Physical and chemical properties of traditional and water-mixable oil paints assessed using single-sided NMR

Single-sided NMR and gas chromatography were used in tandem to investigate the physical and chemical differences between traditional linseed oil paint and water-mixable oil paint. Water-mixable oil paints contain an emulsifier that confers water miscibility, but it may also affect the curing process and the intermolecular network formed in a cured paint film. Comparisons of paint samples of different compositions and ages show that the emulsifier changes both the chemical and physical properties of the paint films, though at different curing times and to different extents depending on the paint formulation. This research highlights the utility of NMR relaxometry in cultural heritage analysis, and suggests further study into the effects of agents affecting the curing process and reactions within a paint film.