Investigates the procedures which were followed in the 17th century for making the quality of the paint comply with the demands, especially regarding the binding medium. Linseed oil was treated in various ways in order to promote drying, to influence the consistency, and to counteract yellowing. Until now, analytical research has yielded only the most expected results, finding lead white in linseed oil, without any indication of additions and not revealing the method of preparation. Apart from the pigment, often finely ground glass has been found which influenced the consistency of the paint and its drying time. Another approach of investigation is to reconstruct paint, using descriptions from historic sources, and to imitate the effects seen on 17th-century paintings. A pictorial atlas of those effects is useful for this purpose.