The major failing with comments on the examination of paintings has been an unfamiliarity with basic techniques of oil painting. Mistranslation of early manuscripts can confuse the issue, while recent scientific examination must be interpreted with caution. This article deals with our investigation into various recipes and formulation of materials for oil painting, including a review of techniques and going into detail over the traditional treatment of ingredients. The listing covers methods of painting from medieval times to the 20th century. Topics discussed include the relationship between materials and techniques and the survival of the painting. Understanding of a multitude of materials and relationships, of the concepts that determined their historical use, and of the influences and relations between schools, thus becomes a requirement both for the conservator and the modern artist. See also AATA 18-1441 and 21-743.