Guides

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An introduction to oil painting

Oil colours have been used since the 14th century and are still popular today due to their exceptional versatility and durability. Taking on oil painting can seem daunting at first. But getting...

Choosing a surface for oil painting

Discover the ideal surfaces for oil painting, from traditional stretched canvas to versatile alternatives like canvas boards, paper, and MDF. Learn essential tips on priming techniques to ensure your artwork...

A guide to oil paint brushes

Discover the ideal brushes for Winsor & Newton oil paints, learn expert tips on cleaning and maintaining them, and ensure your tools stay in top condition for perfect painting results...

Can Liquin be used as a fat over lean workaround in oil painting?

The Liquin family neither leans nor fattens the paint. However, the alkyd ingredient supports paint layers to stick to it. So can be considered a workaround for the fat-over-lean rule.

Can mediums be used to build texture with oils?

Alkyd mediums are an effective way to build texture, especially thick impasto mediums such as Winsor & Newton’s Oleopasto. This can be mixed with oil colour to create thick layers...

Will solvents damage my oil painting?

Aggressive solvents such as general-purpose white spirit will likely damage your colour (especially if used in great quantities) but refined solvents such as Turpentine and Sansodor will not affect your colour.

Which mediums will help my oil paint dry faster?

If used straight out of the tube, oil paints can be slow drying. However, if mixed with an alkyd medium such as Winsor & Newton Liquin Original, paintings dry in less than twenty-four...

Will all oil mediums make my painting glossy?

Oil-based mediums and some alkyds will dry glossy, but others will dry to a satin or even matte finish. To increase matting, add some solvent to your painting mix –...

Ultimate guide to varnishing your oil paintings

Discover how to protect and enhance your oil paintings with our expert varnishing guide. Learn the best techniques, choose the right varnish, and ensure your artwork remains vibrant and pristine...

What are drying and semi-drying oils in oil painting?

Explore our guide to drying and semi-drying oils in oil painting. Learn about their types, uses, and effects on paint quality, from consistency to drying times.

How do I protect myself and the environment whilst using oil paints?

Explore essential health and safety practices for artists in this guide to protecting yourself, maintain a safe studio environment, and responsibly dispose of hazardous materials to ensure both your well-being and...