7 Art Materials Oil Painters Should Avoid (And What to Use Instead)
Oil painting is durable. We know that from centuries of proof. But that durability depends on what you put into the work. Many promising paintings fail because of poor material choices, not lack of skill.
Let’s talk about what to avoid.
1. Raw, Unsealed Supports
First, raw, unsealed supports. Painting directly onto untreated wood or cheap hardboard is asking for trouble. Oil seeps into the fibers, weakens the structure, and can cause discoloration over time. Always seal wood panels properly and apply a suitable ground before painting. The same goes for unprimed canvas. Oil needs a barrier.
2. Low-quality Oil Paints
Next, low-quality “student grade” oil paints with weak pigment loads. They’re fine for practice, but some contain excess fillers that dull color and reduce film strength. If longevity matters, invest in artist-grade paints for finished work. The higher pigment concentration gives you better color, better coverage, and stronger paint films.
3. Traditional Turpentine
Traditional turpentine has been used for centuries, but modern research and studio safety guidelines have raised concerns about prolonged inhalation. Many artists are shifting toward odorless mineral spirits with proper ventilation, or even solvent-free methods using refined linseed oil and walnut oil. You don’t need a studio full of fumes to paint well.
4. Fast-drying Alkyd Mediums
Be cautious with fast-drying alkyd mediums if you’re not familiar with them. They’re useful, but overuse can create brittle layers if not handled properly. Follow the fat-over-lean rule carefully. Each new layer should contain slightly more oil than the one beneath it. Ignoring this can lead to cracking down the line.
5. Household Products
Avoid household products. There are artists who use common household items from motor oil to hardware-store varnish as experimental mediums. Don’t. Non-archival products aren’t tested for long-term stability. Stick to materials designed for fine art.
6. Non-archival Grounds and Acrylic House Primers
Another issue is non-archival grounds and acrylic house primers. They may seem economical, but they aren’t formulated for oil adhesion or long-term preservation. Use proper acrylic gesso or oil ground made for artists.
7. Siccatives
Finally, be careful with excessive use of siccatives like cobalt drier. They speed drying, but too much can cause darkening and brittleness. Use sparingly, if at all.
Here’s the simple rule: if a material isn’t designed for oil painting, don’t gamble your work on it. Oil painting rewards patience. Choose stable supports, quality pigments, safe mediums, and proven grounds. Your future self, and anyone who collects your work, will thank you.