Schmincke’s Medium W allows oil colours to be mixed with water instead of with turpentine and linseed oil. Brushes and painting tools that have been used with Medium W mixed oils can be cleaned with soap and water. Medium W should be mixed with oil paints in a 1 part medium to 2 parts oil ratio using a palette knife or a spatula. Water can then be added to the mixture to thin the paint and, if necessary, more Medium W.

Medium W increases the gloss and transparency of paints and harmonises drying process. This odourless, low solvent additive will reduce the mess and smell of oil painting. When mixed with oils and water the alkyd resin in Medium W will undergo a shift in colour, however, oils will be restored to their original brilliance and vibrancy on drying.