Are Water Mixable OILS Any Good? Full Test (Daler Rowney Georgian)

Are water mixable oils the answer to solvent free oil painting? Are they a poor substitute to traditional oil paints? I test a set of Daler Rowney Georgian water mixable oils with a landscape painting. I wanted these paints to work, but the results still surprised me. See the painting experience for yourself.
I also tried out Daler Rowney's oil painting paper as a handy option for painting studies.
✅ Grab your FREE Painting Course here: social.malcolm...
🎨 Materials:
Daler Rowney water mixable oils: in South Africa www.artsavingsclub.co.za
Water mixable oils in US: amzn.to/32W4f6D
Daler Rowney Oil Painting paper pads: amzn.to/3e1Fhcc

[@elsawessels3044]

I am 82 years andreally need some oilpaint without the smell of spiritz Now I know what to buy and do 😊

[@lynncooper1781]

I'm not into oils, but have tried these and they are awesome. I have a set of 36 count,which I use every now and then. I use water for cleaning and to mix or blend, works for me.Awesome video.👍

[@MalcolmDewey]

Very good to hear, I will add more demos with these in the future.

[@lynncooper1781]

@@MalcolmDewey that's awesome, take care stay safe

[@paddys3071]

Nice demo Malcom, thanks! Using georgian water mixable oil for last few years and very happy with result, they working great with windsor&newton artisan range mediums (thinner, oil and liquin) and they can be mixed with normal linseed oil also, cleaning with dishwash soap and water

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks for the helpful info Paddy.

[@koolkutz7]

I have just ordered some of these paints to try out. What surface do you paint on? Can I paint these onto gesso'd canvas boards etc?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes any gessoed surface like panels, canvas, paper or card will be fine.

[@koolkutz7]

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks Malcolm, appreciated 🙂

[@gretaklug]

Do you mean normal linseed oil is not the water soluble kind?

[@marinashaduri7836]

Although the name of water-soluble oils is "Georgian", in my country (Georgia) we have no good paints and lately almost no supplies. As soon as these "Georgians" appear on the horizon, I definitely try to paint with them. Thank you for this information and the demonstration, Malcolm

[@MalcolmDewey]

Sorry to hear that Marina, sounds really frustrating, but I hope you get supplies in soon.

[@thehappypotter9612]

water mixable oils were available in the late nineties already, but back then the art supply shop in the city where I lived (in SA) merely refused to import some. Thank you for the info, Malcolm. I have been looking for reliable information about them. Very glad to come across your video.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure.

[@johnmoran7238]

I've recently started using the Winsor and Newton water mixable oils. I've never experienced oils and I'm so glad I started. Also w and n have a water mixable linseed oil to use as a medium!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent! Enjoy

[@spoddie]

Excellent, thanks. I'm in Tokyo and have a small apartment. I've avoided oils because of the solvents but I've seen Holbein Aqua Duo in the stores and considered trying it.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Go for it!

[@jesussanchez4547]

He probado dos marcas y las dos están bien, antes pintaba con el óleo clásico, pero los disolventes no los tolero bien. El tiempo de secado es más o menos el mismo, tiene menos brillo, pero por lo demás no hay mucha diferencia. Estoy contento de haber cambiado porque ya no me afecta a mi salud.

[@user-eq2cw2db7h]

Very useful, the paints appear to be ideal, we will all be out buying them ,🎨🖌️👍🤗 from Frances uk

[@MalcolmDewey]

Have fun!

[@paulalovesart4545]

Hello. I am new to your channel, and searched for these paints. This video makes me excited to try out these paints, and thank you so much for sharing your inspiration and also your process in the way that you did. You are an inspiration to me in just this one video. Following. Thank you! Paula

[@MalcolmDewey]

Wonderful, thank you Paula

[@Xie_TINEnadhana]

Thank you for this Sir! I’ll definitely buy this set.

