Phenol (Carbolic Acid)

Phenol (carbolic acid; CAS Registry Number 108-95-2) is a 4% solution to prevent mold formation on gesso, chalk (traditional) grounds, and waterborne paint. Add Phenol to newly-made gesso, chalk ground mixtures, or waterborne paint for maximum effectiveness. Store for days in a cool, dark place or weeks in a refrigerator without mold forming. Add to water to prevent solutions of casein, gum Arabic, skin glues, etc., from decomposing on storage, and as a preservative or antiseptic to prevent mold growth.

Phenol is packaged in amber Boston round PET bottles with a mist sprayer for maximum storage life. The amber-colored PET bottle prevents light from degrading the product.

Phenol (carbolic acid) has been accepted as a more or less standard preservative, antiseptic, and germicide, but it has two disadvantages. It is volatile and has an odor; it is customary in industry to mask this by adding an odorant such as oil of sassafras or some other essential oil [Ed—clove oil is excellent for this purpose and has some antiseptic properties]. Despite its disadvantages, it is still widely employed, especially with gum arabic solutions, because of its thoroughly known behavior.

Reference: Ralph Mayer (1991) The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques. Fifth Edition. New York: Viking Penguin. p. 441.

To purchase Clove Oil for use with Phenol: Clove Oil

Directions of Use

For Casein, Gum Arabic, and Hide Glue Solutions

1. Spray Phenol generously onto the surfaces of the containers, spoons, and tools that will come in contact with the solution.
2. Add Phenol to the water (1 teaspoonful to 16 fluid ounces or 500 ml) in the recipe before adding other ingredients.

For Grounds

1. Spray Phenol generously onto the surfaces of the containers, spoons, and tools that will come in contact with the ground mixture.
2. Add Phenol to the water (1 teaspoonful to 16 fluid ounces or 500 ml) in the ground recipe before adding solid ingredients.