Editing Tempera (section)

===Application===
Tempera paint dries rapidly. It is normally applied in thin, semi-opaque or transparent layers. Tempera painting allows for great precision when used with traditional techniques that require the application of numerous small brush strokes applied in a [[cross-hatching]] technique. When dry, it produces a smooth [[Gloss (material appearance)|matte]] finish. Because it cannot be applied in thick layers as oil paints can, tempera paintings rarely have the deep color [[saturation (color theory)|saturation]] that oil paintings can achieve because it can hold less pigment (lower pigment load). In this respect, the colors of an unvarnished tempera painting resemble a [[pastel]], although the color deepens if a [[varnish]] is applied. On the other hand, tempera colors do not change over time,<ref>Mayer, Ralph, 1985. ''The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques'' (4th ed.). New York: Viking Penguin Inc., p. 215</ref> whereas oil paints darken, yellow, and become transparent with age.<ref>Mayer, 1985, p. 119</ref>