This volume examines the history of Preparatory layers for oil paintings focusing on North West Europe between the times 1550 and 1900. Part 1 contains a lot of historical detail. It examines the recipe collection of preparatory layers, their uses and impact, materials within the recipes and their application, texture and color. The volume also takes a chronological look at the history of preparatory layers and the major developments in preparatory layers for oil paintings during the time period. Part 2 examines reconstructions of the recipes focusing on particular materials and their influence on the preparatory layer and therefore the final painting.