As artists, we all know that the quest for the perfect oil paint is eternal: New brands overflow the market, old brands are somewhat lacking, and the color we look for is somehow always out of stock. In oil painting, where the quality of the pigment, durability, and versatility are of utmost importance, choosing the right paints can be a game changer and the deciding factor that separates gallery work from casual paintings.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just taking your first steps in the oil painting world, this guide aims to help you find the best oil paints for you. We’ll delve deep into the oil painting world, learn all about oil painting key characteristics, explore the top and trending brands, and consider all the different budgets to help you fully unleash your creativity.
Let’s get started!
What Are Oil Paints?
Oil Paints are a distinctive art medium consisting of finely ground pigments suspended in a binder consisting of drying oil. This oil defines the paint’s consistency, drying speed, and tint and can be made of linseed, poppy seed, safflower, or walnut.
Oil paint is slow-drying, unlike other mediums like watercolor or acrylic, which dries through oxidation. The oil in the paint reacts with the air and hardens over time, forming a solid and resistant film with rich colors and long-lasting properties.
Why Oil Paints?
Oil Paint is an excellent medium that has something the others don’t, and that is Blendability. The bendability of oil paints is unmatched, superior to any other mediums, allowing artists to easily work on their pieces for much longer, fix mistakes, and achieve levels of realism that would be impossible with other mediums. However, that is not all. Some of the reasons why oil paints are the chosen medium of so many artists are their pigment and color richness, their texture that can go from thin glazes to thick impasto applications, their slow drying time, their durability, and their longevity, which goes from a few decades to hundreds of years.
How Are Oil Paints Made?
Everything starts with a finely ground or powdered pigment, which is thoroughly mixed with oil that acts as a “binder”, but not any oil, a drying oil is the key ingredient, linseed or poppy seed oil are the common choices for oil paint making. The mixing process, which used to be done by hand with a muller and slab, gets the paint to a smooth buttery consistency, which then needs to be adjusted by adding solvents to thin the paint consistency or resin to alter the drying time, increase the glossiness or improve the paint’s durability, this step determines how the paint handles and behaves on the canvas, and how long it lasts.
Once the paint has the desired consistency, it gets packed into tubes, which are sealed, and labeled before a thorough quality control, and then are shipped to your favorite art stores.
Types of Oil Binders in Oil Paints
There are different types of binders in oil paints, like linseed oil, walnut oil, poppy seed oil, etc. Although all of them are oils, they act and have different effects on the paint characteristics:
Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil is extracted from the flax plant seeds, it is the most common binder in oil paints, since it dries forming a strong but flexible film, and is well known for enhancing the paint’s flow and glossiness. Different forms of linseed oil are used in the paint-making process, such as cold-pressed, alkaline-refined, sun-thickened, and stand oil, each with slightly different properties in terms of drying time and consistency.
Walnut Oil
Walnut Oil is extracted from walnut nuts, this oil dries more slowly than linseed oil and is much less yellowing, making it a great choice for lighter colors. This oil gives the paint a smooth, buttery consistency, however is slightly less durable than linseed oil.
Poppy Seed Oil
Made from the seeds of the Poppy Seed plant, this oil is less prone to yellowing over time making it great for whites and blues. It also dries slowly and is less prone to crack, but is not as durable as linseed oil.
How To Spot Low-Quality Oil Paints?
- Poor Pigmentation: Low-quality oil paints often appear dull or washed out when applied, lacking the vibrancy and depth of higher-quality paints due to low pigment load or poor-quality pigments.
- Inconsistent Texture: If the paint exhibits uneven texture, feels gritty, or separates in the tube (with clear oil leaking out), it’s likely of inferior quality. Good quality oil paints should have a smooth, buttery consistency straight from the tube.
- Limited Color Range: While not always a definitive sign of low quality, a very limited color range might indicate a lack of sophistication in the brand’s offerings, potentially reflecting on the overall quality.
- Poor Lightfastness: High-quality paints are rated for their lightfastness, indicating how well they resist fading over time. Low-quality paints may not provide this information and can fade significantly when exposed to light.
- Difficulty in Mixing: If the paints do not blend well together or create muddy colors easily, this can be a sign of low-quality pigments and fillers being used.
