Oil painting materials are the backbone of any successful work in this medium. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, knowing which materials to choose—and how to use them—can make or break your work.
From selecting the right oil paints and natural bristle brushes to choosing the perfect canvas or wood panels, understanding each tool is essential. But it’s not just about picking the right supplies.
Mastering the use of linseed oil, varnish, and gesso primer will help you achieve the desired texture, drying time, and durability in your paintings.
In this article, we’ll break down the most important materials you’ll need, how to use them effectively, and which optional tools can take your work to the next level.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to navigate the world of oil painting with confidence, making informed decisions about your art.
Essential Oil Painting Supplies
Canvas and Surface Preparation
When it comes to canvas choices, stretched canvas is the most common. It’s pre-primed and ready to go. If you’re looking for something smoother or more affordable, canvas boards are an option.
I also keep a stash of gesso for when I need to prepare raw canvas or give an extra layer to ensure my surface has enough “tooth.” Gesso primer is a must if you want your paint to adhere properly.
If you’re not into canvas, wood panels can be an interesting alternative. They offer a firmer surface, ideal for fine details or impasto techniques. I’ve found that a well-primed panel can give you a different kind of texture compared to the bounce of canvas.
Oil Paints and Pigments
Oil paints come in tubes, and choosing the right brand can be a personal preference. Some prefer handmade paints for their pigment quality, while others stick with tried-and-true commercial options.
I personally lean toward higher pigment load paints for richer colors. The pigment quality really makes a difference in blending and layering. Lightfastness in pigments is also a key consideration if you’re aiming for archival quality.
Brushes and Palette Knives
For brushes, natural bristle brushes are often the go-to for oil painting. I prefer them because they hold more paint and create textured strokes. But flat brushes are perfect for when I need cleaner, defined edges. You’ll want a variety of brush sizes and shapes to cover your bases.
Palette knives aren’t just for mixing—palette knife techniques can add an interesting texture to your piece. I sometimes use them to scrape off excess paint or apply thick layers when working with impasto.
Oil Mediums and Solvents
You’ll need something to thin your paint or speed up drying. I usually go for linseed oil or cold-pressed linseed oil for general use, but safflower oil can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid yellowing over time.
When I need my painting to dry faster, I’ll mix in an alkyd medium or stand oil. These mediums are great for speeding up the drying process without sacrificing the paint’s durability.
As for solvents, mineral spirits and odorless solvent are the least toxic options, but if I’m working in a well-ventilated space, I still use turpentine sometimes for cleaning brushes. Just be cautious—solvents can be harsh.
Varnishes and Finishing Touches
Finishing your painting with a varnish is essential. It protects your work from dust and UV rays. I go with an oil-based varnish for oil painting when I want a glossy finish or a more muted matte varnish if the piece calls for less shine.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Oil Painting Materials
One pitfall is not paying attention to the “fat over lean” rule—using fat over lean means layering thicker or oilier paint on top of thinner layers to avoid cracking. Another is skipping the proper cleanup of brushes, which can ruin them quickly.
A little care goes a long way in preserving your tools. Finally, avoid using too much medium. It’s tempting to speed up drying, but this can affect the final texture and color.
Optional but Useful Oil Painting Supplies
Glazing Mediums
Using a glazing medium can completely change how your painting turns out. Thin layers of paint, more translucent than opaque, add depth and luminosity.
Stand oil and alkyd medium work great for this. I’ve used them when I want those rich, glowing effects in the lighter areas of a piece. But don’t overdo it—too much glazing can kill your colors.
Palette Cups
I keep a couple of palette cups around. They’re handy for holding linseed oil, or any other oil mediums I’m using.
I’ve learned that having your medium easily accessible keeps the process flowing. A small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re in the middle of working on a large canvas.
Mahl Sticks
A mahl stick is underrated, honestly. If you’re doing detailed work or need a steady hand for fine lines, this is a lifesaver.
