Oil Paint Characteristics

Feature Description Note
Drying Time Slow (days to weeks) Allows blending and adjustments
Opacity Ranges from transparent to opaque Depends on pigment type
Colour Vibrancy Extremely rich, doesn’t dull when dry Great for detailed and rich work
Finish Naturally glossy Can be adjusted with varnish
Durability Excellent longevity Proper care ensures centuries

Paint Grades

Grade Pigment Load Price Range Best For
Student Grade Lower $5–$15/tube Practice, sketching
Artist/Professional High $15–$50+/tube Finished work, commissions

Surfaces for Oil Painting

Surface Prep Required Best Use Notes
Stretched Canvas Usually pre-primed Standard use Needs oil-compatible gesso
Canvas Board Minimal prep Studies, beginners Budget-friendly
Wood Panel Yes (gesso, sealing) Detailed, archival works Rigid support helps avoid cracking
Oil Paper Ready-to-use Sketches, plein air Disposable and portable
Linen Yes (usually primed) High-end, smooth finish More expensive, high quality

Essential Oil Painting Supplies

Item Use Notes
Oil Paints Main medium Choose artist grade when possible
Brushes Applying paint Hog bristle or synthetic preferred
Palette Mixing colours Wood, glass, or disposable
Mediums Alter drying time, texture Linseed oil, stand oil, alkyd, etc.
Solvents Thinning, cleaning Odorless mineral spirits or turpentine
Palette Knife Mixing, scraping, texture Use metal for durability
Rags/Paper Towels Wiping, blotting Essential for cleanup
Easel Holding surface Keeps posture correct
Gloves Protection Especially when using solvents

Brush Types for Oils

Brush Type Shape Best For Sizes
Flat Square tip Blocking in, bold strokes 2–20+
Bright Short flat Controlled, short strokes 2–16
Round Pointed round Lines, details, drawing 0–12+
Filbert Rounded edges Blending, portraits 2–16
Fan Spread bristle Blending, foliage, texture Small–Large

Popular Mediums & Their Uses

Medium Effect Notes
Linseed Oil Slows drying, adds gloss Most commonly used
Stand Oil Thick, smooth flow Helps with blending, glazing
Walnut Oil Slower drying, non-yellowing Great for detail work
Alkyd Medium Speeds drying Good for layering quickly
Liquin Improves flow, speeds drying Popular commercial medium
Damar Varnish Glossy finish, used in final varnish Apply after full curing (6+ months)

Fat Over Lean Rule

Layer Type Fat Content Drying Time Examples
Lean (Base) Low (solvent-heavy) Fast Paint + solvent
Mid Layer Moderate (medium mix) Medium Paint + oil/medium blend
Fat (Top) High (oil-rich) Slow Paint + mostly oil

Always apply “fat” layers over “lean” ones to avoid cracking as the painting cures.

Oil Painting Techniques

Technique Description Best For
Alla Prima Wet-on-wet, direct painting Quick, expressive works
Glazing Transparent layers over dried paint Depth, luminosity
Scumbling Light dry paint over dark dried layer Atmospheric, textured effects
Impasto Thick, raised paint application Dramatic texture, highlights
Underpainting Monochrome base layer Value planning
Blending Soft transitions between colours Skies, skin, gradients
Sgraffito Scratching through paint Reveals underlayers

Drying Times (Estimates)

Paint Type Touch Dry Time Full Cure Time Tips
Thin Layers 1–2 days ~1 month Use less oil
Thick Layers 5–14+ days 3–6 months Allow air circulation
With Alkyd Medium 6–24 hours 1–2 months Good for deadlines

Beginner-Friendly Projects

Project Idea Techniques Used Surface Time Estimate
Monochrome Still Life Underpainting, layering Canvas board 2–3 hours
Simple Sky & Clouds Blending, scumbling Stretched canvas 3–4 hours
Fruit Bowl Painting Fat over lean, glazing Canvas panel 4–6 hours
Ocean Waves Impasto, dry brushing Canvas 5–6 hours
Portrait Study Blending, glazing Linen board 6–12+ hours

Safety Tips

Concern Safety Measure
Solvent Fumes Use odorless mineral spirits, ventilate
Skin Contact Wear gloves, wash thoroughly
Fire Hazard Dispose rags in sealed metal container
Food Proximity Keep paints away from eating areas
Cleaning Use dedicated brush cleaner

Finishing & Varnishing

Step Purpose Timing Notes
Dry Fully Ensure all layers cured 3–6+ months Do not varnish too early
Dust Off Clean surface gently Before varnish Use soft brush or microfiber cloth
Varnish Protect and unify finish Gloss, satin, matte Use removable varnish if desired

Selling Oil Artwork

Product Type Market Price Range Notes
Original Canvases Art galleries, online $75–$1,500+ High value, premium finish
Mini Oil Studies Craft shows, bundles $20–$100 Great entry point for buyers
Commissioned Portraits Private clients $150–$2,000+ Requires clear timeline/contract
Framed Panels Local boutiques $50–$500 Adds perceived value