Drying Oils

Oils derived from plants and dried by oxidation, the absorption of oxygen. When dry, they make a tough film and go through a molecular change. They are said to polymerize. That means its molecular structure changes so that it is a different substance and will not change back or be dissolved by the original dilutent. This is important because it allows us to use them in making paint that can be worked over when it is dry with more of the same wet paint and not worry about the under layers softening. Used in the making of oil paints.