It keeps your hand off the canvas while you work. Helps avoid smudging wet paint too, which, let’s face it, happens more often than it should. It’s one of those oil painting materials that’s optional but can save you from reworking areas you’ve already perfected.
Brush Washer
When I’m working with mineral spirits or other solvents, a brush washer is non-negotiable. It has a little metal coil inside to help clean off excess paint, and it keeps your brushes from sitting in the solvent.
You want your natural bristle brushes to last as long as possible, right? This helps.
Wet Palette
Though a wet palette is typically associated with acrylics, some oil painters use it to keep their oil paints from drying too quickly on the palette.
This is less common, but in a warm studio, or if I’m working on a large, complex painting over a long period, I’ll use one. Helps retain the vibrancy of the pigment. It’s not for everyone, but if drying time is an issue, it’s worth a try.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Optional Supplies
A big mistake is overloading your workspace with too many “optional” tools. It clutters your flow. Keep what you need within reach and stow the rest.
Another common error—using cheap palette knives or tools that break easily. You don’t want to be halfway through an impasto layer and your knife snaps.
Techniques and Practices in Oil Painting
Underpainting
Underpainting is where you lay down the groundwork. It sets the tone, quite literally. I usually start with a thinned-out layer using mineral spirits or a medium like cold-pressed linseed oil.
You’re basically creating a monochromatic sketch on the canvas. For me, this step helps map out the composition before diving into the heavy layers. It’s fast, and dries quickly—ideal if you’re impatient to start layering.
Fat Over Lean Rule
If you don’t follow the fat over lean rule, your painting will crack. It’s simple: as you build up layers, make sure each new one contains more oil than the one beneath it.
This is where using oil mediums like stand oil or safflower oil comes in handy. Thinner layers go on first, thicker, oilier layers on top. Without this, the top layer dries slower, causing cracks. Not a look I’m going for, ever.
Wet-on-Wet
Wet-on-wet, or alla prima, is great for when you want to work quickly. You blend your colors directly on the canvas while everything is still wet. It’s a bit unpredictable, but that’s the beauty of it.
I love it for skies, or abstract pieces where I don’t mind losing sharp lines. You’ll need to be careful with your palette knife techniques or brush strokes so you don’t muddy the colors too much.
Glazing
Glazing takes patience. You have to wait for each layer to dry before adding the next. Using a glazing medium helps thin the paint and gives that rich, luminous effect—especially when layering transparent colors.
Linseed oil or an alkyd medium can work for this, though stand oil is my preference because it slows the drying process, giving me time to tweak.
Impasto
For impasto, it’s all about texture. You apply thick layers of paint, often straight from the tube, or mixed minimally with medium. Palette knives are perfect for this.
The goal is to create peaks and valleys on the canvas, giving it that tactile, almost sculptural feel. I’ve found that oil paint texture varies greatly by brand, so experimenting with different paints can lead to surprising results. Just watch out for cracking. If you skip the gesso primer, the thick layers won’t adhere properly, and they’ll split as they dry.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Techniques and Practices
A major pitfall is rushing the drying process. Using too much alkyd medium to speed things up can backfire—colors may lose vibrancy or shift.
Another common mistake? Overworking wet-on-wet layers, which leads to muddy, lifeless colors. You have to know when to stop, or you’ll end up redoing entire sections.
Maintenance and Care of Oil Paintings
Cleaning and Dusting
Oil paintings accumulate dust, and if you don’t clean them regularly, that buildup can dull the surface. I typically use a soft natural bristle brush for dusting. You don’t want anything too harsh.
Avoid using water or commercial cleaners; they can damage the oil paint and varnish. Lightly brush the surface, making sure not to apply too much pressure.
I find it’s best to do this in a controlled environment, with no fans or open windows that could blow more dust onto the canvas.
Varnishing
Once the painting is fully dry, applying a final varnish is crucial. It not only adds a protective layer but also evens out the finish, especially if you’ve used different amounts of oil mediums across the canvas.
I’ve had success with both gloss and matte varnishes, but it depends on the look you want. Oil-based varnish is more traditional, but there are synthetic options now that dry faster. Make sure to apply it evenly, using a wide, clean brush, and in a dust-free area.