[@BlackJar72]

I didn't know anything like this existed -- I've been curious about oil painting and some of the techniques I see people use that just wouldn't work with acrylics. However, due to the lack of any good place to set up a real studio I never thought I could use oils. Of course, I'd have to get my hands on some an try them to know how I like the feel of oil paints, how easily I could adapt to them, and if I'd really prefer them.

[@MalcolmDewey]

The two mediums work together well. It's a natural development so try oils out and see what happens.

[@Johanthegnarler]

I'm not a great painter, but i transitioned to water mixable oils without any issues. Highly suggest it and i welcome the healthier alternative.

[@joelleledoux6351]

Thank you for this démo 🎨🇫🇷

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure

[@ineseedwards9489]

That was so instructive and fascinating - thank you 😊

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericsegal8700]

Malcolm, thank you- this is great! I think I can get DR here in the US. I never realized that water mixable oils was a “thing.” My question: Do you think this paint would substitute for the thick oils used in alla prima? As in Bob Ross. One feature as you know is to have a thinned down white paint for the wet undercoat needed for on-canvas blending. I suppose that could be made with the white paint and water, or maybe linseed oil. I use odorless thinner currently, which is fine, but it’s still a solvent.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes linseed oil will give you something similar to magic white. I avoid water except when I rinse the brush after cleaning it. 👍

[@ericsegal8700]

@@MalcolmDewey Cheers. I might try it. The brush cleaning looks a little iffy...In any case, because of the controversy between Steve Ross, and BRI, I'm concerned about going to BRI for supplies. I've actually found the Bob Ross paint to be very good. I don't know who is making it for them these days.

[@carollegros8671]

Thank you so much-needed demo. Just discovered your channel.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad this helped. Thank you!

[@Johanthegnarler]

Brush cleaning I've had success with you may want to try out.. i have one hot water with some dish soap, another larger hot water to rinse. Might wanna try it. I also stopped thinning my paint with water (although i never had issues with it) and began using a water mixable non toxic / no odor thinner product that a lot of brands make now.

[@Eva-iy6vy]

Τhat is great. I love the idea of getting rid of the white spirit. Eva.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, much simpler.

[@jimthompson2836]

Gamblin Gel is a good medium for WMOs. They have been used for at least 20 years.

[@boomerartist9772]

I tend to grab the acrylic paints over the oils because of the solvents. The oil water mixable paints are definitely something I will check into. Thank you sooo much! 💕

[@MalcolmDewey]

I totally agree! Worth a try.

[@arts5980]

Excellent demonstration.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you!

[@kamleshsunak3176]

Thanks for the demo🙏❤️

[@MalcolmDewey]

Any time!

[@ginnibrower596]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Loved watching u paint. Iam trying to learn to paint looser. Iam finding it's difficult to do after painting tight and concentrating so much on detail. 👍🤗

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, You can do it!

[@LynnePriceStudio]

I love wm oil paints. I have some of the Georgian and Lukas and they are great. If one wants cadmiums and cobalts, Grumbacher Max and Cobra are good. I would not recommend WInsor and Newton Artisan - they are sticky and tacky, very hard to work with. Holbein Duo Aqua is good but $$. There are definitely a wide-range of mediums for WM oils. Not sure how hard it is to find such in South Africa though.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Mediums are hard to come by, but the basics are available and it comes down to budget. I am always looking for simplicity and good value so experimenting a lot.

[@richabharati7020]

Namaste sir, very informative video. I just ordered my first set and quite excited about it.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Excellent, enjoy it 💯

[@byronleighmeyer163]

I've always wanted to try these! But I imagine I'll need to get new brushes if I want to try them out🤔 Thanks for the demo!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Synthetic bristle will be best. But regular bristle does work just not soaked in water. Testing a few ideas including using baby oil to clean and condition them when finished. The oil preserves the bristles.

