I'm new to oil painting. What is the difference between linseed oil and safflower oil? What is liquin and why choose that over the oils? I have lots more questions, but let's start with this...
That’s a great question Lee, and one I hear often. There is a lot to be said on the subject, but first, let me try to simplify things for you.
Linseed oil will increase the gloss, flow and transparency of oil colors. It will also slow the drying time.
Safflower oil can be mixed with oil paints to increase their fluidity and brilliance. Unlike linseed oil, safflower oil does not yellow with age and will not alter the pigments’ natural hue when drying.
Note: Although safflower oil has become a very popular alternative to linseed oil, its resistance to age does not equal that of linseed oil.
NAMTA describes common oil paint binders here; “The most common binder for oil paint is linseed oil (fat.), which comes from the seed of the flax plant. Purified linseed oil is clear and slightly yellow. Other oils (fats) such as walnut, poppy or safflower may be used either as the binder or part of the vehicle. What is essential is that the binder be a “drying oil” that oxidizes to a leathery film with exposure to air. The key term here is “oxidize.” Oils dry by oxidation (absorption of oxygen), not by evaporation like water-based paints. This process creates a tough film that cannot be brought back to its original state. It is a slow, complex process, which is why oil paintings dry slowly.”
Lee asked me; I have another question. What's the difference between using a flat, a filbert or a bright brush when oil painting? My teacher asks for filberts.
-A flat brush is any brush that has had its hair, or filaments pressed flat from the ferrule. The leading edge of a flat brush is also squared off.
-A bright brush is just a short flat.
-A filbert is a round brush that has been pressed flat at the ferrule. The leading edge of a filbert is rounded.
There are a few water-soluble oils on the market right now. Before I could really go into detail about the proper chemistry, I’ll need to know which brand you are dealing with. With that said; the answer is yes, and yes. It is possible to mix either water or oil with water-soluble oils.
What would I do if I wanted to try to make a color for oil painting - using a pigment? Can you suggest any pearlized looks. I want to kind of glaze over an area of my painting to give it a shimmer.
If you have another suggestion for giving a shimmering effect to an area that I've painted, please let me know. Thank you.
There are many pearlescent pigments that can be used in a glaze for oil painting. The first thing you must determine, is the "stuff" the pigment you choose is made out of. Some pigments will oxidize over time, and you will loose your desired finish. For example, PEARL EX pigments will give you the largest variety of color, but over a long period of time MAY oxidize. In my opinion, your best bet will be to choose a company such as SCHMICKE, which makes high quality pigments that are ideal for oil paint making. Side note: It may be hard to fully suspend pigment into linseed oil without grinding, but you should not have much of a problem mixing small amounts into a glazing medium.
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I'm new to oil painting. What is the difference between linseed oil and safflower oil? What is liquin and why choose that over the oils? I have lots more questions, but let's start with this...
That’s a great question Lee, and one I hear often. There is a lot to be said on the subject, but first, let me try to simplify things for you.
Linseed oil will increase the gloss, flow and transparency of oil colors. It will also slow the drying time.
Safflower oil can be mixed with oil paints to increase their fluidity and brilliance. Unlike linseed oil, safflower oil does not yellow with age and will not alter the pigments’ natural hue when drying.
Note: Although safflower oil has become a very popular alternative to linseed oil, its resistance to age does not equal that of linseed oil.
NAMTA describes common oil paint binders here;
“The most common binder for oil paint is linseed oil (fat.), which comes from the seed of the flax plant. Purified linseed oil is clear and slightly yellow. Other oils (fats) such as walnut, poppy or safflower may be used either as the binder or part of the vehicle.
What is essential is that the binder be a “drying oil” that oxidizes to a leathery film with exposure to air. The key term here is “oxidize.” Oils dry by oxidation (absorption of oxygen), not by evaporation like water-based paints. This process creates a tough film that cannot be brought back to its original state. It is a slow, complex process, which is why oil paintings dry slowly.”
Thank you, by the way, what is NAMTA?
Lee asked me; I have another question. What's the difference between using a flat, a filbert or a bright brush when oil painting? My teacher asks for filberts.
-A flat brush is any brush that has had its hair, or filaments pressed flat from the ferrule. The leading edge of a flat brush is also squared off.
-A bright brush is just a short flat.
-A filbert is a round brush that has been pressed flat at the ferrule. The leading edge of a filbert is rounded.
hi! i have a question about water-soluble oil paints. Do i still mix them with oil? or just water? Thanks!!!
Thanks for the question Sahra,
There are a few water-soluble oils on the market right now. Before I could really go into detail about the proper chemistry, I’ll need to know which brand you are dealing with. With that said; the answer is yes, and yes. It is possible to mix either water or oil with water-soluble oils.
What would I do if I wanted to try to make a color for oil painting - using a pigment? Can you suggest any pearlized looks. I want to kind of glaze over an area of my painting to give it a shimmer.
If you have another suggestion for giving a shimmering effect to an area that I've painted, please let me know. Thank you.
There are many pearlescent pigments that can be used in a glaze for oil painting. The first thing you must determine, is the "stuff" the pigment you choose is made out of. Some pigments will oxidize over time, and you will loose your desired finish. For example, PEARL EX pigments will give you the largest variety of color, but over a long period of time MAY oxidize. In my opinion, your best bet will be to choose a company such as SCHMICKE, which makes high quality pigments that are ideal for oil paint making. Side note: It may be hard to fully suspend pigment into linseed oil without grinding, but you should not have much of a problem mixing small amounts into a glazing medium.
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