Ever dreamed of the rich, buttery texture of oil paints, but dreaded the harsh fumes and messy cleanup? You’re not alone! Many artists love oil colors for their blendability and vibrant hues, but the traditional solvents and solvents can be a real hurdle, especially if you’re painting in a shared space or have sensitivities.
That’s where water-based oil paints come in, and they’re changing the game. But with so many brands and types popping up, how do you know which ones are worth your precious art supplies budget? It can feel overwhelming to navigate the differences and find the paints that truly perform like traditional oils without the drawbacks.
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the wonderful world of water-based oil paints. We’ll break down what makes them special, explore their benefits, and help you understand what to look for when you’re ready to buy. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect water-based oils for your next masterpiece!
Our Top 5 Water Based Oil Paints Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Water Based Oil Paints Detailed Reviews
1. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint
Rating: 8.9/10
Discover the freedom of oil painting without the harsh chemicals! The Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint Set of 20 offers the rich, buttery feel of traditional oils but cleans up with just water. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a safer and more convenient way to paint, whether you’re working in a shared studio, a classroom, or your own home.
What We Like:
- Works and feels just like regular oil paint.
- Cleans up easily with water, no need for solvents.
- Safer for your workspace and your health.
- Great for shared spaces like schools or homes.
- Has the familiar, smooth texture of Winsor & Newton oils.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sheen might vary a little between colors due to pigment needs.
This set is an excellent option for artists wanting the benefits of oil paint with the ease of water cleanup. You get the quality you expect from Winsor & Newton in a more accessible package.
2. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour
Rating: 9.0/10
This Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour in Titanium White is a game-changer for artists who love the rich texture of oil paints but want to avoid harsh solvents. You get a generous 6.75-oz (200ml) tube of this creamy, opaque white paint. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a safer and more convenient way to enjoy oil painting, as it cleans up easily with just water.
What We Like:
- You can clean your brushes with water, not solvents. This makes painting safer and easier.
- The paint is a true oil color. It gives you the beautiful blending and richness you expect from oils.
- Titanium White is a very opaque color. It covers well and is great for highlights and mixing.
- It’s made by Winsor & Newton, a trusted brand. You know you’re getting good quality.
- The large 200ml tube means you get a lot of paint. It’s a good value for the amount you receive.
- It meets ASTM D4236 standards. This means it’s tested for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it cleans with water, some artists might find the drying time a little longer than traditional oils.
- The color range for the Artisan line might not be as extensive as their solvent-based oil paints.
Overall, this Winsor & Newton Artisan Titanium White is an excellent choice for artists seeking the benefits of oil paint with the ease of water cleanup. It offers a safe and enjoyable painting experience for all skill levels.
3. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colors
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your creativity with the Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colors set! This fantastic collection offers ten vibrant colors in convenient 0.71-ounce tubes. It’s a wonderful way to explore the rich world of oil paints without the usual cleanup hassle. You can achieve beautiful, opaque finishes that look similar to gouache, making them super versatile for different art styles.
What We Like:
- These paints are easy to clean up with just water.
- They create bold, gouache-like designs with ease.
- The set is a great value, making it budget-friendly.
- It’s perfect for art classrooms and personal studios alike.
- The colors are bright and blend well.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer larger tube sizes for frequent use.
- A wider range of unique colors could be offered in future sets.
This set is an excellent choice for artists of all levels looking for a convenient and affordable way to enjoy oil painting. It’s a smart addition to any art supply collection.
4. Mont Marte Premium H2O Water Mixable Oil Paint Set
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your creativity with the Mont Marte Premium H2O Water Mixable Oil Paint Set! This fantastic set gives you all the rich, vibrant qualities of traditional oil paints, but with a super convenient twist: they clean up with just water. With 36 beautiful 18ml tubes, you have a huge spectrum of colors to explore. These paints are a game-changer, making oil painting accessible and easy for everyone.
What We Like:
- You get all the amazing, creamy texture and blending power of oil paints.
- These paints mix beautifully with acrylics, gouache, water, traditional oils, and even linseed-based mediums.
- Clean-up is a breeze! Just use water, so no more harsh chemical smells or worries.
- This makes them perfect for classrooms, shared studios, or painting at home without needing special ventilation.
- They are excellent for creating smooth color transitions and achieving realistic effects through blending.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the colors are vibrant, some artists might find the pigment load slightly less intense compared to some professional-grade traditional oils.
- The drying time, while faster than traditional oils, is still slower than acrylics, which might require patience for layering.
Overall, the Mont Marte H2O Water Mixable Oil Paint Set offers a brilliant way to enjoy the benefits of oil painting with effortless cleanup. It’s a fantastic option for artists of all levels looking for versatility and ease.
5. Daler Rowney Georgian 6-Tube Starter Water Mixable Oil Paint Set – Art Paints for Canvas Paper and More – Oil Painting Supplies for Artists and Students – Artist Oil Paint for Any Skill Set
Rating: 9.5/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Daler Rowney Georgian 6-Tube Starter Water Mixable Oil Paint Set. This set is a fantastic introduction to the world of oil painting, offering the rich colors and smooth texture of traditional oils, but with the added convenience of water cleanup. Whether you’re painting on canvas, paper, or other surfaces, these paints are designed to deliver brilliant results. They’re perfect for both beginners exploring their creativity and seasoned artists seeking a more manageable oil paint experience.