Storage
Storing your finished oil paintings properly is key to maintaining their longevity. If they aren’t framed yet, keep them upright, separated by acid-free paper or sheets.
Avoid stacking canvases on top of each other; I’ve seen that lead to impressions or paint sticking to the back of another canvas. Temperature and humidity control matter, too. Store them in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Maintenance and Care
A big mistake is skipping the varnish. Without it, your painting is vulnerable to dust, UV rays, and moisture.
Also, never hang your painting near direct heat sources like radiators or fireplaces—it can cause the oil paint to crack over time. Lastly, don’t rush the cleaning process. Using anything other than a soft brush can scratch or damage the surface.
FAQ on Oil Painting Materials
What type of brushes should I use for oil painting?
For oil painting, natural bristle brushes are a reliable choice. They hold paint well and create a great texture on the canvas. I also keep flat brushes and round ones handy for different strokes. It’s important to clean them properly after each session to ensure longevity.
Do I need to prime my canvas?
Yes, priming with gesso primer is crucial. It ensures the oil paint adheres properly to the canvas and prevents the paint from soaking into the fibers. You can buy pre-primed canvases or apply your own gesso to raw canvas or wood panels.
What is the fat over lean rule?
The fat over lean rule means applying oilier (fatter) layers over leaner, thinner layers. It prevents cracking as the painting dries. Start with thinner layers using a bit of mineral spirits and gradually add more linseed oil or other oil mediums in later layers.
How long does oil paint take to dry?
It varies depending on the thickness of your paint and the use of oil mediums like stand oil or safflower oil. Thin layers can dry in a day or two, while thicker impasto sections may take weeks. Using drying agents or alkyd medium can speed up the process.
Should I use solvents in oil painting?
Solvents like turpentine or odorless mineral spirits help thin paint and clean brushes, but they can be harsh. Many artists opt for low-toxicity options like odorless solvent. For a more natural approach, you can avoid solvents altogether by sticking with linseed oil or other oils.
Do I need a varnish on my oil painting?
Yes, applying a final varnish is essential for protecting the painting from dust and UV rays. Use a gloss or matte oil-based varnish depending on the finish you want. Wait until the painting is completely dry, which could take up to six months, before varnishing.
Can I mix different brands of oil paint?
You can mix different brands of oil paint, but be mindful of the pigment quality. Some paints may have different drying times or textures. I’ve found that experimenting with various brands can lead to interesting effects, but stick with high-quality pigments for the best results.
How do I clean oil painting brushes?
Use mineral spirits or an odorless solvent to remove excess paint, then wash with soap and warm water. Don’t leave your brushes sitting in the solvent for too long—it damages the bristles. A brush washer helps keep brushes clean during longer painting sessions.
What’s the best surface for oil painting?
The most common surface is canvas, but wood panels or canvas boards work well too. Each surface has a different texture and feel. I often use stretched canvas for larger works and canvas boards when I need something more portable or durable.
What oil mediums should I use?
Common oil mediums include linseed oil, cold-pressed linseed oil, and safflower oil. They can alter the paint’s drying time and texture. I like using stand oil for a glossy finish or alkyd medium to speed up drying. Test out different mediums to see what works for your style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right oil painting materials is essential for any artist looking to produce quality work. From oil paints and natural bristle brushes to the importance of linseed oil and the correct use of gesso primer, every material plays a role in how your painting turns out.
Using proper varnish for finishing and understanding techniques like the fat over lean rule ensures that your artwork remains durable and visually striking.
Whether you’re experimenting with wood panels, testing different oil mediums, or mastering impasto techniques, knowing how to work with these tools gives you control over your final result.
Understanding your materials—how they interact, their limitations, and their benefits—allows you to create with more confidence and precision.
Each decision, from selecting your canvas to choosing the best solvent or medium, impacts the longevity and success of your work. Having the right materials is the foundation of any successful oil painting.