Oil painting mediums modify paint behaviour, affecting everything from drying time to final finish. Understanding your options helps you achieve specific effects and work more efficiently.
Why Use Mediums?
- Adjust paint consistency
- Control drying time
- Modify finish (matte to gloss)
- Increase transparency for glazing
- Add body for impasto
Drying Oils
Linseed Oil
The most common oil painting medium:
- Increases flow and gloss
- Slows drying slightly
- Can yellow over time (especially in darks)
- Use refined or cold-pressed
Stand Oil
Heat-treated linseed oil:
- Thick, honey-like consistency
- Levels brushstrokes
- Less yellowing than regular linseed
- Excellent for glazing
Walnut Oil
- Less yellowing than linseed
- Good for whites and light colours
- Slower drying
- More expensive
Solvents
Turpentine
- Traditional solvent
- Strong odour
- Good for thinning and cleaning
- Use artist-grade (rectified)
Odourless Mineral Spirits (OMS)
- Less toxic than turpentine
- Minimal odour
- Gamsol is popular brand
- Good for sensitive artists
Alkyd Mediums
Synthetic resins that speed drying:
Liquin
- Most popular alkyd medium
- Dries overnight
- Increases flow
- Satin finish
The Fat Over Lean Rule
Essential for preventing cracking:
- Each layer should have more oil than the one below
- Start with more solvent, less oil
- Gradually increase oil content
- Top layers should be "fattest"
Find quality oil paints in our oil paints guide and explore our complete painting guides.
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