An introduction to oil painting

Oil colours have been used since the 14th century and are still popular today due to their exceptional versatility and durability. Taking on oil painting can seem daunting at first. But getting started is easier than you think, and you only need a few materials to begin. As you get more familiar with oils, you can add more tools to your kit, and start mixing to create your very own palette.

What is oil paint?

All oil paints are made up of pigment (the colour) and a binder (the oil that holds the pigment together and helps it stick to your surface). Linseed oil is the most common binder, being strong and fast-drying. The quality of both the oil and the pigment makes a big difference to the richness and brightness of your painting.

There are three main types of oil paint:

Traditional Oils – classic, slow-drying paints used by artists for centuries.
Alkyd Oils – dry faster than traditional oils, great for building layers quickly.
Water-Mixable Oils – can be cleaned up with water instead of solvents, making them more studio- and home-friendly.

How is oil paint made?

Making oil paint is a craft. It starts with milling — the process of grinding pigment and binder together so every pigment particle is coated in the oil. This ensures smooth, vibrant paint that mixes and applies beautifully.

At Winsor & Newton, this is done using triple roll mills. These are large steel or ceramic rollers that move at different speeds to grind the pigment and oil together under hydraulic pressure.

Every pigment behaves differently, so each colour needs its own special milling process. It’s a skill that combines art, science, and years of experience.

What does “Hue” mean?

When you see the word Hue after a colour name (e.g., Cadmium Red Hue), it means the paint uses alternative pigments to match the colour of the traditional version. This can make the paint more affordable, less toxic, or both. Hues are not lower quality — they’re just made differently, and sometimes mix a little brighter than their traditional counterparts.

Oil paint drying times

Unlike other paints, oils can take days, weeks, or even months to fully dry depending on the thickness of your paint. Plan for this — keep your work in a dust-free, safe place, and don’t rush to varnish or frame. Find out more information about oil paint drying times

What you’ll need to get started

Here’s a basic beginner’s kit for oil painting:

Surface – such as canvas, canvas board, MDF panel, or oil painting paper
Oil paint – choose a few colours to start with rather than buying the whole range
Palette & Palette Knife – for mixing colours
Oil brushes – a few sizes and hair types to give you different options
Oils, Mediums, Varnishes, Solvents, Primers – to prepare, control, enhance and protect your work
Paint Rags or Paper Towels – to wipe brushes and clean up

Winsor & Newton oil paint ranges

We offer four ranges, each suited to different needs and styles:

Artists’ Oil Colour – our highest quality traditional oil paint, with the strongest, purest pigments for brilliant colour and clean mixes.
Winton Oil Colour – traditional oils at an affordable price, great for beginners or covering large areas.
Griffin Alkyd – fast-drying oils, ideal for underpainting or mixing with traditional oils to speed up drying times.
Artisan Water Mixable Oils – traditional oil performance without the need for solvents, perfect for home studios or those sensitive to fumes.

Oil painting mediums, varnishes, solvents and primers

Mediums, solvents, varnishes and primers help to control, enhance and protect your work.

Mediums – Can be used to enhance your work and achieve different techniques. They are used in conjunction with the paint but should be applied sparingly.
Varnishes – The final step for finished artwork is to protect it from the build-up of dirt and grease, and the passage of time. Available in a spray or bottle, in matte, satin and gloss finishes. Read more in our ultimate guide to oil varnishing.
Solvents Used to clean brushes and palettes after painting. They should only be used sparingly for thinning colour, so as not to affect the integrity of the paint. Sansodor is a popular solvent and a good choice for traditional oils and alkyds. It has a low-odour and is the least hazardous of the solvents.
Primers – Used to protect your surfaces and provide a controlled absorption for oil painting Read more about priming.

Safety tip: You should always work in a well-ventilated space, and dispose of rags in an airtight, fire-safe container.

Choosing brushes

Hog Brushes – stiff bristles that leave visible brush marks, great for textured strokes.
Synthetic Monarch Brushes – softer bristles for smoother finishes.
Artisan Brushes – designed for water-mixable oils but work well with other types too.

All oil paint brushes need to be cleaned and cared for to ensure their longevity. After painting:

Wipe excess paint with a rag or paper towel.
Swish brushes in solvent (or water for water-mixable oils) until clean.
Wash with mild soap, rinse, and reshape the bristles before drying.

Good brush care saves you money and keeps your painting experience enjoyable.

Choosing a surface

Your surface affects the way your paint behaves and the final look of your work.

Canvas – the most popular choice. Linen is the professional’s favourite for its durability and smoothness, while cotton is more affordable and easier to stretch.
Canvas Boards – sturdy, portable, and perfect for outdoor painting.
Oil Painting Paper – ready-to-use and great for practice or quick studies.
MDF Panels – smooth, long-lasting, and ideal if you like preparing your own surfaces (just remember to prime first).

Preparation

Once you’ve chosen your paint, brushes, and surface:

Lay out your palette and palette knife
Set up your brushes and solvent cup
Have rags or paper towels nearby

Oil painting rewards patience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — oils can be scraped off, wiped away, or painted over. Start small, experiment, and enjoy the process. Now you’re ready to start exploring the wonderful world of oil painting.