Why I Do Not Use Painting MEDIUMS

A popular question is: "Do you use oil painting mediums?" My answer is No! Here is exactly why I do not use mediums for my style of painting. This is a personal choice and you must use whatever materials work for you. If it is softness of paint you want then consider finding the right brand of paint. Check out my oil paint reviews for Rembrandt, Maimeri and Van Gogh oils.

[@janinem3280]

I much prefer textured paintings. Thanks for the demonstration. 💕from USA

[@MalcolmDewey]

You’re welcome 😊

[@blessedandbiwithahintofmagic]

I never knew this - thanks for the demonstration.

[@MalcolmDewey]

It's a pleasure

[@vesnabreskvar9082]

Thank you Malcolm for the demonstration! Now I have also looked at your other lessons about oil painting mediums and found that I use far too much linseed oil.I use water mixable oils "Cobra" which I find not very lubricating so I use a lot of linseed oil while painting.Sometimes my paintigs look like they are not oil (this was also your comment in the critique) I don't know if white spirits can also be used with water soluble oils.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Tricky one as I have not used Cobra paints. But too much linseed oil is not good either. White spirits is not the answer as it will break down the paint too. Are you using bristle brushes? Try less oil, mix carefully with a painting knife. Then use a stiffer brush. Hope it works out.

[@vesnabreskvar9082]

@@MalcolmDewey Thank you very much! I am using sintetic brushes,but I will try with bristl and with some other paints.I've bought DALER ROWNEY Georgian Water Mixable already😊

[@RAyarsley]

I had meant to ask you about medium. Thanks

[@scrappus77]

If you are painting imposto, or wet on wet, do you still have to worry about fat over lean or thick over thin?

[@MalcolmDewey]

If you are layering paint it should be from thin to thick. It is safer if done in one go of course, but I am still not happy with a thin layer over a thick layer. Different colors also have different drying times so stick to the general rule to be safe.

[@arank777]

With no mediums do you find your paint cracks? Do you still varnish the top when dry/cured?

[@arank777]

With no mediums do you find your paint cracks? Do you still varnish the top when dry/cured?

[@marcferretti]

@@arank777 I never had that issue. I don’t paint super thick though. Just enough to create some brush texture. Don’t let your paint fully dry as you add layers and cracking is never really an issue. Only let the surface dry so that the colors don’t mix when you add another layer on top

[@jimnicosia5934]

​@@marcferrettiIf you are using the same color then it doesn't matter plus color mixing produces a natural blend effect. It depends on the appearance that you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for color separation then yes let the surface dry.

[@SonnyBurnett2012]

Yeah but how to avoid cracking?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Cracking is mostly due to painting thin over thick semi-dry paint. Mediums are unlikely to solve that. If you mean cracking over a 100 years or more? Who can say for sure, but I am more concerned about getting the most out color now.

[@thatren7179]

Don't they make impasto mediums?

[@MalcolmDewey]

Yes, but frustrating to use and of course, expensive.

[@thatren7179]

@@MalcolmDewey okay fair enough.

[@jimnicosia5934]

They make impasto paint but I believe it is acrylic. Some people use modeling paste to thicken paint but I believe that is used in acrylic.

[@jimnicosia5934]

But what about paint thinner?

[@MalcolmDewey]

it is solvents in mediums that are the biggest problem. Breaking down the paints integrity. a very small amount of linseed oil can help with initial stages or to soften stiff paint.

[@marcferretti]

I never liked mediums either. All they do is make the color less vibrant, longer dry times, and usually makes a mess. If you want to paint with thin paint why use oil paint?

[@MalcolmDewey]

💯 yes

[@jimnicosia5934]

Use linseed oil if you want to thin it.

[@benwuhan]

what brand do you use ? the texture looks very nice

[@MalcolmDewey]

For my studies and demos, Maimeri Classico. For artists paints, Rembrandt

[@benwuhan]

Thanks for your reply, I love rembranbdt consistency@@MalcolmDewey