Tempera Paint

art · paint · history · how-it-works

Egg yolk magic. The most famous tempera paint mixes pigment with egg yolk as its binder. The yolk dries quickly and creates a smooth, permanent finish that has been used by artists for hundreds of years.

Super fast drying. Tempera paints dry much faster than oil paints because water evaporates quickly. This means artists can layer colors on top of each other without waiting hours between coats.

Many binder options. Artists can make tempera with different binders, not just egg yolk. Milk protein, plant gums, and even synthetic materials all work, but egg tempera remains the most traditional and beloved choice.

Lasts forever. Tempera paint is permanent, which means paintings made with it can survive for centuries without fading or cracking if they're cared for properly.

Loved by masters. Famous Renaissance artists like Botticelli and Giotto used egg tempera to create masterpieces that you can still see in museums today.