TINTING
In tinting china, the best results are always obtained by using freshly mixed colors. They work more easily and smoothly. A broad tinting brush or square shader should be used for this work—one color or a combination of colors may produce a tint. Apply the color as smoothly as possible, but if it is found to be not quite even, pad it with a cloth or pad. Some colors contain more grit than others—and are more difficult to pad. In applying such colors as yellow-brown, brown-green, apple-green, dark pompadour and pink, it is necessary to dampen the pad with mixing oil. When using the smoother tints, it will only be necessary to tint the pad, by touching it to the color. The effect will be improved and deepened by a dusting of colors when the tint is about dry.
The term “flushing” is sometimes used when tinting is used for a background.
GROUND-LAYING
There is probably no feature in the painting of china that gives the student more anxiety than the art of ground-laying.
He is confronted by many difficulties, but when the art is mastered, feels well paid for all his work. The beautiful results are sufficient reward. A perfectly even and lustrous ground is obtained by applying powdered colors over a well padded wash of tinting oil. The results are more satisfactory than a well padded ground made of color mixed with oil before applying.
The best quality of grounding or tinting oil is the first essential. In fact it is upon this, to a great degree, that the success of the work depends. A tinted oil is usually used. Pour into a small dish the desired amount of oil. See that no lumps or bubbles are in it. Then with a clean square tinting brush apply the oil quickly over the surface to be laid with color. It is not necessary that the work should be very carefully done—but care should be taken to see that all the space is covered. Have ready for use two medium soft pads, free from lint. Pad the oil over and over again with one pad until it looks like a smooth soft tint, then repeat with the second pad. This second padding may not be necessary, but it cannot do any harm and it certainly will improve the smoothness of the oil. Here the decorator is cautioned to see that the oil is perfectly even, free from spots and scratches, as these faults would be noticeable after the color is applied. It is best to wipe off all the oil and make another application instead of trying to correct a fault on the padded oil.
After the oiled china has stood for half an hour or so, the powdered colors can be applied.