Water-Mixable Oil Paints: How They Work and What to Thin Them With

Water-mixable oil paints have the qualities of traditional oil paints, but can be thinned with water, and you can wash brushes with water and soap. They’re a good choice for artists who dislike the smell of turpentine, as well as those who want an easier setup at the easel.

What are water-mixable oil paints?

They are oil paints with special additives that allow oil to mix with water. They behave like oil paints when you paint with them: you can layer them, mix them on the canvas, and apply them in thick layers.

How do they work, and how long do they take to dry?

They dry in two stages. First, the water evaporates, then the paint dries through oxidation, like regular oil paints. The more water you add, the faster the paint dries and the more matte it becomes. Its gloss returns after you apply a final varnish. An undiluted layer takes approximately 1 to 3 days to dry.

Do you need thinners or mediums?

They aren’t essential. You can use the paints straight from the tube or thin them with water. Mediums for water-mixable oil paints, such as Schmincke Medium W or Daler-Rowney Georgian WM, are designed to adjust consistency and gloss. Water and soap are all you need to wash brushes.

Can they be mixed with traditional oil paints?

Yes, but you can no longer thin the mixture with water. You can also paint over dried layers of water-mixable paints with traditional oil paints thinned with turpentine and linseed oil.

Which water-mixable oil paints should you choose?

We carry Schmincke Norma Blue in 35 ml tubes and 120 ml tubes, as well as the Schmincke Norma Blue Set of 8 × 35 ml. Find more oil paints in the oil paints category, and learn the basics of painting in our oil painting for beginners guide.