retardant definition

A retardant is an antoxidant fluid.  It is combined with paints to prevent them from drying.  When an artist desires to delay the painting's drying process, he/she will often use a retardant so work on the piece can be done over a number of days.  Oil of cloves is a favored retardant; only a few drops are necessary to combine with oil paints to use as a retardant.  Pine oil and oil of lavender are other useful retardants.