Rublev Colours Tempera Ground is an absorbent, sandable primer made specifically for traditional tempera painting. Formulated with a vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) polymer emulsion and a high pigment volume concentration of titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, and wollastonite, it creates a bright, matte white surface that grips egg tempera, casein tempera, and collagen (distemper) beautifully.

Designed for rigid supports only, this tempera ground is ideal for wood panels, hardboard, and metal panels. Build the surface with multiple thin coats (we recommend at least four), allowing each layer to dry before the next. Once fully dry, sand to your preferred finish using wet or dry sandpaper, moving from a coarser grit to finer grits for a smoother result. Its high absorbency helps tempera layers key in and remain stable, while the sandable film lets you refine the surface from velvety matte to finely polished.

For application, you can dilute up to 20% with water for brushing. For spraying, thin with Rublev Fluid Medium and test your setup. Tempera Ground can also be tinted up to 20% with Rublev Colours Aqueous Dispersion colours to create custom toned grounds.

Note: This product can be damaged by freezing and is not recommended for flexible supports like stretched canvas.