[@byronleighmeyer163]

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it! I'll try it out🙌🏼

[@gailrees7703]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing 👏👏👏👏

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@eleftheriageorgiadouart7156]

Thank you so much!

[@bdml77]

Very cool

[@Nicawe]

Super helpful, thanks so much!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@martimajor4766]

Thank you!

[@lydiadevries8408]

Thank you looks awesome

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, Glad you like it

[@pauladyer9845]

I have used them for some time

[@cherylkelly8009]

Very nice! Thank you!

[@MalcolmDewey]

Glad you like it!

[@ilmasfutehally]

Can't wait to try out water mixable oils! I hope that they are available on Amazon!

[@MalcolmDewey]

I hope so too!

[@ilmasfutehally]

@@MalcolmDewey I've ordered them!!!

[@LizGridleyArtist]

There are so many brands in water mixables now! I've tried one but it seems there is quite the variety in paint feel/quality maybe?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Still very new here so not sure what the others are like.

[@lrb3989]

I use water soluble linseed oil to thin down my water soluble oil paints

[@MalcolmDewey]

Great tip!

This video is quite good, but there is a big problem for me. These oils smell so bad, the traditional ones are smell much better than water-mixable ones. I don't know why I assume there is a water mixable medium inside the tube that's why the smell is bad. But the other brands are very good especially cobra artists grade and there is no smell, winsor& newton artisan too. For me, the best is using traditional ones and using a non-smell medium to transform as water mixable. You can try schmincke water-mixable medium if you want. I produce also water-mixable oils with good quality pigments like a handmade product. Very thanks.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It is a linseed oil smell.

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks for the response. My cold pressed lindseed smell much better.

[@susankuchenberg4527]

what a great video\ thank you

[@MalcolmDewey]

Its a pleasure, thank you

[@SigurdBraathen]

Definitively something to think about! ... I just bought a big bottle of white spirit / mineral spirit / mineral turpentine / turpentine substitute / petroleum spirit, though. Meh! =D

[@MalcolmDewey]

😅

[@mrinalinishingal1621]

Great demo 👍 I’d like to know the drying time of these paints vis a vis traditional oil Paints. Thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

I think they dry quicker, but I don't use mediums so that speeds up drying too.

[@kloptok2508]

Good, but I wonder how it is possible to mix oil and water.. they are chemically so different

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, it is engineered or an emulsifier is added. Personally I prefer to soften the paint, if necessary, with linseed oil. Cleaning up can be done with water and mild soap.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Thanks, really useful

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you

[@juliegriffiths4272]

A great demo again. I'm thinking of trying alkyd walnut oil to mix water mixable oils with, as I heard/read some where that this medium would be solvent free and also give more of a consistency, blendable characteristic. Have you given this a go?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you. I have tried that combination, but it should be fine. I often add linseed oil too instead of any regular medium. Works fine.

[@reneekroyer5104]

I've always been afraid to use linseed oil as I've heard that the paper towels or rags used can combust and start a fire. Is this true? @@MalcolmDewey

[@lisafred1362]

Lovely painting. Wonder if you will KEEP using them. Will your clients notice the difference?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes I intend to. I cannot tell the difference. It is still a real oil painting.

[@Delta66-jz1vl]

Thanks for the review, I am interested to now how much you can thin them down with water (i.e.not using any sprcifiv medium). I wonder if they loose some of their properties or if we can use very diluted for glazing?

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's not a good idea to thin them with water. It will break down the paint. Rather use linseed oil to make a glaze or just to soften the paint.

[@Delta66-jz1vl]

@@MalcolmDewey thanks for your answer.

[@kimranson4775]

❤❤

[@theponderingpilgrim4342]

A very interesting video Malcolm. I always learn a lot from your demonstrations, they are always brilliant to watch. I was looking at trying oils, in the near future. Just a question, with the water mixable oils. What options would be available, to thin these kinds of Oils? For say toning a canvas (apart from solvents -white spirits) that would be non toxic; but would also retain the ability to wash up with soap and water?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Many thanks! I mostly use linseed oil with as a dilutant with these paints. Then wash with a mild soap. Synthetic hair brushes are best for this.

