How to Paint With Oils

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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Painting with oils is more challenging than using watercolors or acrylics. You must have the patience to paint a single layer, let it dry, and return for additional layers over several days or even weeks. However, if you love the look of oils, nothing else will do. These steps will help you get started using oils to paint your masterpiece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Pigment
  • Thinner (turpentine or mineral spirits)
  • Medium (linseed oil)
  • Brushes
  • Palette knife
  • Palette
  • Stretched canvas
  • Easel
  • Drop cloth
  • Painting clothes
  • Hand cleaner
Step1
Prepare your workspace. Set your easel and canvas in a well-ventilated location. If indoors open a window and use a fan to force the fumes outside. Put a drop cloth under your work area.
Step2
Pour thinner into a container and set aside. Pour one part medium and one part thinner into a second container, preferably a squirt bottle. Most painters use linseed oil as a medium.
Step3
Place a few pigments on your palette and, using your palette knife, mix them with the medium to the desired color and consistency.
Step4
Paint your first layer. Take care that this is a thin layer so it will completely dry in a couple of days, allowing you to start your next layer.
Step5
Use the thinner to clean your brushes between colors. When you're done for the day, don't throw the thinner out; the pigment will settle to the bottom and you can use the thinner again by pouring it into another container, leaving the pigment behind.
Step6
Store your canvas somewhere safe, wash your brushes in thinner and then with soap and water, and discard medium if it's cloudy.
Step7
Use more oil and less thinner as a medium for subsequent layers. The last layer should be the "fattest," containing the most oil.

Tips & Warnings

  • Mix your pigment a little brighter than you want; it will mellow slightly as it dries.
  • Ultimately, an oil painting doesn't dry but rather cures. It's dry enough to touch after a week or two, dry enough to varnish in 6 months or so. However, experts don't consider a painting completely dry until about 60 years have passed.
  • Remember that the thinner and medium are both flammable. Always use them in well-ventilated areas and far away from any ignition source.
  • The paints and thinners are difficult to remove from clothing, carpet and floors. Cover your work surfaces and wear a smock to protect your clothing.

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eHow Article: How to Paint With Oils

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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