Discover the benefits of oil paints, including their rich colours, blending abilities, and extended drying time. Learn why oil paints are the medium of choice for professional artists.

What Are the Benefits of Oil Paints?

Oil paints are renowned for their rich, vibrant colours, longevity, and versatility. These qualities make oil paints an excellent choice for artists looking to create detailed, layered works. With their slow drying time, oil paints allow for better blending and corrections, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

Why Choose Oil Paints?

Oil painting has a long and storied history, favoured by iconic artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. Their choice of medium was not arbitrary—oil paints offer a range of benefits that have secured their place in the world of art for centuries.

1. Rich, Vibrant Colours

One of the standout qualities of oil paints is their depth and intensity of colour. The pigments in oil paints are suspended in a drying oil (commonly linseed oil), which enhances the richness of the colours. This allows artists to create vivid, eye-catching works with a professional finish.

2. Extended Drying Time

Oil paints dry slowly, giving artists the opportunity to work on their piece over several sessions. This extended drying time allows for more flexibility in adjusting colours, adding details, and refining the artwork without rushing.

3. Superior Blending Abilities

Oil paints offer superior blending capabilities, allowing for smooth transitions between colours and the creation of realistic gradients. This is particularly advantageous for artists working on portraits or landscapes, where subtle shifts in tone are essential.

4. Versatile Techniques

Oil paints support a wide range of techniques, from thick, textured strokes to thin, delicate glazes. Artists can experiment with impasto, glazing, or even wet-on-wet painting (also known as alla prima). This versatility makes oil paints suitable for various artistic styles, from realism to abstract art.

5. Durability and Longevity

When properly applied and cared for, oil paintings can last for centuries. The durability of oil paints ensures that the artwork will remain vibrant and intact for generations, making them an excellent choice for artists looking to create long-lasting pieces.

6. Flexibility for Corrections

Because oil paints dry slowly, artists have more time to make corrections. Whether it's reworking a section of the painting or adjusting the colour balance, oil paints are more forgiving than faster-drying mediums like acrylics or watercolours.

Common Techniques in Oil Painting

Oil paints lend themselves to a variety of techniques that help artists achieve different textures and effects. Here are a few of the most commonly used methods:

Impasto

Impasto involves applying paint thickly to create texture on the canvas. The paint is built up with a palette knife or brush to create a three-dimensional effect, adding drama and energy to the piece.

Glazing

In the glazing technique, thin, transparent layers of paint are applied over a dried base layer. This method helps to build depth and luminosity, especially in realistic portraits and detailed works.

Alla Prima (Wet-on-Wet)

The alla prima technique involves completing a painting in one sitting, without waiting for layers to dry. It’s ideal for quick studies or more spontaneous artwork, and is a great option for beginners looking to complete a piece in a shorter amount of time.

Maximising the Benefits of Oil Paints

To fully enjoy the advantages of oil paints, it’s important to use the right techniques and materials. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your oil painting experience:

  1. Use High-Quality Paints and Brushes: Opt for professional-grade paints and brushes to ensure a smooth application and vibrant colours.
  2. Work in Layers: Begin with thin layers of paint and gradually build up to thicker layers. This method, known as fat over lean, helps prevent cracking as the painting dries.
  3. Allow Sufficient Drying Time: Patience is key when working with oil paints. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next to avoid muddying the colours or smudging the details.
  4. Varnish Your Painting: Once your painting is fully dry, apply a protective varnish to preserve the colours and protect the surface from dust and UV light.

1. Why are oil paints considered superior to other mediums?

Oil paints are favoured for their rich colours, slow drying time, and blending abilities. These qualities make them ideal for creating detailed, layered works that maintain their vibrancy and durability over time.

2. Can oil paints be used on any surface?

Oil paints work best on primed surfaces such as canvas, wood, or metal. It’s essential to use a suitable primer to prevent the oil from being absorbed into the surface, which can cause deterioration over time.

3. How long do oil paints take to dry?

The drying time of oil paints depends on the thickness of the application and environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Thin layers may dry within a few days, while thicker applications can take weeks or even months to fully cure.

4. What is the fat over lean rule?

The fat over lean rule dictates that each subsequent layer of paint should contain more oil than the one beneath it. This prevents cracking as the layers dry and ensures the longevity of the painting.

5. How can I preserve my oil painting?

To preserve your oil painting, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Applying a protective varnish once the painting has dried will help shield it from dust, dirt, and UV damage.

Final Thoughts

Oil paints offer artists a wealth of creative possibilities, from their vibrant colours to their flexible drying time. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, oil paints allow for detailed, expressive, and long-lasting artworks. At P9 Art Boutique, we offer Non-Toxic Oil Paints and  Eco Friendly All Natural oil paint kit that help you create beautiful, sustainable works of art with ease.

Back to blog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are handmade oil paints suitable for beginners?

Yes, handmade oil paints are suitable for beginner artists, especially those interested in learning more about the paint-making process and controlling the quality of their materials. Making oil paint from scratch can help you better understand pigments, textures, and the chemistry of paint. For beginners, our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit is a perfect introduction, providing high-quality, non-toxic pigments and materials for a safe and rewarding experience.

What materials do I need to make my own oil paints?