[@theponderingpilgrim4342]

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks Malcolm for your clarification, it is much appreciated. Ok so use Linseed oil just a little to thin the WMO's down. But no bristle type brush, synthetic only. Very interesting.

[@MalcolmDewey]

@@theponderingpilgrim4342 bristle does not do well washed in water. That's the only reason.

[@lgee6951]

Hi Malcolm, thanks for review Daler Water Mixable. (Chris Fornataro et al. made some on N+W, who nearly always fail). I have 3 Questions. 1. Did you have any issues with intuitive mixing? 2. Is the drying time comparable to classic oil paints? (Is there a way to get drying times of 24 hours for oil?) and 3. Did i see right, that you painted on a horizontal surface like a desk or something? (Just asking to organise my start in oil; painting digitally only till now.) Thanks, Jochen

[@MalcolmDewey]

I have no trouble using them as I do oils - mixing with the brush as the painting develops. I do think they dry quicker than regular oils. If you paint thinner then the painting can be somewhat dry after 24hrs, but I would not varnish yet or be reckless with it. Yes I use table top for the demo paintings.

[@memyself3895]

Very interesting video, Malcolm. Does the paint itself have a pungent odor?

[@MalcolmDewey]

It does have a distinctive linseed oil smell. Not a problem for me though each artist will have to decide for themselves.

[@McHotDog77]

Hello Malcolm! Thank you for your demonstration! I am completely new into oil paints. I have a question: Can I use a drying accelerator medium witwater-mixablele oils. Does this work?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes you can, however they dry quickly as it is, in my opinion quicker than regular oils. But experiment and see what works for you.

[@judymills873]

Hi Malcolm, I’m trying water mixable oils for the first time. I love the paints! But I have a question. I did a painting then the next day I decided I wanted to change part of it so I wiped part it off. Should I paint over that area right away or wait for it to dry completely?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Usually paint over right away. Take advantage of the wet into wet approach.

[@gretaklug]

I have ordered the Georgian water soluble paints and am excited to try them. Can I use my synthetic acrylic brushes or do I now need natural bristle brushes?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Synthetic are best for these.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Synthetic are perfect

[@gretaklug]

How much linseed oil should I mix in with a dollop of water soluble oil paint. It seems the paint needs a bit of the medium to make it smooth but too much oil causes a very lengthy drying time.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Try using four drops at a time. You should not need much more. Work it in with a palette knife.

[@callmedeno]

How did you find the drying times? And could you reuse the paints on the palette by adding a tiny bit of water? I was very surprised to hear you, an oil painter saying you didn't have to change anything about your approach! Thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

The paints perform much like oils. Once dry that is it - dry for good. Best tip is not to add any water to the paint if you can help it. Only if glazing over dry paint. For the rest the paint is nice and workable straight out the tube.

[@judymills873]

Hi Malcolm, I working on a painting, using these paints for the first time. I mixed the paint with safflower oil on the first layer. I’m not happy with it, now it’s dry to the touch and I can see I made the paint to thin. I want to add another layer. Do ai need to use even more oil (which would make the paint even thinner) or can I just just a little bit of oil with the paint or maybe just use paint with no oil added?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes try with a little or no oil. If you add oil literally four drops and mix fully with a palette knife. Paint must be buttery, not slippery with oil.

[@sweetslasherwalks]

Hello sir Malcom! Thanks for the video!!! Really interesting. Can I just ask if it's safe to inhale these water mixable paints, especially when drying? I live in a very small studio apartment and I dont have good vents. Thanks much!❤

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks, yes they are non-toxic but you can smell the linseed oil. It depends on your preference.

