Orthodox icon technique, brief description

Working with the board

Through these images we are illustrating a brief introduction of the traditional orthodox icon technique. The icons use carefully chosen wood panels as basic support, with perfectly flat surfaces, over which we apply the linen cloth using a special glue. After drying for 12 hours and examining the cloth, we apply the gesso(traditionally called "levkas"), in succesive layers, using a substance made from glue, water and another inert material. After the gesso becomes dry and uniform, we polish the surface with agat stone or sandpaper, until it becomes extremely smooth and with a matt appearance.

Steps