Oil Paint
Lustrous and versatile, oil paint has appealed to artists since the Middle Ages. Painters from Van Eyck to Hockney have been drawn to its rich sheen and vibrant color. Oil paint is made using finely ground pigment particles suspended in drying oils.
Rich, lustrous oil paints that can be used directly from the tube or mixed with mediums to alter consistency and sheen.
The qualities of oil paint without the need to use solvents. Consistency can be altered with water or water-mixable mediums.
By working directly with the world’s best manufacturers, we’ve developed an extensive range of high-quality, ‘True Value’ art materials.
Traditional oil paint compressed into a stick and encased in wax. Oil sticks allow you to draw onto canvas with bold oil colors.
Alter the drying time, sheen, texture, or transparency of oil paint with a medium, without undermining its structure.
Find the best surface for oil painting. Whatever qualities you require, our comprehensive range will help you decide on the right surface.
Oil paint usually works well with stiff hog hair, but the thinner the paint the softer the brush, and the greater the need for good liquid holding capacity.
A choice of prepared grounds, including gessoes and primers, that can be applied to surfaces including wood, paper, and canvas.
Discover a variety of tools designed to apply oil paint to substrates in interesting ways, from palette knives to silicone wedges.
Oil paint sets are a great way to try a new medium or brand, or to expand your collection. Sets can cover all the bases and make excellent gifts too.
Learn more about oil painting. We have hundreds of titles to inspire and motivate.
A removable picture varnish that gives tough protection, greater depth, and a unified finish to your work.
We’ve put together a wide variety of gift ideas for artists of all levels of experience, and catering for all budgets.
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Oil: Popular Questions from Artists
What is Oil Paint?
Traditional oil paints are a type of paint made by mixing pigment with drying oils, such as linseed oil. These paints are known for their rich, vibrant colors and glossy finish. One of the key qualities of oil paint is its slow drying time. This allows artists to rework areas of their paintings over extended periods.
This unique characteristic enables blending and layering, making oil paints a popular choice for artists who want flexibility and depth in their work. Because of their oil base, they adhere well to various surfaces and retain color vibrancy as they dry.
Artists use oil paints for their vibrant colors and versatility. Oil paints offer a richness that brings out subtle details and creates depth in a painting.
Due to their slow drying time, artists can rework sections, blend colors seamlessly, and build layers over days or weeks. This allows for more complex techniques and a gradual build-up of effects. This makes oil paint an ideal choice for artists creating detailed or highly textured artwork.
"Oil painting is a hugely appealing and beguiling medium that has the potential to produce awe-inspiring masterpieces as well as inspire them. Following in the footsteps of great masters of oil painting can feel intimidating, but it needn’t be.
Start with a few essentials – some paint, solvent, brushes and a canvas, and explore the possibilities with what you have. As your journey develops you may be tempted to try new colors, mediums, or surfaces, all of which will feed into your understanding of your personal oil painting preferences.” - Lisa Takahashi, Jackson's Art Supplies Expert
Oil paints have been used by artists for centuries. Some of the earliest evidence dates back to the 7th century in Afghanistan. Oil paint became more widely used during the Renaissance, with artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Jan van Eyck popularizing the medium.
These artists appreciated oil paint’s ability to capture detail, its richness in color, and its durability. Today, oil paint remains one of the most popular mediums for fine art, carrying centuries of artistic tradition.
Jackson’s Art Supplies offers high quality oil paints from trusted brands, ensuring artists receive paints of superior quality. We offer a curated selection of oil paints from top brands like Michael Harding and Old Holland, as well as our own range of Jackson’s Oil Paints.
We are committed to providing our customers with the finest materials, backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating. Browse our extensive collection and find the perfect oil paints for your next project.
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Ready to get started with your oil painting? Browse our extensive collection, from beginner oil paint sets to professional oil paints for experts.
Need help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for guidance on choosing the best oil paints for you.
Does the quality of the pigment and oil make a difference?
Yes, the quality of the pigment and oil greatly affects the outcome. Pure pigment and high quality binders produce more vibrant and long-lasting colors. High quality paints also contain very little filler, resulting in greater purity of color.
How long does oil paint take to dry?
Oil paint dries slowly and goes through several stages. The surface may dry in a few days, but the layers underneath can take weeks or months to fully cure. Factors like temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the paint can all affect drying time.
How can I change the consistency of my oil paint?
You can alter the consistency by mixing oil paint with mediums and solvents like linseed oil or turpentine. This makes the paint smoother and can speed up drying. Using mediums also enhances blendability, giving you more control over your technique.
Water-mixable oil paints usually have accompanying ranges of compatible mediums to alter consistency.
What are the best brushes to use with oil paint?
Oil painters use synthetic or natural hair brushes. Hog hair brushes are popular because they hold up well to thick paint and can create strong brushstrokes. Synthetic brushes are another popular option, offering versatility and easy cleaning.
Can oil paints be mixed with other mediums?
Oil paint is generally incompatible with water-based mediums, as oil and water do not mix. However, you can mix oil paint with other oil-based mediums, like alkyd or damar varnish, to change the drying time or finish.
How can I use oil paints safely?
To use oil paints safely, work in a well-ventilated area, avoid skin contact, and clean up spills promptly. Be cautious with oily rags, as they can be a fire hazard. Dispose of them properly and keep your workspace clean to minimize risk.
For more information, see our Guide to Studio Safety on Jackson’s Art Blog.
How should I store oil paints?
Store oil paints in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Many artists also store tubes upside down to prevent the separation of oil and pigment. Keeping paints in a stable environment helps maintain their quality over time.
What surfaces can I paint on with oil paint?
Oil paint can be applied to various surfaces including canvas, wood, and metal. Before painting, surfaces should be primed to ensure the paint adheres properly. A gesso primer is commonly used to prepare canvas and wood surfaces.
Can an oil painting be varnished?
Yes, varnishing an oil painting adds a protective layer and can enhance its appearance. Varnish protects against dust, dirt, and UV light, which can cause fading. Always allow the painting to dry completely before varnishing to avoid damage.
Guide to Oil Painting | Oil Painting for Beginners