What Type Of Paint To Use For Oil Painting Lessons?

There are two main types of oil paints used in oil painting lessons, namely traditional and water-mixable paints. What are the main differences between the two, and which one should you opt for? In this blog, VR School of Art, one of the best drawing classes in North York, Toronto, answers this question in detail.

What Is A Traditional Oil Paint?

This is the most common form of oil paint that features in most oil painting classes. It requires the use of solvents or thinners for effective application of the paint. Also known as paint thinners, the most popular materials used for this task include turpentine or mineral spirits, which are a form of odourless liquid. 

Traditional oil paints are typically made of oil binders, such as linseed or safflower oil, which provide them with a rich texture. Although they are excellent for editing due to their slow drying time, the fumes from the solvents can cause problems if the oil painting lessons are not conducted in a well-ventilated space.

What Is A Water-Mixable Oil Paint?

A water-mixable oil paint, as the name suggests, is a new form of oil paint that is soluble in water. This means that it can be thinned and even cleaned with water, which is not possible with conventional oil paints. They are typically made with a form of oil binder that makes it mixable with water. While it makes clean-up a lot easier, it also means that the oil paint will dry much faster than traditional oil paints. This gives painters fewer chances to rectify their errors.

All that being said, there is no need to worry about ventilation, as it is water-soluble.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if more drying time is desirable, and the oil painting lessons are conducted outside or in a ventilated area, then traditional oil paints are a better choice. If these factors are not in play, then a water-mixable oil paint can also work.

To learn more about our oil painting classes, contact us at VR School of Art today. We are one of the leading drawing classes in Toronto, Ontario. We also offer a wide variety of classes such as drawing classes for kids, landscape painting, portraiture courses, and more. For more details, contact us at 647-894-7706.

FAQs:

Which oil paint dries faster?

Water-mixable oil paints dry faster due to their water content. Traditional oil paints, on the other hand, can take a few days or weeks.

How to reduce drying times for traditional oil paints?

To reduce drying times, add mediums such as linseed oil, as it can improve both flow and transparency of the oil paint.