[@sweetslasherwalks]

@Malcolm Dewey oh! I see. Thank you. Just wondering because.. I just tried gamblin artist paint yesterday, and tho it's non-toxic, I'm not sure why my sinus didn't seem to like it.. are gamblin oil paints straight from tubes are safe for lungs too? 🙏🏼 would really appreciate your reply. More power to your channel..

[@MalcolmDewey]

Well I'm only an artist so cannot say more than any reputable paint manufacturer ,🤔

[@anklebellsartstudio2966]

Hi I use water mixable oil and water mixable linseed oil as medium it takes a lot of time to dry , can I use water instead of that what u use ??

[@MalcolmDewey]

How long does it take to dry? A week to ten days is normal. Use less linseed oil. Literally four or five drops per pile of paint. If you need a quick dry medium you can find them in art shops. In general avoid water. It does not help with vibrancy.

[@gretaklug]

I find the water soluble paints very thick. Can I dilute with a water soluble gloss medium or am I better off using only water to thin the paint?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Rather use linseed oil. keeps vibrancy and easy to clean.

[@gretaklug]

@@MalcolmDewey I must have used too much linseed oil. It’s taking forever to dry.

[@scorpz666]

How long did that piece take to dry?

[@MalcolmDewey]

About five days to touch dry.

[@andreaberger4286]

Do you soap and water for clean up? Even if you are using bristle brushes?

[@MalcolmDewey]

You can with bristles but finish off with baby oil to condition the bristles. Still experimenting with this.

[@ritavangorder8067]

would like to start using water mixable oils, have regular oils which need some colors replacing, can i mix the two, or do I have to start all over again?

[@MalcolmDewey]

You can mix the two. But have more of one than the other. About a quarter of one with three quarters of the other.

[@hhhjhffghbn]

What is the different of drying time between water mixable and traditional oil paint

[@MalcolmDewey]

Water mixable are quicker drying.

[@hhhjhffghbn]

@@MalcolmDewey which is expensive..one more doubt ....water mixable oil paint drying time like as acrylic?

[@Gehbar]

Hi there.. I was hoping you can answer one question.. when purchasing water soluble oils, the brands come with a line of mediums to use.. one being linseed. Is that linseed modified in some way or is it the same linseed that would be used with regular oil paints. It’s been hard to find an answer. Thanks so much

[@MalcolmDewey]

No I use regular linseed oil to soften up the water based oils.

[@Gehbar]

@@MalcolmDewey thank you so much for helping with this.. and so quickly 😊

[@artofcline8144]

What does the dried painting look like?

[@MalcolmDewey]

instagram.com/p/COSn8aBLOSE/?

[@natalykenny2069]

👍👍👍❤

[@youmarc11]

Can you glaze with them over dried layers using the indirect method?

[@MalcolmDewey]

They do claim that you can glaze that way. I have not tried, but cannot see why not.

[@youmarc11]

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks

[@preetikajain9498]

What about the drying time?

[@MalcolmDewey]

About five days they say.

[@preetikajain9498]

@@MalcolmDewey awesome, tx sir!!

[@KNLP23]

Good review! Can you use these paints on canvas?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes they work great

[@alanmadeira-metz1380]

@@MalcolmDewey How about masonite? Didn't you say something about the surface needing to be porous? thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

@@alanmadeira-metz1380 Masonite, the smooth side, is okay but must still be primed with gesso.

[@alanmadeira-metz1380]

@@MalcolmDewey Thanks. This was a very interesting video. I am going to experiment with these paints as a result.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you, enjoy it

[@gautambarua3404]

Can we use hog brushes

[@MalcolmDewey]

Synthetic are best in this case. Clean them with ivory or olive soap. Rinse with warm water. I have used hog brushes but avoid water with bristle. Clean them the conventional way.

[@hhhjhffghbn]

What is the size of your paper?pls reply

[@MalcolmDewey]

5x7"

[@brendazeimer4552]

Thank you!