Top Oil Paint Picks for Artists in 2024
- Best Oil Paints for Artists Overall — Micheal Harding Oil Colours
- Best Premium Oil Paints for Artists — Old Holland Classic Oil Colors
- Best Professional Oil Paints for Artists — Gamblin Artists Oil Colors
- Best Value Oil Paints for Artists — M. Graham Solvent-Free Set
- Best Professional Budget Oil Paints for Artists — Winsor and Newton Oil Colour Paint
- Best Student-Grade Oil Paints for Artists — Winton by Winsor and Newton
#1. Best Oil Paints for Artists Overall — Micheal Harding Oil Colours
View Prices
About Micheal Harding Oil Paints
The Micheal Harding oil paints have been around since 1982, and while that might not seem like a lot of time, they have gained a strong reputation and are known for their excellent quality, pigment intensity, and great performance, making them an excellent choice for any artist of any level.
These paints are hand-made, which ensures extreme detail in production, consistency, and quality, plus they don’t have any fillers or extenders, which ensure true colors and maximum durability.
The Micheal Harding Oil paints are made using high quality, cold-pressed linseed oil, and walnut oil along with the beat pigments ensuring great quality, texture, and lightfastness. They blend beautifully and offer a wide range with a variety of opaque and transparent pigments. While they’re on the expensive side due to the premium quality ingredients and production methods, they’re not as expensive as other premium brands, so if you’re a beginner and you have the budget you can get this set and experience what true quality is.
What makes them great:
- Grade: Artist Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: Creamy Texture.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: Two to three days to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $75.66
- Our Score:
Pros
- High pigment load
- Exceptional color intensity
- Wide color range
Cons
- Higher price
- Limited availability
- Can be too thick
View Prices
2. Best Premium Oil Paints for Artists — Old Holland Classic Oil Colors
View Prices
About Old Holland Oil Paints
Old Holland is a brand with a history dating back to the days of the old masters, and they have managed to keep the same level of quality and pigment richness. They offer a lot of colors that have been used by famous masters everywhere throughout history, and their paint has an intense color depth, which creates luminous paintings with great depth and brilliance.
They offer a high grade of pigment purity, which also makes them one of the most expensive brands in the market.
The paints are made with high-quality, linseed oil as the primary binder, and poppy seed oil is used in lighter shades got prevent yellowing over time. The Basic set offers a selection of primaries which is great for beginners who are learning color mixing and color theory, but also offers a wide range of colors including genuine cobalt and cadmium, catered to professionals.
Why are they good:
- Grade: Artist Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: They have a softer texture, dense or grainy.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: One to seven days to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $191.73
- Our Score:
Pros
- Superior pigment quality
- Historic color palette
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Very expensive
- Thick consistency
- Steep learning curve
View Prices
3. Best Professional Oil Paints for Artists — Gamblin Artists Oil Colors
View Prices
About Gamblin Artists Oil Paints
Gamblin Artists Oil Paints is a highly regarded brand in the professional oil painting artists community for their excellent quality, vibrant colors, and buttery yet grainy consistency which is preferred by many. These paints are a delight to work with, they offer a solid selection of 90 colors that have both historically accurate pigments and new synthetically made colors.
As a binder, Gamblin uses alkali-refined linseed oil, which creates a strong, flexible paint film and yellows significantly less than traditional binders, while for select colors safflower oil is used as a binder.
While not overly expensive, the price of the paint is quite high compared to other more affordable alternatives, however, for both students and professionals it is completely worth the investment since this is top-quality paint.
Why are they good:
- Grade: Artist Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: Very consistent, thick and buttery.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: 24 Hours to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $88.25
- Our Score:
Pros
- Great for professionals
- Consistent quality
- Eco-friendly options
Cons
- Pricey for beginners
- Limited brighter colors
- Dries slowly
View Prices
4. Best Value Oil Paints for Artists — M. Graham Solvent-Free Set
View Prices
About M. Graham Oil Paints
M.Graham is a US-based brand that focuses on making high-quality products and their oil paints line is not an exception. Made with the artists in mind, these oil paints have a unique characteristic and that is that they’re made with walnut oil, which offers a durable, flexible, and clear film, and also facilitates easier cleanup without harsh solvents. The walnut oil binder also enhances the flow and workability of the paint and enhances color retention plus it’s easier to use.
