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asphaltum

asphaltum

9.9
A dark brown or black liquid painters use to make paint darker
  • noun
  • /æˈsfɔltəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : asfalto
  • Many restorers prefer asphaltum for its deep color.

Examples

  • The artist used asphaltum to create a rich, dark background.

  • A small amount of asphaltum can deepen the color of oil paints.

  • The artist used asphaltum to create rich, dark shadows in the painting.

  • Restorers often apply asphaltum as a protective layer on old artworks.

  • Many artists prefer asphaltum as a varnish for its rich, dark finish.

  • During restoration, the conservator carefully applied asphaltum to enhance the painting's depth.

  • The painter's palette included asphaltum to create shadows and dark tones.

Synonyms

asphalt
vsasphaltum
56 3.9

A dark sticky material used to make roads and keep roofs dry

is a varnish pigment made from the pure binding substance not the road mix
bitumen
vsasphaltum
  • UK
3 7.4

A thick black sticky substance used to make roads and roofs waterproof

is a varnish pigment made from that substance for painting and restoring
mineral tar
vsasphaltum
  • Specialized
8.5

A thick black sticky material made from oil and rocks used to make roofs waterproof and stop rust

is a varnish pigment made from the refined binder rather than raw mineral goo
bitumastic
vsasphaltum
  • Specialized
9.9

A protective coating made from tar that covers metal to stop weather damage and rust

is a varnish pigment used by painters not a structural metal coating

Surface Forms

asphaltum singular
asphaltums plural
asphalta plural

Etymology

Asphaltum is related to asphalt and the old Greek word asphaltos, which meant 'secure' and became the name for a dark, tar-like material. Think of an artist using that dark tar to 'seal' and deepen paint, so asphaltum means a dark varnish or pigment.