Question about Impasto usage

[Kresh]

Question for you guys! Is it possible to use spackle or a joint compound as an impasto effect to be painted over with oils???

[Elwell]

I wouldn't. Chances are it will flake or crack. However, acrylic modelling paste has practically the same consistancy and is made for just this purpose.

[v0rbiss]

Umm, maybe this is a stupid question, but what are the benefits in using something else instead of just paint? Or by impasto you mean something like 5 cm thick layer that's pointless to create with just paint, or what..?

[arttorney]

yeah, I think that stuff is totally absorbent and will suck down all the oil leaving the paint underbound. If I wanted to build up something really tall, I would glue a shaped piece of wood on top of a panel BEFORE using an appropriate primer. If it's not really that tall use the acrylic stuff Elwell describes, or just use a buttwad of oil paint.

[k4pka]

If you use oil paint alone for impasto bigger than say 3/4cm thick, it will crack, normal fluctuations when drying will cause that.