Water Soluble Oil Paints vs Regular Oil Paints

When it comes to choosing between water soluble oil paints and regular oil paints, there are a few things you need to consider. Bothtypes of paint have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand what each one offers before making a decision.

In this article, we will take a closer look at both water soluble oil paints and regular oil paints, and discuss the pros and cons of each option. We'll also help you decidewhich type of paint is right for your needs.

What Are Water Mixable Oil Paints?

Water mixable oil paints are a type of oil paint that can be thinned and cleaned up with water. Unlike traditional oils who require the use of harsh solvents. Water soluble oil paints can be thinned and cleaned up just anyacrylic with water, making them a safer option for painters.

They were first developed in the early 1990s as a safer alternative to traditional oils. Today they are used byartists in creating their paintings .

Water mixable oil paints have many of the same properties as traditional oils, including a rich, creamycreating texture and excellent color saturation.
In addition to the dry pigments, they comprise an oil binder (typically Modified Water soluble Linseed oil or Modified Safflower Oil) and an emulsifier, a water-miscible utilized in the manufacturing process

The ingredient aids in the formation of a stable oil droplet mixture in water. It's similar to classicEgg tempera in that a binder and water are combined with dry pigment to create a paint .

Egg yolk and water are the only liquid ingredients in this mixture of dry colours. Paint's vehicle binder is made possible by the egg yolk's role as an emulsifier. However, they also have some unique benefits that make them ideal for certainpainting techniques .

For example, because they can be thinned with water, they are good at creating transparent glazes. These paints dry considerably faster than oil-based solvents, which is ideal for artists who want to work quickly.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, water mixable oilpaints are a great choice for your next oil painting project.

Advantages Of Using Water Soluble Oil Paints?

There are a few reasons you mightchoose water soluble oil paints over regular oils.

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Less Fumes And Healthier Alternative

Water soluble oilpaints are a healthier alternative to regular oil paint if you prefer the heavily pigmented colors of oil paints but don't want to deal with the health risks of using them.

As we mentioned above, water mixable oil paints can be thinned and cleaned up with water, which is safer than using traditional oil-based solvents.

Soaked rags are also a fire danger because of the flammability of the solvent. In this regard, water is a more secure and time-saving option.

Dries Faster

Water mixableoil paints dry faster than regular oils, so you can work more quickly. With traditional oil paint, cleaning up is more difficult than with water soluble oil paints.

Water-soluble oilpaints allow painters to work more quickly than traditional oil paintings. With water soluble oil paints, the working time can last up to 48 hours to completely dry, depending on the thickness of thepaint you choose .

Perfect In Creating Texture

Water mixable oilpaint is perfect for creating transparent glazes and heavily pigmented colors . If you're looking for an oil paint that is safe, easy to use, and versatile, water mixable oil paints are a great option.

Painting On The Spot

As far back as the Impressionist period, oil painters have taken pleasure in painting outside, known as plein air. It's a hassle to lug heavy oil painting supplies through the woods and up mountains. As a result of not carrying solvents, the artist will be able to reduce his or her weight.

Water for painting, brush washing, and even drinking can be stored in a single, convenient container. Water can be found just about anywhere, and having access to it in the field makes things much easier.

Safe With The Environment

Some artists don't follow appropriate standards when it comes time to dispose of chemicals. Contaminated substances must be gathered in authorized chemical containers before being transported to appropriate disposal facilities for destruction.

Rags that have been chemically contaminated should also be disposed of at these locations. If you're in a rural area, chances are you won't have access to these amenities. It takes a long time to transport chemical waste to the required disposal facilities.

Disadvantages Of Using Water Soluble Oil Paints

Water mixable oilpaint's main disadvantage is purely theoretical and may turn out to be unimportant in the end. Is water-mixable oil paint going to be able to withstand the ravages of time? Who can say for sure? The aesthetic elements of four hundred-year-old oil paintings persist. The artist's technique is almost always at blame for most cracking issues.

Plastic acrylic paint is highly long-lasting. Even though the earliestacrylic paintings date from the mid-20th century, they retain their vibrant colors and crisp details.