Besides that, the pigments M. Graham uses are vibrant and long-lasting, plus the paints are uniformly smooth and buttery, making them easy to mix and apply to a variety of surfaces, and since they don’t use fillers, the paints last a long time and are of the best quality, plus they’re priced on the affordable range which is excellent for the quality they offer.
Why are they good:
- Grade: Artist Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: Smooth and Buttery.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: 24 to 48 Hours to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $57.05
- Our Score:
Pros
- Solvent-free
- Rich pigmentation
- Smooth application
Cons
- Fewer colors
- Slightly expensive
- Slow drying time
View Prices
5. Best Professional Budget Oil Paints for Artists — Winsor and Newton Oil Colour Paint
View Prices
About Winsor and Newton Oil Colour Paint
Winsor and Newton are a well-known brand in the art world, not only because of their wide range of products, but because of their superior quality and dedication to excellence, and their oil paints are not an exception. Their artist-grade oil colors are on a whole different level than their Winton series, having much more concentrated pigment loads, fewer to no fillers, and providing a broad color range at a relatively affordable price.
Winsor and Newton oil paints are made with linseed oil and safflower oil to reduce yellowing and offer a uniform consistency and texture, which is very appreciated by professionals. It is also one of the most “available” and easy-to-find brands in the market, being present in most art stores in the US and internationally.
We must mention that the drying time of Winsor and Newton Oil Paints is significantly slower than other brands, which might be a key factor for some artists, and while they have a minimum amount of filler, they’re not solvent-free and have a strong odor as most paints, which might compromise your purchasing decision.
Why are they good:
- Grade: Artist Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: Smooth and Buttery.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: 18 to 24 Hours to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $57.00
- Our Score:
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Reliable quality
- Good color range
Cons
- Less pigment load
- Inconsistent texture
- Not for all techniques
View Prices
6. Best Student-Grade Oil Paints for Artists — Winton by Winsor and Newton
View Prices
About Winton by Winsor and Newton Oil Paints
Oil painting can get pricey, so it’s smart to think about your painting skills when choosing your paints, if you’re new to oil painting, student-grade paints like Winton by Winsor and Newton are a good start. Aimed at beginners or those of us keeping an eye on our budget, Winton offers a range of colors that are more wallet-friendly compared to top-tier artist-grade paints.
Despite being student-grade, Winton paints maintain a decent level of quality, they offer good pigment concentration and color richness compared to other paints in the same price range.
On the downside, to keep costs down, Winton paints contain more fillers than premium options, which can impact the paint’s overall performance and finish.
Why are they good:
- Grade: Student Grade.
- Our Score:
- Pigment Quality: Medium Quality.
- Our Score:
- Texture and Consistency: Creamy Texture.
- Our Score:
- Drying Time: Around 5 days to dry.
- Our Score:
- Price: $24.41
- Our Score:
Pros
- Affordable
- Student-grade quality
- Easy blending
Cons
- Lower pigment concentration
- Limited color vibrancy
- Faster wear out
View Prices
Key Considerations for Selecting Oil Paints
Artist Expertise
Oil paints are expensive, that’s why considering your level of experience is key when buying oil paints. If you’re just starting out, then going for student-grade paints might be the best for you, although these paints don’t have the richness pigment intensity as artists-grade oil paints, student-grade paints are very affordable, easy to find, and are great for learning how to use oil paints.
If you already have some experience with oil painting, you might want to try better, more professional brands and that is totally ok. As your art improves, you can start mixing high-quality student-grade paint with artist-grade, which allows you to invest in high-quality paint by purchasing selected colors without breaking the bank.
If you plan on selling or exhibiting your art, then you have no choice but to get artists-grade oil paints, these paints are richer in pigment, have better consistency, and last for ages, which is something expected of professional work, but are much more expensive and sometimes harder to find.
