Recipe: Lean Egg Tempera with Dammar Varnish
The word Tempera comes from Latin „temperare“ and means “to make mild” or “to control” which is probably referring to the fact that tempera paint combines materials which are usually unmixable. Mixing agents or emulsifier are used in order to blend resin, oil and water-dilutable colors without the use of odorous solvents. Tempera paint can be used for nuanced art work since it is hardly runny. The dry paint is water-resistant.
Processing
Note
For egg tempera, you should only use distilled or demineralized water. Tap water can cause flocculation of the mixture. Boiling the water before use will prolong the stability of the paint. As a preservative, you can add a drop of Clove Oil (#73700). A less oily egg yolk will reduce the yellowing effect: Before using the yolk for your Tempera, spread it on a piece of non-woven cloth and remove it after a few minutes. RECIPE FROM Doerner, Max: Malmaterial und seine Verwendung im Bilde. (20th ed.), Stuttgart 2003, p. 198.