Thinning oils

[Shane]

I've never used anything in my oils before, because I always though simpler was better. But I'm thinking of thinning them with something to help with the blending. This seems to be an issue for me on larger scale figures. Anyone have suggestions? Also, does adding something to the paints increase the risk of getting a glossy finish?

 

[Larry R]

I use Liquin to thin and get rid of brush strokes. If you use to much it gives a glossy finish which I apply Dull Cote by Testors to flatten out.

 

[Patrick Kirk]

Shane,
The pigment of the oils rests in the oil carrier, and as a method to elivate the oil carrier, I apply all my oil paints to a 3x5 card and let the oil soak out for about 10mins or so; what you are left with is the pure pigment. With that pigment, you can add a touch of Liquin to the pigment to help blend, but be real careful with Liquin because it leaves a sheen if you add too much.
Another approach is to use just a touch of mineral spirits to help blending...
I personally prefer the mineral spirits to help in blending...I recommend getting Bob Knee, Jr's book on color theory. Bob goes into great detail about mixing oils, and there is a part where he discusses this very topic...it's a very useful reference that I keep on my workbench...
Hope this helps...

Patrick

 

[Shane]

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

[Franco]

Hi Shane,

I use Winsor and Newton 'White Spirits' - this works very well to thin the oil paint down. It also does not smell too bad. Luca Olivieri - (Italian Master painter) also uses this when he thins his oils.

Try it - sure you will be happy with this Spirit. Hope this helps.
Ciao Franco

 

[Pete_H]

Shane,
Here's a simple and straightforward answer - don't thin your oils. Although it will improve flow off of your brush, it may not necessarily improve blending. If you're having trouble with blending and brushstrokes, ask yourself the following questions:
1. How are you blending your oils? Are you stippling? Physically blending the edges? If so, are you using a clean brush (especially one without any solvents in it)? Also, don't re-use a brush that was recently cleaned with any solvent (spirits, turpentine, silicoil, etc.) since - no matter how much you try drying it on a cloth/paper towel/etc., you'll still have traces of it in the bristles. If such a brush is used in blending, it'll likely create a muddy mess, or even remove so much of your oils that you'll be left with almost a bare undercoat - no blending would result whatsoever.
2. How much paint are you using on your brush? Brushstrokes are symptomatic of too much paint on your brush. This has been a problem that has plagued me for years due to my heavy-handedness with the paintbrush. To remedy this, I've made it a habit to run my brush over a paper towel after dipping it into my oils so as to remove any excess. So far so good

Hope this helps,

 

[frank h]

Hi Shane
When painting flat figures, I use a painting medium made up of
one part Liquin/two parts odourless thinner.

Not so much to thin the paint, but more to help it flow. This sounds contradictary
but the thinner is more for the liquin than the paint.

I do agree with Pete, on not thinning the paint, but sometimes
some applications need a little help.

Frank

 

[Shane]

Hey Guys,

I'd prefer to not add anything to the paint since that's the way I'm used to painting. I think the real problem may be old paints that are drying out. May be time to by some new stuff. Anybody ever experience this?