{"id":1384927,"date":"2018-04-04T12:30:06","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T11:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonsart.com\/blog\/?p=1384927"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:34:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:34:44","slug":"5-steps-to-safer-oil-painting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonsart.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/04\/5-steps-to-safer-oil-painting\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steps to Safer Oil Painting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Traditionally, oil painting requires the use of solvents (usually turpentine) to thin the paint and clean brushes. These solvents emit heady fumes which can cause headaches and can dry your skin. Some of the pigments in oil paint also possess an element of toxicity, and prolonged skin exposure is not recommended. However, you can make your oil painting session safer. Non-toxic thinners, water-mixable oil paints, and barrier creams can all help to reduce contact with unpleasant solvents. Here are five simple steps you can take for safer oil painting.<\/p>\n

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Water-Mixable Oil Paints available at jacksonsart.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Safer Oil Painting With Water-mixable Oils<\/h2>\n

There is little difference between the characteristics of traditional oil paint and water-mixable oil paint. So it’s possible to enjoy the lustre of oils without requiring solvents to thin paint or clean brushes. As the name suggests, water can be mixed to dilute your colour. Brushes can be washed with soap and water.<\/p>\n

Experienced oil painters may notice a little difference in the handling of the paint, but the differences tend to be very slight. You can read Julie Caves\u2019 water-mixable oil paint comparison post<\/a> for an in-depth analysis of how they perform.<\/p>\n

Water-mixable oil colour brands can be mixed with one another. They can also be mixed with regular oils, although of course they then lose their water miscibility. Daniel Smith,<\/a> Cobra<\/a> and Holbein Duo-Aqua<\/a> all offer water-mixable painting mediums in their ranges. By adding a fast-drying painting medium or linseed oil, it\u2019s possible to extend your water-mixable oil paint. There are also fast drying mediums available.<\/p>\n

You can use the same brushes and canvas that you would use for regular oil painting. It would also be useful to have some rags close to hand for blotting your brushes. The only difference in the process is exchanging a jar of solvent for a jar of water. No more heady fumes to give you a headache and no harsh solvents that dry your skin out. And no more respiratory issues either!<\/p>\n

But what if you love a particular brand of oils and just don’t want to change to water-mixable alternatives? You might consider reducing the amount of solvent present in your painting sessions by using Gamblin non-toxic painting mediums. This post compares the Gamblin mediums with Liquin original<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Low Odour and Odourless Solvents<\/h2>\n

There are several low-odour or completely odourless solvents now available for thinning oil paint and cleaning oil painting brushes. The safest low-odour solvents such as Gamsol<\/a> have had 99.95% of the most harmful aromatic solvents refined out of them. They are great for thinning oil and alkyd paints. Among the other brands you can choose from are Jackson’s Pure Sol<\/a>, Lukas Citrus Turpentine<\/a> and Langridge Solvent 75<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How To Get The Most From Your Solvent<\/h2>\n

A great way to get maximum usage from your solvent is to set up a rotation system in your studio. When your pot of solvent starts to look a bit murky, put a lid on it. Put it to one side and start with another. Over time, the sediment in your first pot will sink to the bottom. You can then decant the clear solvent into a fresh jar and use it again. The sediment from the bottom of your first jar can be wiped with a rag or piece of kitchen paper towel. You could even just allow it to dry at the bottom if there’s not very much sediment. It will harden as it oxidises and will not re-dilute if more solvent is then poured into the same jar. <\/p>\n

You can keep using the same solvent for a considerable amount of time with this rotation system. Aim for two pots of solvent and a spare jar to hand and allow for the sediment to sink in the jar you\u2019re not using. <\/p>\n

In comparison to regular white spirit or turpentine, the less harmful solvents are more expensive. But using them in this way will help you get maximum usage from them, and you will avoid any heady fumes. Not to mention respiratory or dermatological issues that you might be prone to with traditional white spirit and turpentine.<\/p>\n

3. Safer Brush Cleaning Using Oil<\/h2>\n

Another way to avoid using traditional solvents after painting with oils is to use vegetable oil. Here’s the process:<\/p>\n