Only time will show whether oil paint is water-mixable or not durable. Water-mixable oil paint, in my opinion, is just as durable as regular oil paint.

Different Types of Water Soluble Paints Medium

Mixable Linseed Oil for Water

The most common oil medium for artists has a water-based equivalent in this medium. Adding linseed oil to a paint is a time-consuming process, but it provides a glossy and translucent finish. As a result, it's ideal for focusing on fine details.

Because linseed oil is the primary carrier of water soluble oil paint, adding more is like adding water to watercolor. The yellowing of linseed oil is a drawback for titanium white, hence safflower oil is utilized instead.

Saffron Oil That Is Easily Dissolved In Water.

Since linseed oil naturally yellows over time, it may not be the best choice for light-colored garments. Oil made from safflower is milder in color and texture.

As a result of its anti-yellowing properties, it is an excellent choice forpaintings that have a large number of pale hues. As before, safflower oil improves sheen, translucency, and lubrication.

Fast-Drying Water-Mixable Medium

It is possible to shorten the drying time of water-based oil paint by mixing in this water-soluble oily media.Glazing techniques benefit greatly from its transparency and fluidity.

This makes the paint simpler to handle for precise work and eliminatesbrush marks for smoother results. If you want to add a second layer of oil paint rapidly, this medium is ideal.

Painting Medium That Can Be Mixed With Water

Because it doesn't yellow, this is a great choice for light colors. When oil paint has dried dull, it is frequently used to rehydrate it by oiling it out. Overly thinned or absorbent surfaces can cause this problem, as can paint that has been applied too thickly.

Enamel-like hardness is achieved by drying this oil. It also takes a long time to dry and leaves a shiny finish. With this in mind, stand oil is great for theartist who needs time to contemplate a painting . High-detail painting benefits from the fluidity and flattening effects of stand oil.

A clean cloth can be used to apply the oil to the areas that appear dull. If the spots reappeared, repeat the process. Adding transparency to the paint is a benefit of this oil, which dries slowly and is easy to work with. Linseed oil can be used in its place if this medium is unavailable.

Water mixable oils eliminate the need for solvents because the paint may be thinned and cleaned with water, as previously mentioned. However, using only water as a solvent can cause the paint's wetness to evaporate too rapidly, resulting in an emulsion-like film forming on the palette before it has a chance to dry. A longer working time is achieved by using a thinner such as this.

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Impasto Mixable Oil Paints Medium

For use with oil paints, use water-mixable oils. Aside from the fact that it isn't precisely an oil media but is used with traditional oil paints, alkyd mediums should be mentioned here.

Oil paintdrying time is accelerated and bulked up by impasto media, allowing for techniques like Sgraffito and palette knife application to be used. After being blended with the oil paint, the impasto media doesn't change the color at all. Oil color should be no more than one to four.

Similarities Between Water Soluble Oils and Traditional Oil Paints

For the sake of clarity, I'll first detail the commonalities between these two forms of paints. A lot of the time, the pigments in water-mixable oil paint will be identical. As a result, the pigments utilized by different brands can differ.

Even if the pigments in oil and water-mixable oils have different names, the pigments used in both will be similar. The grade of water-mixable oil pigments is guaranteed to be the same. The equipment you'll employ in the studio is another commonality.

Water mixable paint doesn't necessitate any special brushes, surfaces, easels, or palettes. In addition, the methods you'll employ are identical. Glazes and impasto can be used to achieve a variety of effects, and your brushwork will be unaffected by the type of paint you use.

What Are The Differences Between Water Soluble Paints And Traditional Oil Paint?

The Characteristics Of Water-soluble Oil Paint

The two varieties of oilpaint differ in a number of ways. Paint handling, dry paint appearance on a surface, media compatibility, and clean-up all differ.

When compared to traditional oil paints, water-mixable oils have a slightly distinct set of qualities. The paint can be thinner, firmer, and more translucent than traditional oil mediums when applied directly from the tube.

Once dry, water soluble oil paints are not resoluble like acrylic paints or ordinary oils. But paint can be rewetted and reworked while the original paint film still has water in it (it takes about 10-15 minutes before water evaporates from the paint film).

