What Are Oil Painting Mediums and Solvents?

Oil painting mediums and solvents are used to change the properties of oil paint. Mediums, like linseed oil or stand oil, become part of the paint, altering its consistency, drying time, and finish. Solvents, such as turpentine or odourless mineral spirits, evaporate after use and are primarily used for thinning paint or cleaning brushes. Together they offer artists enhanced control and flexibility when working with oil paint.

Why Do Artists Use Oil Painting Mediums and Solvents?

Artists use oil painting mediums and solvents to tailor their materials to suit their techniques and desires for a painting. Mediums allow for adjusting the thickness, texture, and drying time of oil paint, while solvents thin the paint for underpainting and simplify the cleanup process. These mediums expand an artist’s capabilities, enabling layering, glazing, or quick sketches with thin washes of colour. ‘An oil painting medium is designed to alter the viscosity, surface finish or drying time of oil paint. Knowing when and how to use a medium will help you to control your paint, add variety to your mark-making, and broaden your technique by giving you more paint possibilities.’ - Julie Caves, Jackson’s Art Supplies Expert

How Long Have Artists Been Using Oil Painting Mediums and Solvents?

Artists have been using oil painting mediums for centuries. Early mediums were mixtures of oils, resins, and pigments, often combined with lead compounds. Painters like J.M.W. Turner and Joshua Reynolds relied on such formulations, with Turner using a carefully crafted ‘megilp’ made of mastic resin, linseed oil, turpentine, and lead acetate. This medium allowed faster drying times and enabled luminous colour glazes, which became a hallmark of Turner’s work. Modern oil painters benefit from a vast array of mediums and varnishes, offering greater versatility and durability for various techniques and applications.

Why Choose Oil Painting Mediums and Solvents from Jackson’s Art Supplies?

At Jackson’s, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of oil painting mediums and solvents. These include popular brands like Gamblin, Michael Harding, Chelsea Classical Studio, and our range of Jackson’s Oil Painting Mediums. Whether you need to alter drying times, adjust paint consistency, or safely clean your brushes, our range of mediums and solvents has you covered. With our 4.8-star Trustpilot rating and a commitment to quality, you can trust us for reliable and effective art supplies.

Oil Painting Mediums & Solvents | Oil Paint Solvents | Mediums : Type: Citrus Solvent, Fast Dry Medium, Slow Drying Medium, Thinning Medium

Broaden the possibilities of oil paint by adding mediums to alter drying time, consistency and sheen. Solvents are used to thin paint and oil mediums, and are a great brush cleaner.

Our selection includes traditional oil paint mediums to extend and enrich colour, cold wax mediums for soft, matt effects, and low-odour solvents for a safe working environment. Shop oil painting mediums to help you customise your painting process to suit your technique and studio setup.