Prevent Oil-Based Paint From Drying: Slow It Down

Oil-based paints dry at different rates depending on various factors, including the type of oil used, the thickness of the paint, the colour, and the temperature of the environment. To prevent oil-based paint from drying too quickly, avoid using linseed oil, walnut oil, or poppy oil as these dry faster than other oils such as safflower oil. Paint thickness also matters, with thin layers drying faster than thick ones. Additionally, certain colours dry faster than others, and a warm, low-humidity environment accelerates drying. To slow down the drying process, use oils that dry slower, apply thicker layers, and store the painting in a cool, dark place.

Characteristics and Values

Use linseed oil, liquin, or an alkyd medium

To keep oil-based paint from drying too fast, you can use a range of oils and alkyd mediums. Linseed oil is a popular choice, as it dries faster than safflower, walnut, and poppy seed oils. When using linseed oil, you can add about one part oil to four parts paint for the initial layer, and then increase the amount slightly for subsequent layers. However, be careful not to use too much oil, as it can lead to an unstable painting in the long term. Stand oil is another option, which is a processed form of linseed oil with a thicker consistency.

Liquin is an alkyd-based medium that can speed up the drying time of oil paint to just a few hours. It is popular among plein air and alla prima painters. However, some artists may not prefer it due to its strong odour and the presence of potential "mystery ingredients" in its mass-produced formulation.

Another alkyd medium is Galkyd, which enhances the luminosity of colours and speeds up drying. However, using too much of it can cause cracking in the finish.

Walnut Alkyd, made by M. Graham, is another option that is known for its fast-drying properties. It is non-toxic, boiled walnut oil.

Paint in thin layers

Painting in thin layers is a crucial technique to prevent oil-based paint from drying too fast. This method ensures that the paint application is evenly distributed and thin enough to dry faster. Thick layers of paint can take significantly longer to dry, as the oxidation process is slower.

When using the glazing technique, it is essential to apply thin layers of oil paint and allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next one. This prevents the formation of thick layers, which can prolong the drying process.

To facilitate the use of thin layers, artists can mix their paint with turpentine, which encourages faster drying. Additionally, priming the canvas with glue chalk gesso can provide a suitable base for thin paint layers. Starting with an acrylic base is another effective strategy, as acrylic paint dries faster than oil-based paint and can provide a good foundation for subsequent layers.

It is worth noting that some colours dry faster than others, and certain pigments have quicker drying times. Therefore, when working with oil-based paints, it is beneficial to be mindful of the specific colours and pigments used and their inherent drying properties.

In addition to thin layers, maintaining a warm environment can expedite the drying process. A temperature of at least 70 °F (21 °C) is recommended, and higher temperatures can further accelerate drying. However, it is important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause cracking in oil-based paint.

Store in a warm, low-humidity environment

Keeping oil-based paint from drying too fast requires careful control of the temperature and humidity of the environment in which it is stored. A warm, low-humidity environment is ideal.

Firstly, the temperature in the room where your painting is drying should be at least 70 °F (21 °C). The warmer the room, the better—there is no temperature that is too hot for oil paints. However, it is important to keep yourself comfortable, so avoid making the room overly hot. You can monitor the temperature in the room using a thermostat or a digital thermometer.

In addition to keeping the room warm, you should also ensure that the environment is low in humidity. Humid conditions can cause the pigments in the paint to peel, so it is important to keep the room as dry as possible. Avoid placing the painting in a room with a fish tank or excessive plants, as these can increase humidity. You can also use a fan to help keep the air circulating and reduce humidity.

Another factor to consider is the thickness of the paint. Thick layers of paint will take longer to dry than thin layers due to the oxidation process. Therefore, if you want to slow down the drying process, you can apply the paint in thicker layers.

By controlling the temperature, humidity, and thickness of the paint, you can effectively control the drying time of oil-based paint and prevent it from drying too fast.

Mix with turpentine or a drying accelerator

Mixing oil paint with turpentine is a popular method to prevent oil-based paint from drying too fast. Turpentine is a solvent that can be used to thin paint and speed up drying times. It is a mixture of two terpene hydrocarbons: alpha-pinene and limonene, neither of which is oxygenated.

When using turpentine, it is important to note that it can be harsh on the skin, causing blisters, peeling, and dry skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use gloves or avoid direct skin contact with the solvent. There are also alternative, safer solvents available that can be used instead of turpentine, such as Gamblin and Weber products, or non-turpentine solvents from hardware stores. Additionally, baby wipes, soap, and water can be used to remove paint from the skin.

It is also important to store turpentine properly to prevent it from reacting with the air. It should be stored in an amber container with pebbles to prevent oxidation. Over time, turpentine will break down and become thicker, producing a "resin."

When mixing oil paint with turpentine, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions to avoid any potential health risks associated with solvent exposure.

Use an acrylic base

Using an acrylic base is an effective way to prevent oil-based paint from drying too quickly. This method allows you to work with the paint for longer without diluting it. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you use an acrylic base effectively:

Start by preparing your acrylic base:

• Place a generous amount of acrylic paint onto your palette. You can squeeze out double the amount you think you'll need. This ensures that you have enough wet paint to work with and allows you to mix colours and create accurate blends.
• If you're using a large palette, you can use a spray bottle to lightly mist your acrylic paint with water. This helps re-introduce moisture and slow down the drying process. Be cautious not to add too much water, as it can affect the acrylic binder and reduce adhesion.

Now, you can apply the acrylic base to your canvas:

• Use thin layers of acrylic paint as your base coat. This will dry faster than thick layers, providing a good foundation for your oil paint.
• Work quickly and efficiently, as acrylic paint tends to dry faster than oil paint. You may find that your acrylic base dries within a day.

Once your acrylic base is dry, you can start applying your oil paint:

• Oil paint dries faster when applied in thin layers. Try to work with thin coats of paint to prolong the drying time.
• If you're working with slow-drying oil paint, such as colours containing safflower oil or walnut oil, be mindful that they may take longer to dry.
• You can add a touch of burnt umber to your oil paint to speed up the drying process.

Remember, using an acrylic base not only helps with drying time but also provides a good foundation for your oil paint to adhere to. Always allow your acrylic base to dry completely before applying oil paint to avoid any unwanted mixing or muddy colours.

Frequently asked questions