Top 6 Best Professional Oil Paints for Artists in 2024
For artists seeking the perfect medium, professional oil paints offer unparalleled richness and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just stepping into the world of oils, choosing the right brand can make all the difference in your work’s vibrancy and longevity. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best fit for your artistic needs.
We’ve sifted through the myriad choices to bring you a curated list of the best professional oil paints available today. From buttery textures to brilliant pigments, these top picks promise to elevate your creations and ensure your masterpieces stand the test of time. Dive in to discover which brands will help you achieve your artistic vision.
High-Quality Medium: Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil, 75ml
Winsor & Newton’s Refined Linseed Oil is perfect for artists seeking a top-tier medium to complement their oil paints. This oil’s exceptional quality ensures it doesn’t alter the colors of your paints while providing a robust gloss finish. It’s an essential component for oil painters, enhancing the flow and brightness of the colors on your canvas.
Blend this linseed oil to increase the fluidity of your paint, making it perfect for fine details and smooth textures. It effectively slows the drying time allowing for extended manipulation and blending on the canvas. Artists praise its ability to give clear, consistent results without compromising the original hues. This refined linseed oil is designed for canvas, paper, and wood surfaces, making it versatile for various indoor or outdoor projects.
Discover Winsor & Newton’s commitment to sustainability. The brand focuses on reducing unnecessary packaging and ensuring their mediums have a low environmental impact. The oil comes in a convenient, easy-to-use bottle, which helps maintain a clean workspace.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Refined Linseed Oil
- Finish Type: Gloss
- Size: 2.53 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 75 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Gloss, Clear
- Unit Count: 2.53 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: Indoor/Outdoor
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas, Paper, Wood
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Item Form: Oil
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Package Information: Bottle
- Product Dimensions: 1.25 x 2.25 x 3.9 inches
- Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
Versatile Set for Artists: PHOENIX Artist Oil Paint Set – 6 Colors
Blend nicely with the PHOENIX Artist Oil Paint Set. This set includes six vibrant colors with a buttery texture, perfect for mixing and manipulating to achieve the exact shade you desire. Each tube contains artist-grade, non-toxic paint that works well on various canvases, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Use these oils to create stunning works of art. Thanks to the right grinding degree of the pigments, the paint is easy to blend and offers a matte finish, giving your paintings a refined look. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, this set’s versatility stands out.
Develop rich, captivating pieces by utilizing the high-coverage paint. The set is designed for adult artists and comes in compact tubes, making it easy to transport and use on the go. The quality of the PHOENIX Artist Oil Paint Set ensures your artwork will shine.
- Color: Artist grade 1.35 fl oz (pack of 6)
- Size: 6 Count (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 40 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Non-toxic
- Paint Type: Oil
- Surface Recommendation: Painting Canvas
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor
- Item Form: Cream
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: High
- Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.44 x 5.67 x 1.18 inches
Starter Kit: Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set, 10 x 21ml Tubes
Looking for an affordable way to dive into oil painting? The Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set includes ten 21ml tubes, offering a diverse palette with colors like cadmium yellow pale hue, french ultramarine, and titanium white. The set’s moderately priced pigments are perfect for students, amateurs, or artists in need of large volumes of paint without compromising on quality.
Boasting a high level of pigmentation, these colors deliver solid coverage and strong tinting strength. They’re ideal for various techniques and surfaces, whether you’re working on canvas, wood panels, or paper. The Winton line leverages traditional skills with modern color chemistry, ensuring each tube maintains vibrant color with excellent quality.
Each 21ml tube in the Winton series is designed to provide maximum usability. You can use these paints for both indoor and outdoor projects, giving you flexibility in your artistic endeavors. This set is perfect for new artists looking for an efficient, cost-effective entry into professional oil painting.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Multicolor
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 7.1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 43.2 Fluid Ounces
- Special Feature: pigmented
- Unit Count: 7.1 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: indoor, outdoor
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas, Wood Panels, Paper
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Item Form: Liquid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Model Name: Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colour Paint Basic Set, Ten 21ml Tubes
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- UPC: 020268982078 094376895247
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,285 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing
- Item Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Country of Origin: USA
- Date First Available: November 26, 2008
Essential White: Winsor & Newton Winton Oil, 200ml Titanium White
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil in Titanium White is a versatile option for artists needing a reliable, high-quality oil paint without breaking the bank. Formulated with moderately priced pigments, it’s perfect for students or amateur artists and professionals needing large volumes of paint.
