gum copal

Ingredients

gum copal, oil

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Eikelenberg attempted to improve the varnish through a process of heating and thickening (p. 267). When he scorched the gum copal because he 'became aware of it too late,' he 'decided to add oil to prevent everything from going to waste' (p. 279). The material was processed in his workshop in Alkmaar using glazed stone pans, stone lids, flat bottom pans, and a furnace fueled with coals (p. 267).

Evidence

"received two ounces of gum copal, which he found “very bad, crumbly, opaque, contaminated with filth,” and yet, he did not discard the gum, but tried to make the most of it."

Remarks

Eikelenberg noted that gum copal varnish 'alle anderen overtreft' (surpasses all others) in quality, being very clear and shiny when properly prepared, despite the poor quality of the raw starting material (p. 267-268).