Water soluble oil paints resemble watercolor or gouache painting mediums when thinned with water. It has a more watery feel to it than traditional oils paint. Thick brush strokes are still an option if you choose them. To add texture, use a thickening medium such as water mixable linseed oil orpaint straight from the tube.

A Water-based Oil Paint's Drying Time

Whether or not a water soluble oil paints medium was used will depend on how thin the paint was to begin with. Due to the presence of water in water mixable oil colours.

A lot of water evaporates and can speed up the drying time of the paint by as much as an hour. Hence, you can increase the drying time by using water-soluble linseed oil, or artisan water mixable oils with the paint.

For painters who want to work swiftly and layer by layer, the reduced drying period can be a benefit. If you don't want to wait days for traditional oils to dry, this can be a good alternative.
Aside from drying out, the paint also cures because it's oil-based. The paint's water evaporates swiftly, allowing the oil paints to set on the surface without interference.

There is a one-day drying period, but it could take several months for the oil to completely oxidize with airborne particles before it is completely dry and solid.

However, you won't be able to see the oxidation process taking place or the varnish finished paintings. When using a traditional varnish on an oil painting, you must wait until the oil has completely dried before applying the varnish.

Types Of Varnishes Used For Oil Painting And Water Mixable Oils

Varnishes Made With Oil

These varnishes employ linseed oil as a solvent to dissolve hard resins such as amber and copal. These polishes dry gradually but generate a firm and long-lasting surface.

To make the varnish more workable, a little amount of turpentine is sometimes applied. For all exterior woodwork, as well as joinery and fittings, oil varnishes are recommended.

Lacquers Or Spirit Varnishes

These varnishes use methylated spirit of wine as a solvent to dissolve soft resins like lac or shellac. They dry rapidly but are not long-lasting. This style of varnish is known as French polish. It is frequently found on furniture.

Varnishes Made From Turpentine

Turpentine is used as a solvent in these varnishes to dissolve soft resins such as gum dammer, mastic, and rosin. The varnish dries rapidly but is not very long-lasting. These are less expensive than oil varnishes.

Water-based Varnishes

Shellac is dissolved in hot water with enough ammonia, borax, potash, or soda to make these varnishes. Water varnishes are used to protect wall papers, maps, photographs, book jackets, and other items.

Cleaning Up And Paint Thing Process: Oil Based Solvent For Oils And Water For Water Mixable Oils

Using oil based solvent in the house or workplace is a major worry forbeginners who are contemplating oil painting as a career option. Solvent vapors can be dangerous to one's health if they are not properly ventilated. When painting with solvent, a painter should have access to two windows that may be left open at all times.

For water soluble oil paints, solvent is unnecessary. To thin water-mixable paints and clean up, all you need is water as a "solvent." A water washed underpaintings can be created, or you can tone yourcanvas using only water. Hazardous Solvents are not good for you, even if they're labeled as "green" or solvent free oils.

OMS (odorless mineral spirits) or solvent free oils like Gamsol still emit toxic fumes, but you can't smell them, unlike turpentine. It is possible to develop an allergy to a solvent either quickly or gradually.

Some people are unaware that they are sensitive. The allergies can appear as a headache or fatigue, or more severely as hives, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath).

Thinning Water Mixable Oil Paint

Using traditional oils paint necessitates the use of a closed jar or a brush washer to safely retain the solvent. As a result, no gasses are allowed to escape. There are separate areas in the shop for solvents used to clean brushes and solvents that are used to thin paint.

It is only in the first layer of a painting that the solvent is incorporated into the paint. It is a painting convention known as the "fat over lean" rule, and it states that each successive layer should have a higher oil content than the one before.

As a result, there will be a higher percentage of oil to solvent in the subsequent paint layers. Straight from the tube, oil paints are a breeze to work with. Thinning thepaint is unnecessary because it feels like butter and glides over the canvas .

It also says that Artisan was the softest paint film they tested – softer than their student grade oils, and unlike the latter did not continue to harden beyond the first year. After 2 years it was still softer than the artist grade oils were after just 4 months.