To make your own oil paints, you'll need the following materials:

  • Pigments: Dry, finely ground powders in the colours of your choice.
  • Drying Oil: Linseed oil, walnut oil, or other natural oils to bind the pigments.
  • Palette Knife: For mixing the pigments with the oil.
  • Glass Muller and Grinding Plate: These tools help ensure the pigment is evenly dispersed into the oil for a smooth, professional-quality paint.
  • Paint Tubes: For storing your handmade paints.

Our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit comes with nine high-quality natural, Earth and synthetic mineral pigments, along with a natural oil binder, perfect for those looking to make their own non-toxic oil paints.

Please note:The mixing tools are not included in the kit.

How do I store homemade oil paints?

To keep your mixed oil paints fresh and maintain their quality, here are some effective storage methods:

  1. Airtight Aluminium Tubes: Transfer your mixed oil paints into airtight aluminium tubes to minimize air exposure. Fill the tube about three-quarters full, then flatten and fold the end using a putty knife. Pinch the end with pliers to seal it airtight. Properly sealed, your paint can last for weeks or even months.
  2. Refrigeration: Store your palette in the refrigerator to slow down drying. This method can keep your paint usable for several days to a week. Make sure to cover the palette with cling film or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, place your palette in the freezer. This can keep your paint fresh for several weeks. Before using the paint, let it warm up slightly to avoid condensation. This method is especially handy if you paint regularly.
  4. Cling Film: Cover your palette with cling film to reduce air exposure. This is a quick and easy way to keep your paint usable for a few days.
  5. Glass Jars: For longer storage, transfer your paint into small glass jars. Adding a few drops of clove oil can help prevent the paint from drying out too quickly. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed.
  6. Aluminium Foil: Scrape any leftover paint onto small squares of aluminium foil and fold it to create an airtight seal. This can preserve your paint for a few weeks. Label the foil with a smudge of the paint colour for easy identification.

Using these methods will help you extend the life of your mixed oil paints, ensuring you get the most out of your materials.

When were oil paints invented?

Oil paints are believed to have been invented around the early 15th century, with Jan van Eyck, a Flemish painter, often credited for refining the medium. While oil paints may have existed before this, it was during the Northern Renaissance that their use became widespread. Van Eyck's use of linseed oil as a binder allowed for richer colours, smoother blending, and slower drying times, which changed the art world and led to the eventual dominance of oil paints in Europe.

What did artists use before oil paint was invented?

Before the invention of oil paint, artists primarily used egg tempera and encaustic (a wax-based paint) as their main painting mediums. Egg tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, was widely used in the Byzantine and Renaissance periods due to its fast drying properties and ability to produce fine detail. Encaustic paints, created with pigments suspended in hot beeswax, were commonly used in ancient Egypt for portraiture. These mediums offered longevity but lacked the flexibility and blendability of oil paints.

Can oil paints be used for Alla Prima painting?

Yes, oil paints are perfect for the Alla Prima or "wet-on-wet" technique. This method allows artists to apply layers of oil paint without waiting for the previous layers to dry, creating a more spontaneous and immediate painting style. Natural oil paints, like those found in our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit, are excellent for Alla Prima as they offer vibrant colours and smooth blending without toxic solvents, making them ideal for both beginners and professional artists.

What are non-toxic oil paints?

Non-toxic oil paints are made without harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found in traditional oil paints. Instead, they use natural pigments and binders like linseed or walnut oil, offering a safer alternative for artists and the environment. These paints are free from toxic additives like cadmium, lead, and cobalt, which can cause health issues over time. Non-toxic oil paints, such as those found in our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set, are perfect for art lovers, students, and professionals who prioritise safety while maintaining vibrant, high-quality results.

Are natural oil paints better for the environment?

Yes, natural oil paints are far better for the environment compared to synthetic oil paints. Traditional oil paints often contain toxic additives, stabilisers, and heavy metals that pose risks to both the artist and the environment. In contrast, natural oil paints use eco-friendly, non-toxic pigments and natural binders, reducing their environmental impact. Our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set is an excellent option for artists looking for vegan, non-toxic oil paints that are safe and sustainable.

How to fix hardened oil paint?

If your oil paint has hardened or become too thick to use, here are a few methods to fix it and restore its workability:

  • Add Linseed Oil or Other Paint Mediums: If the oil paint is just starting to dry out or has become thick, adding a few drops of linseed oil or a specialised oil painting medium can help rehydrate the paint and restore its creamy texture. Mix thoroughly using a palette knife until the paint is smooth again.
  • Use a Paint Thinner: For more stubbornly hardened paint, you can add a small amount of odourless mineral spirits, turpentine, or another non-toxic paint thinner to dissolve the dried portions. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the paint too thin and affect its consistency.
  • Warm the Paint Gently: Slightly warming the hardened paint (by placing the tube in warm water or near a mild heat source) can soften it enough to mix more easily with a medium. Be careful not to overheat the paint, as this could damage the pigments.
  • Use a Palette Knife: If only the surface of the paint has hardened, you can scrape off the dried layer with a palette knife and use the softer paint underneath.

If your oil paint has fully dried and hardened, it may not be salvageable. Oil paints naturally dry through oxidation, and if too much air has been exposed to the paint over time, it may have cured beyond repair. To avoid this, ensure your paint tubes are tightly sealed when not in use.