What mediums can I use to paint with oils?

Question

I like to paint with oil paints, but I usually use olive oil, which is probably why my paintings dry sticky normally. Are there any other mediums that I can use with my paints? I know that linseed oil is the best option, but I don't have any. Any possible suggestions would be much appreciated (:

Answer 1

The use of oil painting mediums is crucial to the realization of the image by the artist. The simplest way to modify a paint film is to dilute it with a solvent such as TURPENTINE. this will allow the paint to brush out freely and create more transparency within the paint film. Other mediums for oil might help you: MODERN STAND OIL - a relatively non- yellowing form of linseed oil.

SUN-THICKENED LINSEED OIL - a self levelling linseed oil (Doesnt show brush marks) very glossy.

SUN-BLeached Linseed oil - oil that is left to "stand" in strong sunlight for 3-4 weeks, without exposure to air.

COLD-PRESSED lInseed oil - also self levelling, has very strong golden yellow colour, which may be noticeable when used with pale colours and whites.

Refined Linseed oil - will darken over a period of time.

Answer 2

Olive oil? You use food in your oil paints--I never heard of such a thing. Don't do it anymore. Seriously now, for the best results, use one part linseed oil, one part turpentine and one part Damar varnish. Mix these three things together, and you will have the perfect vehicle to thin your oils. You can use turpentine straight up, but don't use too much because your paint layer will crackle over time. If you want transparency, use linseed oil with a small amount of turpentine. Paint thinners are not a good thing. Turpentine is the only thing that dissolves oil paints, for the simple reason that linseed oil with dry pigment is what oil paints are initially made off.

I am a professional artist and I've painted over 500 pieces to date.