Consistency Of Water Mixable Oils And Traditional Oils

In comparison to ordinary oils, water-mixable oil paints have a somewhat different consistency. Some artists say they don't like working with them because they're a little more sticky or gooey than other materials. However, certain brands will feel more buttery out of the tube.

It's well known that Royal Talens Cobra water mixable oils are as similar to traditional oils as you can get.

If you prefer your paint to be a little more runny like cobra paints, you can thin it with water soluble oil paints medium first. The fat over lean guideline applies to water-mixable oil paint as well. Fat paint is thicker because it contains more oil than lean paint. Underpaintings benefit greatly from the use of lean paint (water-thinned).

Oil paint can be used to paint in very thin washes. For the initial layer of your painting, you can bring thin water soluble oils down to the watercolor consistency. However, thin water soluble oils paint dry considerably faster.

Using too much fluid in your painting mixture, on the other hand, can result in a brittlepaint layer since pigment and oil will be dispersed throughout your surface so thinly that it will be difficult to apply. This may result in an artwork that is of short lifespan.

Cleaning Water Soluble Oils Paint

Cleaning up with traditional oils paint often entails immersing the paintbrush in solvent, swishing it around, then removing any leftover with a paper towel. Brush murphy's oil soap, on the other hand, can be used to remove traditional oilspaint from your art materials.

Although water-soluble oil paints can be removed from brushes with water, brush soap cleans, conditions, and preserves bristles much better than water alone. I like the Master's Brush Soap. Using this, your brushes will stay as good as new for years.

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Can Be Combined With Other Paint

Oil paints that are water soluble can be blended with either oil or acrylic paints since they are a middle ground between the two. It's doable, but you'll have to experiment and pick wisely.

Traditional oils, when mixed with water, lose some of their ability to blend. In order to maintain some water solubility, many painters have discovered that a tiny amount of oil (below 25 percent) is a good range. Another oil-based solvent, like linseed, is likely to be more effective.

Check with the acrylic paint manufacturer to see if it can be mixed with water-soluble oils before using it. It Is important to investigate the brands of acrylic you intend to use before you begin painting with this type of paint. When working with acrylics, look for anacrylic paint manufacturer with 25% or less combination.

What Materials Should Be Mixed With Water-based Oil Paint?

Ordinary canvas, oil sheet, hardwood panels, and Gessobord can all be used with water-based oil paint. Surfaces should be prepped for water-based oils in the same manner that they are for oil painting, with a sealer and many coats of gesso.

Water soluble oils can be utilized on any medium, brush, palette, palette knife, or easel that you use with conventional oils. Water mixable oils do not require the application of a solvent unlike traditional oil mediums.

Any material that you incorporate into the paint, on the other hand, will be unique. Water soluble oils' operating characteristics can be altered by mediums. They can alter the consistency, opacity, thickness, drying time, and finish of paint.

Choose oil paint mediums that have been modified to bind with water. Winsor Newton Artisan line is an artisan water mixable oils that includes a variety of mediums. These artisan water mixable can be used with water-soluble paint. I've included some possibilities below

Traditional oils paint mediums are typically a combination of a thinner (turpentine or odorless mineral spirits) and a drying oil (linseed oil or walnut oil).

When dealing in layers, the usual rule of "fat over lean" or "flexible over less flexible" applies, therefore you'd gradually add more water mixable oils or "fat," but the underlying layers should first harden. Thicker paint (stand oil) or resins (dammar) can be mixed in later stages of the painting to provide a more enamel-like finish.

Sample of Winsor Newton artisan Oils paint mediums that can be mixed with water

Winsor Newton Artisan Linseed Oil:

You can enhance the amount of oil in your painting to improve the paint flow, brightness, and gloss, as well as the extended worktime.

For water-mixableoil paints , the same rules apply. Your thinner layers are combined with water, while your thicker layers are blended with a medium on top.

