or Damar. It is a natural resin extracted from plants that grow in the Eastern Indies. It appears in pieces of various sizes that crumble easily and melt completely at 120° C. It is soluble in turpentine and partially in alcohol. It furnishes an optimum final varnish for paintings (together with mastic, considered one of the best resins for painting varnishes) and, mixed with raw linseed oil, it acquires elasticity and resistance. If appropriately prepared, it may also be used as a medium. It has good adhesive properties and, mixed with wax, the gluing power is reinforced. |