For the past 5 to 6 years, I have delved into the world of solvents and mediums for oil paintings, on a quest to find the perfect match. Along the way, I've met many fellow artists seeking the ideal oil painting medium to kickstart their creative journey.
They often inquire about
"Which medium is ideal for someone new to this?"
"What is the top medium offered in the Indian market?"
OR
They are familiar with numerous types and brands of mediums, yet they are uncertain about which one to choose.
Having conducted extensive experimentation, I am certain in my recommendations of a few products based on their characteristics. To choose the most suitable one for you, it is important to determine the type of performance you expect from your paints.
Rather than depending solely on others' recommendations, I suggest that you explore different oil painting mediums and utilize the information shared in this post to your advantage!
Contents
understanding the Purpose of a Medium
Some artists choose to paint well with oil paints without using any medium, as it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired outcome. The main purpose of a medium is to facilitate the smooth application of paint onto the canvas while using less paint.
Various mediums are available that enable artists to adjust the consistency of their pigments, making them smooth like butter, thicker like honey, or even runny like water.
By utilizing mediums, artists gain control over:
the paints and brush strokes
the duration of painting time
the texture
the finish (matte/glossy)
Types of Mediums for Oil Painting
Oil-Based Mediums
It is the most commonly utilized medium in the industry, offering artists a variety of options. Among them are Linseed Oil, Stand Oil, Walnut Oil, and many others. Moreover, there are different types available such as raw, boiled, refined, and cold-pressed, adding to the complexity of choosing the right one.
To simplify things for you, I will outline their characteristics to help you comprehend these mediums better and select the one that best suits your needs, rather than strictly following a set rule.
Linseed Oil
Derived from flaxseeds, this oil is widely used in artistic creations.
Raw Linseed Oil: Extracted with heat and without thinners or drying agents, this type has a longer drying time. It often contains impurities that can lead to the growth of algae or mold, making it unsuitable for painting.
Boiled Linseed Oil: Boiled with drying agents to accelerate drying, this variety also includes a double-boiled version that is essentially the same as the regular boiled oil.
Refined Linseed Oil: The most widely used oil by artists, this type is obtained through steam pressing and subsequent treatment with sulphuric acid to eliminate impurities, hence its name "refined." It has a yellowish hue and tends to cause paintings to yellow over time. It is advisable to approach its use with caution.
Cold-pressed Linseed Oil: Extracted from flaxseeds without heat, cold-pressed linseed oil preserves its natural properties, dries quickly, and has a light yellow hue.
Stand Oil
When linseed oil is heated at 300°C in a vacuum for a few days, it transforms into a honey-like consistency. This process leads to oil polymerization, resulting in a thicker finish and non-yellowing properties.
Advantages
The brushstrokes created during painting will eventually level out.
Unlike linseed oil, Stand Oil does not develop a yellow tint over time.
The oil is more flexible and provides a smoother finish.
Disadvantages
Due to its characteristics, Stand Oil has a longer drying time (7-8 days to dry to the touch).
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil commonly used for oil painting is typically cold pressed. Unlike stand oil, it does not contribute to the yellowing of paintings over time.
There are few walnut oil-based mediums accessible in the Indian market, and I have included a link to those available.
It is recommended to avoid using oils not specifically intended for painting, as many of them are designed for skincare and culinary purposes, containing additives that could affect your artwork negatively.
Alkyd Mediums
Alkyd mediums consist of resin treated with alcohol and acid to create a gel-based medium, from which they derive their name. Known for their rapid drying time of approximately a day, they harden into a durable enamel finish.
Liquin - Its strong chemical odor necessitates that artists use it in a well-ventilated area to safeguard their health.
Impasto Mediums
Impasto is a painting technique that involves using large amounts of paint to add texture to the artwork. The impasto medium is a paste that enhances the amount of pigment in the paint, resulting in a thicker consistency without compromising its opacity.
Spirits
Spirits typically evaporate within a short period, ranging from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the quantity applied. This evaporation process can result in the paint becoming as thin as water, which is why spirits are commonly utilized as cleaning agents for brushes.
Turpentine
Although also known as turpentine oil, turpentine shares similar properties with spirits. It is obtained through the distillation of resin extracted from pine trees. Despite its strong odour, turpentine should be used in well-ventilated areas.
Odorless Spirits
Now, odourless spirits are available in the market that do not pose a health risk.
Selecting the Right Medium for you
To choose the appropriate medium, begin with an affordable option and a small quantity to conduct various experiments.
Consistency
Engage with it for a period to determine if you find it comfortable or if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.
Drying Time
If you require the underlying layers to dry quickly or have limited time available, consider using drying mediums.
Quality of Final Piece
For premium artworks and to preserve pigment quality over time, opt for a medium that does not cause yellowing and maintains color vibrancy.
Concluding the key points
Medium | Consistency | Drying Time | Finish |
Boiled Linseed Oil | honey-like | 1 day | glossy |
Purified Linseed Oil | honey-like | 3 days | glossy |
Cold-press Linseed Oil | honey-like | 1 - 3 days | glossy |
Stand Oil | much thicker than other linseed oils | 7 - 9 days | glossy |
Walnut Oil | runny | 3 - 4 days | glossy |
Spirits | water-like | 10 - 30 minutes | matte |
Alkyd | gel-like | 1 day or less | semi-matte |
Impasto | paste-like | depends on the thickness of the layer | matte/ glossy (variants available) |
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