All water-mixable oil producers, including Holbein paints such as:

• Linseed Oil
• Stand Linseed Oil
• Painting Medium
• Quick Drying Liquid

Wallnut Oil

In terms of color, it's lighter and far less likely to turn yellow than traditional linseed oil, but it has a lower viscosity than traditional linseed oil, making it a touch more slippery beneath the brush. Using this M Graham Walnut Alkyd Mediums makes the water-soluble oils flow more easily with only a few amount and the alkyd addition counteracts the slow drying tendency of walnut oil.

As the water-mixable oil paint tends to be more matte, the walnut alkyd medium provides a lovely oil based counterparts
Royal Talens quick drying medium: Improves flow and transparency. It also make paints dry considerably faster.

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The Royal Talens Glazing Medium: improves the flow, gloss, and transparency of the paint.

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The Royal Talens Painting: A winsor newton artisan paste that thickens paint. It's an excellent medium for using the impasto technique.

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Thinners For Oil Mediums That Can Be Diluted With Water

Examples of water-soluble oils include Cobra and Artisan oils. There are also water-based oily mediums that can be used in the same way as the traditional oils to change the qualities of the paint.

This type of paint is also known as 'water miscible oil paint,' since the oil in the paints contains molecules that can be easily dissolved in water. Learn how to utilize these water-mixable materials by consulting a guide. Alkyd media and traditional oil painting mediums are the subject of separate articles.

What Colors Should You Buy For Water Mixable Oils?

The choice of your make-up pallet is a really personal one. A consistent set of colors I could employ in most situations took me years to develop.

For Cobra, you may use a standard palette consisting of eight different hues. Colors include titanium white, Cadmium yellow, Cadmium orange, Pyrrolle red, Madder lake, Sap green, Cobalt Blue, and Ultramarine.

For water-based oil paint, the same color wheel applies. You can find water-mixable versions of all your favoritecolors from any major paint company. water-mixable oil paint is not as widely available as water-based oil paint, so your choices may be more limited.

Tips In Using Water Soluble Paint

Do Not Dry Water Mixable Oils Quickly

For one thing, don't try to dry them too quickly. Water-soluble oil paints take longer to dry than traditional oil paints, so if you try to rush the process by using a hair dryer or other means, you may end up with cracks in your paint or an uneven finish.
Give them plenty of time to dry naturally - at least 24 hours - before moving on to the next step in your painting process.

When drying newly painted oil or traditional oil paintings, be careful to avoid drying them too quickly. To avoid the yellowing or darkening induced by thelinseed oil , avoid regions that are too dark or wet.

Make Sure You Use Of Clean Art Supplies When Doing Water Mixable Oils

Also, be sure to keep your painting supplies clean. Because water-soluble oil paints contain water, they can attract mold and mildew if they're not cleaned up properly after each use. So be sure to wipe down your palette, brushes, and other supplies with a clean cloth after each painting session.

With a little care, you'll be able to enjoy thebenefits of water-soluble oil paints without any of the drawbacks .

Water Soluble Oils Is Ideal For Traveling

Oil paints that may be mixed with water are ideal for traveling, particularly on flights. On commercial flights, many airlines limit the use of conventional and flammable solvents.

When traveling by car, plane, or horseback and intending to paint on location, water-mixable oils are a convenient alternative to traditional oils because they don't contain harsh solvents.

With Water Mixable Oils Start With An Acrylic Gesso Base Coat

When it comes to painting with water soluble oil paints, there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best results. First, it is best to start with an acrylic gesso base coat. This will help to ensure good adhesion between your paint and the canvas.

Be Sure To Use A Thinner When Diluting Your Paint.

This will help to prevent the formation of bubbles and will also make it easier to apply the paint evenly. Finally, remember to take your time when painting. Water soluble oil paints take longer to dry than traditional oil paints, so you need to be patient and allow each layer to dry completely before moving on to the next.

By following these tips, you can guarantee that your water soluble oil paintings will turn out looking their best.

Also, to avoid cracking, all oil paints should be applied fat to lean. This means that you should start with a layer of paint that is high in fat and then add subsequent layers that are progressively leaner. By following this rule, you can ensure that your paintings will remain crack-free for years to come.

Do Not Let The Hog Bristles Sit In Water For Long Periods Of Time

Do not let the hog bristles sit in water for long periods of time or they will get mushy. One important tip is to avoid letting the hog bristles sit in water for long periods of time, as this can damage the brush and affect its performance.

