Drying oils act as agglomorating binders for artists’ oil paint and provide body to the brushstroke as the colours are spread out. Selection of the appropriate oil can alter the working quality of the paint. Performance differences include paste consistency, texture, effect on paint shades, desired drying time and mechanical strength of the paint film. Oils dry by absorbing oxygen, turning into a solid, non-reversable film. Full film drying takes up to six months.

Cold Pressed Linseed Oil Golden coloured oil used as a traditional binder for grinding oil colours. When used to mill oil colours or mixed with prepared colours removes the pronounced ‘suede’ effect. Has increased wetting power and imparts flexibility to paint films. Use sparingly as a medium as linseed has a tendency to yellow with age. Product Info Sheet
Cold Pressed Safflower Oil Pale’ slow drying oil used preferred for preparing delicate colours, particularly whites and blues where the yellowing of linseed oil is more noticeable. Added to prepared oil colours for a longer working time due to its’ slow drying nature. Safflower oil dries to a softer film than Linseed. Product Info Sheet
Cold Pressed Walnut Oil Natural drying oil used as a traditional binder for grinding oil colours. Alternative to Linseed Oil with similar drying rates and properties. Has a long and distinguished history of use by Flemish renaissance artists. Recently added to our lists. Similar tendency to yellow with age as Linseed. Product Info Sheet
Refined Linseed Oil Highest quality Dutch linseed oil used as a medium for oil colours. Increases gloss and transparency. Adds a soft, ‘slippery’ quality when added to oil paints. Most economic of all artists’ drying oils. Use sparingly as a medium as linseed has a tendency to yellow with age. Product Info Sheet
Stand Oil (40 Poise) Non-yellowing oil for use in all oil mediums. Thick and honey-like oil, it will give enamel-like qualities to paint. Too thick to use straight, it should be diluted with solvent. Slow drying to allow al la prima painting. Reduces brush marks. Dries to a tough flexible film. Recommended for the home manufacture of oil mediums. Product Info Sheet