The manufacture of ready-made art materials flourished during the 17th and 18th centuries; whereas, it did not thrive until the middle of the 19th century. Early records are reported. Topics discussed include changes in painting which began in th; 19th century, i.e. factory made colors and canvas. Commercial materials and innovations are considered critically, and some of the subsequent developments in the technique of oil painting are traced. A broad survey of literature is presented conceming the traditional manufacture of oil colors, oil purification, and vamish making. Our own approach has been to demonstrate that the formulations contained in old textbooks are consistent with sound practice. Whether a manufacturer accepts this responsibility is sometimes a question.