Offering 55 vivid colors, Winton Oil Colors balance affordability and quality. Their high pigment load ensures good covering power and tinting strength, though they don’t quite match the superior pigment load of premium ranges. The 200ml size is ideal for those who work on large-scale projects, maintaining consistent color performance.
Packaged in a practical metal tube, you’ll find it easy to squeeze out just the right amount without wastage. The inclusion of a screw-on cap prevents the paint from drying out, ensuring longevity.
Here’s a quick glance at the Winton Oil’s essential features:
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Titanium White
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 6.75 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 200 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Chip Resistant
- Unit Count: 6.75 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: Interior
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas, Paper, or Wood
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor
- Item Form: Liquid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Model Name: Winton
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- Item Weight: 10.6 ounces
Rich Pigment: Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil, Alizarin Crimson
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil delivers unmatched purity, quality, and reliability. It’s a favorite among professional artists globally. This oil paint offers a vibrant and wide spectrum, with 120 colors available. Each color’s stability is ensured through rigorous quality control and over 180 years of expertise.
Chosen pigments enhance the natural characteristics and maintain color stability. Single pigments are used wherever possible, making colors like greens, violets, and oranges cleaner and brighter. This Alizarin Crimson, made from a synthetic lake pigment of the Madder plant, boasts a deep transparent red with a bluish undertone. Synthesized in 1868, it offers excellent tinting strength and mixes well with other hues.
Alizarin Crimson stands out for its versatility and superior color strength, ideal for detailed work on canvas or cardboard. Whether used indoors or outdoors, it ensures vibrant results that last.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Alizarin Crimson
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
- Item Volume: 37 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Excellent tinting strength
- Unit Count: 1.25 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Specific Uses For Product: Cardboard
- Surface Recommendation: Canvas
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Item Form: Solid
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Model Name: Artists’
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- Item Weight: 1.44 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 0.98 x 1.54 x 4.17 inches
- Country of Origin: France
- Finish: Satin
- Material: Synthetic
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Number Of Pieces: 1
- Special Features: Excellent tinting strength
Comprehensive Introductory Set: Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Paint Set
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Paint Set is a top choice for professional artists. Each pigment in the set is carefully formulated to enhance its natural characteristics, ensuring stability and brilliance. With over 180 years of expertise, Winsor & Newton guarantees the finest quality.
Featuring 10 popular colors in 21ml tubes, this set offers a versatile palette. You’ll find Winsor Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine (Green Shade), Winsor Blue (Red Shade), Winsor Green, Yellow Ochre, Indian Red, Burnt Umber, Ivory Black, and Titanium White. These are ideal for creating vibrant and diverse artworks.
Providing superior color strength, the Artists’ Oil Colour range includes 80 single pigment shades, ensuring cleaner, brighter mixtures. This characteristic is crucial for blending greens, violets, and oranges accurately. The set’s purity, quality, and reliability are unmatched, making it a staple in professional studios.
- Brand: Winsor & Newton
- Color: Blue, Green, Ivory, White
- Finish Type: Satin
- Size: 0.71 Fl Oz (Pack of 10)
- Item Volume: 21 Milliliters
- Special Feature: Pigmented
- Unit Count: 7.1 Fl Oz
- Paint Type: Oil
- Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor, Indoor
- Package Information: Tube
- Coverage: Good
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 4.53 x 9.57 x 1.1 inches
- Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Factors to Consider When Choosing Professional Oil Paints
Quality of Pigments
Pigment quality is paramount. Premium pigments ensure vibrant, long-lasting colors. High-quality pigments provide excellent coverage and mixing capabilities, essential for achieving a wide range of hues. Winsor & Newton’s Artists’ Oil Colour, for example, uses top-notch pigments for purity and color strength, making them a favorite among professionals.
