In this beginner-friendly essential guide, we’ll break down the different types of oil paints, their benefits, and what to consider when selecting the best oil paint for your oil painting needs including traditional vs water mixable oil paints and alkyd oil paint benefits.
Stepping into the world of oil painting is an exciting journey for any beginner. One of the first, and most important, decisions you'll face is choosing the right type of oil paint. With several options available, each offering unique qualities, it's essential to find the one that best suits your artistic style, goals, and experience level.
This article will look at:
Traditional oil paints
What are traditional oil paints?
Traditional oil paints are made from pigment mixed with a drying oil, typically linseed oil. These paints are beloved for their rich, creamy texture and vivid colour payoff.
Benefits of traditional oils:
- Superior colour depth and blending capabilities.
- Extended drying time, allowing you to manipulate, layer, and rework your piece for days.
- Professional-grade quality used by artists for centuries.
Things to keep in mind:
- Requires solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits for cleaning and thinning, which can be toxic and messy.
- Long drying time, paint can take days or even weeks to dry completely.
Water-mixable oil paints
What are water-mixable oils?
These innovative paints mimic the properties of traditional oil paints but can be thinned and cleaned with water, no harsh chemicals required.
Benefits of water-mixable oils:
- Beginner-friendly and safer to use, no need for toxic solvents.
- Easy clean up with soap and water.
- Similar texture and blending as traditional oils.
Things to keep in mind:
- May dry slightly faster, which can be a pro or con depending on your style.
- Some artists find the colours less intense than traditional oils.
Alkyd oil paints
What are alkyd oil paints?
Alkyd paints are fast-drying oil paints made with a synthetic resin, ideal for artists who want quicker results.
Benefits of alkyd paints:
- Dries in 24 hours, speeding up the painting process.
- Durable and long-lasting once dry.
- A good middle ground between oils and acrylics.
Things to keep in mind:
- Less time to blend and adjust layers.
- Slightly different texture, which may require some getting used to.
Student-grade oil paints
What are student-grade oils?
Designed for beginners, these paints are more affordable and contain less pigment and more filler than professional-grade paints.
Benefits of student-grade paints:
- Budget-friendly and perfect for practice.
- Widely available at art supply stores.
Things to keep in mind:
- Less vibrant colours and weaker coverage.
- You may need to use more layers for the desired effect.
If you're new to oils, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your oil skills.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right oil paint depends on your goals, experience level, and working environment. Whether you opt for traditional oils for their timeless richness or prefer modern, water-mixable alternatives for convenience, understanding your options is key to a fulfilling painting experience.
Start your oil painting journey with confidence, explore, experiment, and enjoy the process!
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