Oil and Water Don't Mix... Or Do They?

These days, more and more artists seem to be looking for an alternative to traditional oil paints. They love the long lasting properties of oil paints with their clear and vibrant pigments that are easily blended, however, the smell and mess of harmful solvents is not readily embraced. Major paint companies have been working on this problem for several years and have developed a solution called water miscible oils, otherwise known as, water mixable or water-soluble oil paints.

This somewhat new technology is becoming more and more popular for oil painters everywhere! For more than one reason, they are becoming the desired medium for seniors as well as beginning artists of all ages. The water-sol oils are non-toxic and use no solvents which can be hazardous as well as flammable. They are easily adaptable to use with other mediums such as traditional oils as well as acrylics. Most have the same drying time as regular oils and the final results are exactly the same. They are also more convenient for plein air painters than traditional oils as there are fewer materials required.

Now I know what your thinking, oil, and water don’t mix, but in this case, they do. For example, in some formulations, the oil and pigments are surrounded by an additive that permits them to be mixed and thinned with water and also enables full water clean up. In others, the actual linseed oil has been molecularly restructured to enable it to mix with water. In either case, when the water evaporates, the oil and pigments are all that remain. The oil painting will continue to dry by oxidation (the absorption of oxygen) just like traditional oils and taking the usual 4-6 months drying time before you can varnish. Regardless of the makeup, major manufacturers have developed the ability to mix oil and water.

Each manufacturer has its own formulation that is considered water soluble, however, that does not mean they are all made from the same ingredients. There are three major paint brands that have water sols available. They are as follows:

• 1. Grumbacher Max Artists’ Water Miscible Oil Colors – 60 colors available, water-soluble linseed oil and quick dry mediums are available, completely non-toxic, MAX oil paints are based on a patented scientific process that slightly changes the molecular structure of the oil paint to make it easy to clean up with soap and water, dries and varnishes as with traditional oil paints.

• 2. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colors – 40 colors available, genuine oil color made from modified linseed oil and modified safflower oil, buttery consistency, dries to touch in 2-12 days depending on pigment, clean up with soap and water, companion water-mixable mediums include oil painting medium, linseed oil, stand oil, impasto medium, and fast drying medium, can be used with traditional oils, however, mixing with acrylics is not recommended.

• 3. Holbein Duo Aqua Water Soluble Oils – 80 colors available, uses a unique additive which works as a surface active agents that allows the oil to mix with water, drying time is not hindered by a cold environment, they dry in about two-thirds of the normal time in between layers, it can take the usual 6-12 months to dry before varnishing, can be mixed with traditional oil as well as watercolor, gouache, and acrylics in small amounts, non-toxic.

When painting with water-soluble, it is advisable that you follow the basic oil painting principle of “Fat over Lean” by preparing your underpainting with a thin layer of paint. When dry, this layer allows the heavier paint to bond to the canvas. You can thin water sols with water, of course, but it is advised to use only small amounts. For glazes and thin layers, there are painting mediums available that are specially formulated to be used with water sols. These will improve the flow of the paint without compromising the concentration of pigment. There are also fast dry mediums available that can help speed the drying time between layers. You can also choose to paint alla prima, (wet and wet) when painting on location. Wet on wet paintings will take as long as traditional oils to dry.

Contrary to their name, there is no water present in the formulation of water soluble oils. They can be mixed with other types of water media like acrylic paint and mediums in small amounts, however, by doing this, you may lose some of the qualities of water sol paints. You can also mix small quantities of traditional oils without losing the ability to clean with soap and water. By keeping the mixing ratio to 2 parts water sol to 1 part traditional oil you can continue to use your existing supply of oils until they are ready to be replaced with the water-soluble paints.

Water soluble oil paints may never replace traditional oils completely, however, it is my opinion, that we will continue to see the development of new and improved alternatives to oil paints.

Water sols are most definitely the answer for many artists whose needs are changing every day. From artists who are moving to restricted communities and still want to pursue their love for painting to experienced artists and also beginners who want materials that are earth friendly and safe to use.

Oil paints have been around for hundreds of years, and unfortunately, they have contributed to the failing health of several famous artists over time. Proper handling of these mediums with their solvents and chemical additives is especially crucial to prevent exposure to toxic substances. Prolonged exposure can contribute to several health conditions such as skin cancer, lung cancer, lead poisoning, nerve damage, and even brain damage. The most important thing to remember is to always protect your skin and always work in a well-ventilated room. All professional art materials can carry some risk to your health. It is up to you to research and find out as much as possible about the mediums that you are using. It is also our responsibility as artists to learn and teach others about art safety so that future generations can have the same opportunities to create art as we have been given. Have a happy and safe art day!