Drying oils, solvents and mediums are used in oil painting for altering the properties of the paint as well as cleaning brushes and equipment at the end of your painting session. Different solvents and mediums can do different things, such as thin the paint, change the drying time or improve flow. Varnish is the final coat you add to the oil painting once it is completely dry, to protect the painting.
There is a whole range of mediums and solvents you can use in oil painting, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. Here we have included some essential ones, as well as some of the most popular.
Remember - if you are painting with water mixable oils, you will need to use water mixable oil mediums.
