A Guide to Artists Mediums for Oil Painting
Linseed Oil, Alkyds and Other Solvents for the Practice of Oils
Apr 23, 2009
The purchase of a box of oil paints is only part of the equipment available for those who wish to take up oil painting. There is an array of associated artists’ mediums for those who wish to experiment with oil painting. But are they essential and how can they be used?
What is Artist’s White Spirits?
The most crucial addition to an oil painter’s kit is a “solvent” or “thinner.” This acts to thin the paint and clean the brushes. Turpentine is the first to spring to mind, but this is harsh on the brushes and emits powerful odours. A kinder substitute is artists' white spirts or "Sansador." Just like diluting watercolours with water, artists’ solvents will dilute the oil paint to achieve washes.
Types of Oil Painting Mediums
Except for the artist’s solvent just mentioned, there are basically two types of oil painting mediums and both act in opposite ways.
- Oil-based mediums: These are basically oils derived from organic matter such as seeds. It is added to the oil paint to increase its transparency, flow and retard its drying time.
- Alkyd-based mediums: These are formulated from a synthetic resin that will add body to the paint and accelerate its drying time.
What are Linseed Oil and Poppy Oil for?
Organic oils can be added to the oil paint to create a gloss and achieve a smooth finish. The application of a thin layer of paint is known as a “glaze.” Linseed oil is the most popular choice. Poppy oil is suited to pale colours, as it is non-yellowing. “Drying” poppy oil has been specially treated to accelerate the drying of the paint.
What is Impasto?
Many different mediums are not essential to an oil painting. In fact, the paint can be applied neat from the tube. This application is known as “impasto.” The Impressionists often used impasto to create a thick expressive painting.
Impasto Medium
Impasto can be costly if used at volume on a large painting. However, a cheaper way of practicing impasto is to use impasto medium. This alkyd-based resin will add body to the paint. Do not be put off by its brown appearance. Once it has been mixed with the pigment, it will not affect the hue of the paint.
What is Liquin and What is it Used for?
Liquin is rather like the alkyd’s answer to linseed oil. It will increase the flow and transparency of the oil paint for glazing techniques, but it will not leave a glossy appearance. It will also accelerate the drying time of the paint.
Are Oil Painting Mediums Essential?
Every artist has different approaches to oil painting, but numerous oil painting mediums are not essential. In fact, oil painting can be practiced quite cheaply with nothing more than an artists solvent. Linseed oil is a useful medium for beginners. With more practice and more confidence, the artist might wish to experiment with different mediums.
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