When this method of outlining is used, a brush should be used instead of a pen. When using a pen in outlining, mix the colors with mixing oil—to about the consistency of that would be used in painting. Dilute this sufficiently with diluting medium, so that it will flow readily from the pen. Experience will soon teach you the right consistency. It is just as undesirable to have it too thin as too thick.
For small lines use a fine pen and a coarse one for heavier work. A small brush can be used successfully.
India ink is used for outlining china for decorating. This disappears in firing. It does not injure the gold or colors—but the ink lines can be seen when lustres are applied over them. When the ink is perfectly dry, the china colors can be applied.
To make a broad outline, paint the line with grounding oil that has been mixed very well with a small amount of lampblack. Draw the lines, then dust the powdered color over them. You can be sure of obtaining a perfectly even color effect, if the banding is done in this way. When outlining with gold, use a mixture of pure Roman gold and diluting medium. When mixed with a diluter, Roman gold may be applied with either a pen or a brush. Do not use turpentine or liquid bright gold.
Burnish silver can be handled in the same way.
When using liquid bright gold or lustre, you can use a brush or pen, whichever you choose.
Outlining in color can be done over fired colors, golds, silvers and lustres, but be careful not to apply it too heavily or it will flake off.
You can outline in color over unfired dry tints and unfired, well dried Roman gold. The powder must be mixed with water when used over unfired lustres. The lustres would be spoiled if turpentine or oil was used as they spread too easily. The best thing to use in gold outlining is diluting medium with powder gold, but lavender oil is very good.