Williamsburg Art Materials: Oil Mediums & Varnishes

There are various oil mediums that can be used in oil painting to alter the consistency, drying time, texture, or sheen of the paint. Here are some commonly used mediums:

• Linseed Oil: This is the most traditional and widely used medium for oil painting. It comes in various forms, such as cold-pressed, refined, or stand oil. Increases the flow and transparency, improves the drying time, and enhances the glossiness of the finished painting.
• Walnut Oil: Similar to linseed oil, walnut oil can be used as a medium to enhance the flow and transparency of the paint. It has a slightly less yellowing effect compared to linseed oil and is often preferred by artists who are concerned about the longevity of their paintings.
• Safflower Oil: Safflower oil is another popular medium that has similar properties to linseed oil but tends to have a slower drying time and a lighter color.
• Poppyseed Oil: Poppyseed oil is a pale, slow-drying medium that provides a smooth texture and a satin finish. It is often used by artists who prefer a slower drying time to work with their paints for extended periods.
• Liquin: Liquin is a synthetic medium that comes in various formulations and is a popular choice for artists who want to speed up the drying time of their oil paint. Liquin also improves the flow and leveling of the paint and can create a glossy finish.
• Stand Oil: Stand oil is a thick, honey-like medium that has a slower drying time than linseed oil. It increases the gloss and transparency of the paint and can be used to create glazes and build up layers.

Oil painting mediums serve several purposes and can have various effects on the paint. Here are some of the functions and effects of oil painting mediums:
Alter Consistency: Mediums can be used to adjust the consistency of oils, making it thicker or thinner. Thinning mediums like linseed oil or walnut oil can be added to the paint to increase its flow and make it more fluid.

Extend Drying Time: Some mediums, such as stand oil or certain alkyd mediums, can slow down the drying time. This can be beneficial for artists who want more time to work with the paint, blend colors, or create subtle transitions.

Speed up Drying Time: On the other hand, certain mediums like alkyd resins or Liquin can accelerate the drying time of oils. This can be advantageous for artists who prefer a faster drying process or need their paintings to dry quickly for practical reasons.

Improve Flow and Blending: Mediums can enhance the flow and leveling properties of oil paint, making it easier to blend colors and create smooth transitions.

Increase Transparency: Some mediums, such as linseed oil or safflower oil, can increase the transparency. This is particularly useful for glazing techniques, where multiple layers of transparent paint are built up to create luminosity and depth.

Enhance Glossiness: Certain mediums, like linseed oil or Liquin, can increase the glossiness of the finished painting. These mediums create a shiny surface that can enhance color vibrancy and depth.

Create Texture: Mediums like impasto gels or cold wax medium can be mixed with oils to create texture and impasto effects. They allow the artist to build up thick layers of paint, creating a three-dimensional quality to the artwork.

If you are looking for high-quality oil painting mediums at the best values, shop Jerry’s Artarama for the best supplies at the best value. We carry an extensive selection of artist paints, including oil painting brushes, water-soluble oils, art painting tools & oil painting paper & pads. Every order is handled with care and consideration to ensure your order arrives quickly and accurately. Find all the materials you need at Jerry’s!