Oil Painting Mediums

Painting with oils should follow the ‘lean to fat’ rule. This refers to ensuring that each layer is leaner (contains less oil) than the next layer on top, so as to ensure that each layer receives enough oxygen to cure and avoid wrinkling. A fool proof way of achieving this is to use Painting Mediums 1 to 3 in successive order. Painting Medium Number 1 should be used for underpainting. Painting Medium Number 2 should be used for subsequent layers. Painting Medium Number 3 is viscous and fatter than Medium Number 2, for those who prefer a heavier medium and can, therefore, be used as well as or instead of Painting Medium Number 2. Finally Liquol is a quick-drying, transparent, alkyd-based, glazing medium. It is extremely fast drying and in most cases will dry in 24 hours or less. This medium is ideal for smooth brush work, fine detail and multiple glazes, giving depth to paintings and subtelty of colour. It can be painted wet on wet, or left to dry before overpainting. All mediums should be mixed thoroughly with oil paint on a palette before applying to painting.