Pigment Quality
Pigment quality refers to the characteristics of the pigment used in the paint that affect its performance, durability, and appearance. While you won’t be able to truly determine the quality of a paint’s pigment before trying it and seeing for yourself, certain things can tell you whether a paint’s pigment quality is good or not before you buy it.
High-quality paints have pure pigments, which means the colors will contain fewer fillers and will have better mixing qualities. Another factor is lightfastness, which is the pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. High-quality pigments have high lightfastness ratings, which can be read on the label or found on the brand’s website, look for terms like “excellent lightfastness” or specific ratings like ASTM I or II.
Texture and Consistency
The texture and consistency of oil paint are crucial factors to consider when buying because they directly affect how the paint behaves on your canvas and how you can manipulate it with your brush or palette knife. If the paint is too thick or stiff, it might be challenging to spread smoothly or mix with other colors making it hard to apply for detailed work or thin layers. On the other hand, paint that’s too runny might not hold its shape well, making it difficult to create textures or work in impasto techniques.
Drying Time
The drying time of paint directly affects how you plan and do your art, since oil paints have much slower drying times compared to other mediums like acrylics it allows artists to work with the paint, blending and modifying the artwork over extended periods. However, the specific drying time can vary widely between different brands and even within the colors of the same brand due to the pigments and oils used.
For artists who work in layers or use glazing techniques, a paint that dries slower may be better, as it gives you more time to manipulate the paint and achieve smooth transitions. On the other hand, if you’re working on a project with a tight deadline or prefer to work in quick sessions, opt for paints that dry a bit faster, or use mediums to accelerate drying time.
Color Range
The range of colors you get with oil paints is really important when you’re deciding what to buy because it affects how much you can do with your art.
Having lots of different colors to choose from means you can be more creative and make your art look just how you want it to, however, for someone who is just starting with painting, having a simple set of basic colors might be better since it helps them learn how to mix and understand color theory.
For more experienced artists, finding specific shades to add to their collection can help make their work, since pre-mixed colors can save time and paint because you won’t have to mix as much.
Price
The price of oil paints has a wide range, going from very affordable to bank-breaking, soul-crushing, and pocket-emptying, however as in most art mediums, the price is tied to the quality of a paint, so you have to be very careful when choosing the brand and paint for you. If you’re planning on getting a set, be it a themed set or an introductory one you’ll find they’re not as expensive, however, you should consider the amount of paint that those tubes hold is tiny compared to what you’re going to use.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend going for individual tubes that hold more than three ounces and that can be a reliable starting point for you. Getting the primaries (modern or classic) and white, black, and brown will be the perfect way to start your oil paint learning journey, and won’t break the bank.
If you’re a pro or already know your way with oil paints (passed the wasting paint stage) then going for a professional brand and adding tubes to your collection is the best choice. You’ll quickly find out that quality paint is not necessarily overly expensive but it is an investment you’ll have to make, however, you’ll also find out that a little bit of quality paint goes a long way and beahves, mixes, and applies better too.
Getting premium brands’ paint is like shopping for luxury items sometimes and should be reserved for those with a high budget, or those who plan on selling or exhibiting their work, still, it is a decision you should think a lot about since the prices go well beyond an “investment” and can seriously affect your finances.
Premium vs. Artist Grade vs. Student Grade
- Premium Oil Paints are the pinnacle of quality, offering the highest pigment load, exceptional purity, and unparalleled color intensity. These paints often utilize rare or unique pigments and are designed for professional artists who demand the best performance and longevity from their materials. Premium paints ensure brilliant color retention over time, making them ideal for works intended for galleries or collections.
- Artist Grade Oil Paints strike a balance between quality and affordability. They have a high pigment concentration, offering good color strength and a wide color range. Artist-grade paints are suitable for both professional artists and serious hobbyists who seek quality without the premium price tag. They offer excellent mixing capabilities and are reliable for producing vibrant, lasting works.
- Student Grade Oil Paints are formulated with cost in mind, using lower concentrations of pigment and often substituting expensive pigments with synthetic alternatives. While they offer a broader color range at a more accessible price, the trade-off comes in the form of reduced color intensity and potential inconsistencies in texture and longevity. Student paints are ideal for absolute beginners and those practicing or experimenting who don’t want to overspend on paint.
Leave a Reply