This paper provides an outline of resinous or solvent-sensitive vehicles, varnishes and application techniques which were recommended by authors of oil painting instruction manuals published in Britain during the 19th century. Attention is given to aspects of these recommendations which, were they implemented, would be particularly relevant to conservators who are using solvents during varnish removal. These include the use of a variety of vehicles, the application of oils and varnishes between layers of paint, and the application of different resins in several layers for final varnishing.