How and with what to dilute oil paints?

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Walking through the art gallery and admiring the works painted with oil, you are amazed at their beauty. How to dilute oil paints? is a burning question for any artist who decides to work with them.

Features of working with oil

With oil, everything is much more complicated than with gouache or watercolor. If, when working with these types, it is enough to go to the washbasin and draw running water into a jar for dilution, then in the case of oil, you will have to prepare a special mixture, or at least visit the store and buy everything you need. However, the result is worth it.

Oil paintings often look more expensive, richer and of better quality. So for a person who seriously decides to master this material, nothing is impossible. Yes, and no special difficulties are expected. You just need to learn a simple recipe. Some artists do it quite simply. The question of how to dilute oil paint for drawing does not cause them discomfort, since they do not add anything at all, but write with the substance in the original consistency. But this option is far from suitable for everyone and only in certain works.

Howthin the paint?

Those who are bothered by density are still looking for suitable solutions to reduce it. It would be most logical to resort to the help of oil. It is used alone as a separate solvent or as part of a mixture made by painters.

In every art store you can find a bottle with special, already made substances or individual elements for their reproduction. In any case, when it comes to this type of paint, it will not be possible to do without oilseed extract, since it itself is the basis of this material. The pomace of walnut, flax, etc. is well suited. It has no smell, which is quite convenient. Other solvents do not have this advantage.

However, like any coin, there is also an opposite, negative, side: the picture will dry for a long time. When looking to dilute oil paints, it is better to give preference to flax extract.

Preparing the "tee"

A thinner would be helpful. In his role is often white spirit. However, this substance is not used on its own. A combination with a special solution is required. With it, wash the palette and brushes. Direct addition of it to the paint in the course of work is fraught with damage to tools. The canvas can wither, turn yellow and age prematurely. Noticeable significant tissue damage. For this substance, it is worth taking a separate container. The previously inactive cap will do just fine.

Giving an answer to the question of how to dilute oilart paints, it is worth noting that of all the compositions, the most popular is the “tee”. It can be made in one step by simply mixing the ingredients that you will find in the nearest speci alty store.

Its first version is made on the basis of mastic or dammar varnish used in painting, flax or hemp oil, and thinner (white spirit). All components are mixed in equal proportions. There is another variation of the mixture, in which the last element is changed to turpentine.

What is paint and top coat for?

Scenery varnish acts as an additive used with oil paint. The main thing is not to take the coating mixture, it is not suitable for these purposes. The purpose is to protect the already painted picture from external influence after it dries. The varnish is used a year after the end of the work.

Finally, the oil image is considered dried up only after a few years. A relative decrease in surface moisture should be expected no earlier than after 3 days. During this period, touching the picture, you no longer run the risk of smearing and spoiling it. Of great importance is the layer that was used in the course of work, as well as whether the brush was dry or wet. It depends on when to use the top coat. Also, a significant role is played by the substance used to dilute the paint, if, of course, you have to resort to it.

Which extract to choose?

Experienced artists, hearing the question of whatdilute oil paints, it is advised to use hemp and flax pomace as part of a mixture, for the reason that these are quick-drying substances that form a film that will not dissolve from an organic solvent (for example, water). Materials from other plant cultures are also used in painting.

How oil paints can be diluted depends on their composition. As they say, a wedge is knocked out with a wedge. It is worth looking at the label and figuring out which oil is included in the composition of the material, choose and add the same. As a rule, it will be flax or hemp extract. Most of the paints sold in our stores are made on their basis.

As for the diluent, white spirit and gum turpentine liquid are often used in its role. In Soviet times, these and other trains had special numbers. Evaporation of such substances occurs quickly, so they are stored in closed flasks.

Dilute with extract

If you're looking for a way to thin your oil paints at home but don't want to mess around with making a "tee", you should like the option of simply adding a plant extract. It is poured into a separate container. It is best to take a liquid based on flax, as it dries faster than others. In this case, you will not feel any odors, but you will have to be patient until the picture dries. Masters of painting, telling how to dilute oil paints, advise not to abuse this method, since it is intended rather forlazy and those who are not in a hurry to varnish their creation. When work is in full swing and free space is required, it is easier to make a “tee”. In the case of creating an undercoat, it makes sense to do without oil at all.

How quickly your creation dries depends largely on the thickness of the layer applied during the painting, the temperature and humidity of the air, the material of the paper or fabric and, of course, the thinner ("tee" or extract).