Aluminum stearate

Aluminum stearate transforms an oil paint into a gel. A small amount of aluminum stearate imparts a buttery consistency to oil paint. It offers several advantages in its use: - a linseed oil concentrate can be prepared with aluminum stearate in advance and added to the paint when desired; - aluminum stearate prevents separation of pigment and oil in the tube; - it thickens varnishes considerably; - stearate powder is considered a good lubricant; - it is a whitish, waxy-looking powder that dissolves in oil transparently.