Oil Paints for Artists

Oil Paints for Artists

Oil paints are a choice for painters who want to work slowly, build layers, and mix shades directly on the canvas. They take longer to dry than acrylics, giving you plenty of time to create subtle gradients and use the wet-on-wet technique. We carry trusted brands of oil paints in both student and artists’ grades.

Which Grade Should You Choose?

• Student grade (e.g., Van Gogh, Sonnet, Phoenix) – affordable, excellent for studying and covering larger areas
• Artists’ grade (e.g., Umton, Royal Talens, Nevskaya Palitra Master Class) – higher pigment content and lightfastness
• By opacity – opaque and transparent shades for glazing
• By lightfastness – for works meant to last for years without fading

How to Work with Oil Paints

Paint on a gesso-primed canvas and follow the “fat over lean” rule: thin the bottom layers more and the top layers less. Thin paints and help them dry with oil painting mediums, and apply them with brushes with bristles or a painting knife.

Why Choose Oil Paints from ARTMiE

• Trusted European brands in one selection
• Student and artists’ grades side by side for comparison
• Accessories, including mediums, varnishes, and thinners, all in one place

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between student-grade and artists’ grade oil paints?

Student-grade paints have a lower pigment content and a more affordable price, making them suitable for studying and covering larger areas. Artists’ grade paints offer a higher pigment concentration, better lightfastness, and cleaner shades. Many painters combine the two: they paint the base in student grade and refine the accents with artists’ grade paints.

What do you use to thin and help oil paints dry?

Thin oil paints with turpentine or odorless thinner, then use oils and mediums as a final step. Adding oil gives the layer gloss and flexibility, while a medium speeds up drying. You’ll find all these products in the oil painting mediums category. Always follow the “fat over lean” rule.

What surfaces can you paint on with oil paints?

Oil paints can be used on gesso-primed canvas, wood, or oil-primed cardboard. Gesso protects the surface from absorbing oil and extends the life of the artwork. If you paint on raw canvas, prime it with gesso first. Otherwise, the oil will weaken the fibers over time.

How long do oil paints take to dry?

A thin layer is usually dry to the touch in a few days. Full curing takes weeks to months, depending on the thickness of the layer and the oil used. Slow drying is an advantage: you can mix shades and blend them gently right on the canvas. A fast-drying medium can speed up the process if needed.