Permanency and Lightfastness
Permanency reflects how well the paint withstands time. Lightfastness indicates resistance to fading when exposed to light. Both are vital for creating lasting artworks. Most professional brands like Winsor & Newton list the lightfastness rating on their products, ensuring artists can choose durable colors.
Consistency and Texture
Consistency affects how the paint behaves on the canvas. Professional oil paints should offer a buttery texture that’s easy to manipulate. This allows for smooth blending and layering. Products like the PHOENIX Artist Oil Paint Set are known for their creamy consistency, making them great for creating varied textures and details.
Packaging and Quantity
Consider packaging and quantity. Tubes come in various sizes, with larger ones being cost-effective for frequent use. Sets, like the Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Paint Set, provide a range of colors, perfect for building a comprehensive palette. Quantity matters for extensive projects or large-scale art, so evaluate your needs before purchasing.
By focusing on these key factors, you’ll find the perfect professional oil paints to cater to your artistic requirements and ensure your work stands the test of time.
FAQs About Professional Oil Paints
What Makes Professional Oil Paints Different from Student Grade?
Pigments make all the difference. Professional oil paints contain higher concentrations of pure pigments, resulting in richer, more vibrant colors. These paints also use superior oils and binders, offering better texture, consistency, and lightfastness. You’ll notice that professional paints have a smoother application and require fewer layers to achieve the desired opacity and color depth.
How Should I Store Oil Paints?
Storage is key to maintaining paint quality. Keep oil paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the oils from separating or drying out. Store them upright with lids tightly sealed. For tubes, consider placing them in airtight containers. For longer storage, especially for infrequently used colors, wrap the tube tops in plastic wrap before sealing to minimize air exposure.
Can I Mix Different Brands of Oil Paints?
Mixing brands is generally safe. Most professional oil paints from reputable brands like Winsor & Newton or PHOENIX are compatible. They use similar high-quality pigments and oils, ensuring consistent results. However, always test a small mixture first. Different formulations might react uniquely, so ensure no unwanted separation or color shifts.
What Are the Must-Have Colors for a Starter Palette?
A balanced palette is crucial. For starters, include primary colors: Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, and Cadmium Yellow. Add Titanium White for adjusting tints and creating lighter shades. Also essential are Burnt Sienna, a versatile brown, and Ivory Black for depth and shadows. Having these core colors lets you mix a wide range of hues and tones, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.
Essential Tools and Accessories for Oil Painting
Having the right tools makes a huge difference in your oil painting experience.
Types of Brushes and Palettes
Choosing the right brush can affect your technique and results. Filbert brushes are versatile, combining the flat brush’s coverage with the round brush’s detailing. Bright brushes are short and offer more control, perfect for thick applications. Round brushes provide precise lines and details, ideal for intricate work.
Palettes are just as important. Glass palettes are easy to clean and offer a smooth surface for mixing. Wooden palettes are classic choices, providing a traditional feel and lightweight design.
Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies
Cleaning supplies are vital for maintaining your brushes and tools. Linseed oil soap is great for gently cleaning oils while preserving brush bristles. Odorless mineral spirits provide a less toxic option for brush cleaning and come in handy for thinning paint.
Maintenance supplies also include palette knives for scraping off dried paint and maintaining a clean mixing surface. Brush conditioners can help keep bristles soft and extend their lifespan.
Easels and Canvases
Easels give you the right angle and stability to work comfortably. A-frame easels are portable and perfect for small spaces, providing easy adjustments. H-frame easels offer robust support and are ideal for larger canvases, giving stability during detailed work.
Canvases come in various types to suit your needs. Stretched canvas is ready to use and offers a firm surface. Canvas panels are great for practice and more lightweight setups, making them perfect for traveling or sketch studies.
Overall, selecting the right tools and accessories enhances your oil painting experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient.
