Egg Tempera
The medium of Byzantine icons and early Renaissance panels.
Mix powdered pigment with egg yolk and water. That's the entire paint.
- ▸Egg yolk is nature's paint binder — it dries hard and waterproof.
- ▸Paint with quick, thin strokes; you can't go back over it.
- ▸Used by Renaissance masters before oil paint took over.
Steps
- 01
Roll the yolk on a paper towel to dry the membrane, then pierce and drain just the yolk into a jar.
- 02
Add an equal volume of water and shake gently to combine — this is your binder.
- 03
On a tile, mull a small mound of pigment with water to a paste.
- 04
Mix pigment paste 1:1 with the egg-yolk binder.
- 05
Paint in thin, quick strokes — egg tempera dries in seconds and cannot be re-wet.
Materials3
- — 1 fresh egg yolk (separated from white and membrane)
- — Equal volume of distilled water
- — Dry pigment of your choice (earth, charcoal, lampblack, ochre)
Safety
Involves dust, mild chemistry, sharp tools, or solvents. Use PPE and ventilate.
- Airborne dust — respiratory irritant
- ☐Wear an N95 / FFP2 mask when handling dry powders
- ☐Mix in a tray to contain dust; wipe surfaces wet
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Lasts centuries on rigid panels. Mix only what you can use in a few hours.