What We Like:
- Brilliant Colors: The paints are made with vibrant pigments for bright, consistent colors that look great wet or dry.
- Easy Cleanup: You can thin and clean your brushes with just water, making the painting process much simpler.
- Versatile Use: They work well with brushes and palette knives, and are suitable for various surfaces like canvas and paper.
- Good Drying Time: The paints dry evenly and relatively quickly, usually within 5 to 7 days.
- Great Starter Set: The included six colors – Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Alizarin Crimson Hue, French Ultramarine, Viridian Hue, and Yellow Ochre – offer a good starting palette.
- Trusted Brand: Daler-Rowney has a long history of providing quality art supplies since 1783.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Variation: The specific colors included in the set may sometimes vary.
This Daler Rowney Georgian set is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to try water mixable oil paints. It provides a high-quality, user-friendly experience that makes oil painting more accessible.
Your Guide to Water-Based Oil Paints
Why Choose Water-Based Oil Paints?
Oil paints are famous for their rich colors and smooth blending. But they often need strong solvents like turpentine. These can smell bad and be bad for your health. Water-based oil paints offer a great alternative. You get the beauty of oil paints without the harsh chemicals.
Key Features to Look For
1. Pigment Quality
Good paints use high-quality pigments. This means the colors are bright and last a long time. Look for paints with a high pigment load. This makes the colors strong and true.
2. Binder Type
The binder holds the pigment together. In water-based oils, the binder is usually an oil that can mix with water. This is the main difference. It makes cleanup easy with just water and soap.
3. Lightfastness
Lightfastness tells you how well the color resists fading from light. Artists want colors that stay bright for years. Look for ratings like “excellent” or “ASTM I” for the best lightfastness.
4. Opacity and Transparency
Some colors are thick and cover what’s underneath (opaque). Others are see-through (transparent). Knowing this helps you choose the right colors for your art style. Most brands will tell you if a color is opaque or transparent.
Important Materials
You’ll need a few things to get started with water-based oil paints:
- Brushes: You can use regular oil painting brushes. Brushes made for acrylics also work well.
- Surfaces: Canvas, wood panels, and thick paper are good choices.
- Palette: A glass palette or a disposable palette works.
- Water Container: You’ll need this for rinsing brushes.
- Mediums: These can change how the paint feels and dries. Some mediums are water-mixable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Better
- Easy Cleanup: This is a big plus. Just use soap and water.
- Low Odor: No strong chemical smells. This is good for indoor painting.
- Safer to Use: Less risk from harsh solvents.
- Good Blending: They still offer the smooth blending artists love.
What Can Lower Quality
- Drying Time: Some might dry a little faster than traditional oils.
- Color Range: While improving, the range might not be as vast as traditional oils yet.
- Durability: Very old traditional oils have a long proven track record.
User Experience and Use Cases
Water-based oil paints are great for many people. Beginners love them because they are easy to use and clean. Experienced artists can use them for their vibrant colors and blending abilities. They work well for portraits, landscapes, and abstract art. You can paint indoors without worrying about fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are water-based oil paints the same as acrylic paints?
A: No, they are different. Water-based oils act like traditional oil paints. Acrylics dry fast and are plastic-based. Water-based oils use an oil binder that mixes with water.
Q: Can I use water-based oil paints with regular oil paints?
A: It’s usually best not to mix them. Mixing them can change how they behave and dry. It’s better to use one type or the other.
Q: How do I clean my brushes after using water-based oil paints?
A: You can clean them with warm water and soap. Rinse them thoroughly. Then reshape the bristles and let them air dry.
Q: Do water-based oil paints dry faster than regular oil paints?
A: They generally dry a bit faster than traditional oils. But they still stay wet longer than acrylics. This gives you time to blend colors.
Q: What kind of surfaces can I paint on with water-based oil paints?
A: You can paint on canvas, canvas boards, wood panels, and heavy paper. Make sure the surface is prepared for oil painting.
Q: Are water-based oil paints more expensive than regular oil paints?
A: The price can be similar. Some brands might be a little more or less expensive. It depends on the brand and the pigment quality.
Q: Can I use mediums with water-based oil paints?
A: Yes, you can. Many brands offer water-mixable mediums. These can change the paint’s texture, gloss, and drying time.
Q: How long do water-based oil paintings take to dry?
A: Drying time varies. It depends on the thickness of the paint and the humidity. They usually take a few days to a week to be touch-dry. Full curing can take longer.
Q: Are water-based oil paints good for beginners?
A: Yes, they are excellent for beginners. The easy cleanup and lack of strong fumes make them very user-friendly.
Q: Will the colors fade over time?
A: If you choose paints with good lightfastness ratings, the colors will resist fading. Look for “excellent” lightfastness for the best results.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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