 'watery', and dries quickly. Typically underpaintings are done in this way, as it's quick and easy to correct mistakes. As you then build up subsequent layers, use less spirits and more medium (typically linseed oil) - the oil being the 'fat'. These layers dry more slowly as a result.

Doing this ensures that the lower layers dry more quickly than the upper layers. Cracking happens when the top layers dry first, then the lower layers.

Some other considerations: cheaper paint will have more varied drying time between different colours. If you notice some particular colours cracking this may be the cause. Information about drying times is usually available on the manufacturer's website.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: i agree that the problem here is lean over fat, however different drying times is not due to the manufactured but the pigment. Maybe some brands try to compensate a littlke but intrinsicaly earth colors for instance dry much faster than titanium white or alizarine.  
> **username_2**: @Reed-SEisaFishonDryLand, it can't be due to the pigment directly, pigment is inert powder. The only thing that dries or hardens is the binder (oil in this case). It's possible that with certain pigments, they use more binder, which could translate to longer drying times.  

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