Instead, clean thebrushes with a solvent such as mineral spirits after each use and rinse them with warm water before starting a new painting session. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds with water-soluble oil paints.

For broad regions, I like synthetic bristle brushes. Syntheticwatercolor brushes are ideal for detailed painting.

Oiling The Palette With Linseed Oil Restores Paints To Their Original Working Condition.

After the usage of these specialized mediums, the new oils will still be water mixable. To lay in washes, thin new oils with water. Build up the greasy layers when the underpainting has completely cured.

Also,the new paints, like normal oils, can be applied in a variety of ways, from a heavy, wet coating called direct or alla prima painting to a series of thin, smooth layers known as indirect painting. If you use a lot of white pigment, or Naples Yellow, the drying time will be longer.

Most Artists Prefer Royal Talens' Cobra Solvent-free Oil Paints.

This brand has the same properties as its oil color cousins. There are a wide variety of conventional pigments, including cadmium and cobalt. My paintings are enhanced by the vivid, luminous glazes created by these paints, as well as the rich, enigmatic sections they create.

Use Dawn Dish soap To Clean Your Paint And Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Glasspalette

For everything else, Use Dawn dish soap and non-toxic Terpenoid Natural. In addition to soap and water, baby oil can also be used as a cleaning. To restore the brushes to their normal shape, use a little petroleum jelly afterward.

Keep your palette clean. Rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil and a razor blade are the best ways to keep your glasspalette clean between painting sessions. This will help your colors stay true and prevent them from getting muddy.

Use Multimedia Art Board Linen When On The Road

We all know how easy and simple it is to use water soluble oil paints. All you need is a cup of water and your favorite brush, and you're good to go! However, when traveling or painting outdoors, you may not have access to running water. This is where multimedia art board linen comes in handy!

Multimedia art board linen is coated with a water-resistant barrier. This makes it the perfect surface for painting with water soluble oil paints, as the paint will not seep through and ruin your work.

Furthermore, the fabric is sturdy and durable. Hence, you can fold it and transport it without damage. The Multimedia Art Board linen panels or the lightweightcanvas sheets make it easier for artists to travel with their artwork.

They cover this type of board with a white water-resistant surface that's perfect for painting. And, since it's lightweight and portable, it's easy to take with you wherever you go.

So if you're lookingfor a reliable and convenient surface for painting with water mixable oil colors on the go, be sure to check out multimedia art board linen!

Use Final Coat Of Varnish.

As an artist, you want your work to last. Water mixable oils are a great option for those who want the quality of oil paints without the toxic fumes or the need for solvents. However, if you don't use a final coat of varnish, your painting may not be as protected as you'd like. Here are a fewtips on why you should use a final coat of varnish and how to choose the right one for your painting .

When it comes to water mixable oil paints, there are two types of varnishes: spirit-based and water-based. Spirit-based varnishes will protect your painting from UV rays and can provide a glossy finish, but they're not as easy to remove if you need to do touch-ups.

Water-based varnishes, on the other hand, are easier to remove and won't yellow over time, but they don't provide as much protection from UV rays. Either type of varnish will help extend thelife of your painting , so it's really a matter of personal preference.

When applying a final coat of varnish, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. In general, you'll want to apply a thin layer of varnish using long strokes in one direction.

Once the first layer is dry, you can apply a second coat if desired. Allow the varnish to dry completely beforeframing or displaying your painting . With proper care, your water mixable oil painting will last for many years to come!

Conclusion

There is a wide variety of oil mediums, including water-soluble oils like Artisan paints and Cobra paints. You can thin it with water, just like traditional oils. In addition to alkyds and drying oils, there are water mixable versions of stand oil, drying oil, and linseed oil. However, the artist doesn't need to own all of these oils to create art.

For water-soluble paints, I recommend thinner, linseed oil, and impasto medium as a starting point. You can experiment with glazing, impasto, and alla prima techniques using these tools. When painting with water-soluble oils, use only classic oil painting media such as linseed oil or glimmer mist. This will help keep your work more water-resistant.