I've tried a lot of oil painting mediums over the years. And while there are many good brands out there, I've settled on several that fit most any situation I come across while oil painting.

The best oil painting mediums I've found most useful over the years have been Gamsol, Galkyd, Solvent-Free Gel, and Gamvar, all made by Gamblin, along with Walnut Alkyd by M. Graham, and Shiva Linseed Oil.

Gamsol Pure Odorless Mineral Spirits by Gamblin

Unlike the cheaper "odorless" mineral spirits you can get at the hardware store, Gamsol actually lives up to the name. You also won't be adding all that other junk to your painting that cheap mineral spirits contain. I use Gamsol to slightly thin my paint during the painting process, especially at the beginning. It's used in any painting I do. Available at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Galkyd Oil Medium by Gamblin

A great alkyd resin painting medium that increases the fluidity of oil colors and speeds their drying time (thin layers will dry within 24 hours). Its viscosity is similar to traditional painting mediums made from linseed stand oil. I like using it when reworking a dry oil painting. It's also great for oiling out (a technique to get rid of dull spots in a dry oil painting) Get Galkyd at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Walnut Alkyd Medium by M. Grahman

Want it to dry fast? Walnut Alkyd by M. Graham will get that paint almost bone dry within a day, baring variables such as pigment type and/or thickness. I don't use it very often, but I always have it on hand if I want to add some paint and have it dry fast. It's also solvent-free and non-toxic. Available at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is paler in color than linseed oil and has less of a tendency to yellow over time. Its drying time is slower than linseed oil. Unlike linseed oil, which dries by forming a top skin, safflower tends to dry evenly throughout the entire film. This causes it to have a more sticky feel during the drying process which may not be preferred by some artists.

Some express concern over safflower's long-term stability, but analysis has shown it's held up well over the centuries and is used by many top paint manufacturers. Great for non-solvent oil painting! Safflower oil is available at Blick Art Supplies.

Poppy Oil

With a very slow drying time, poppy oil is great for artists who like to work wet on wet. It can give your paint a nice buttery feel. However, it should be used in small amounts as there are questions about its long-term durability, and if you plan to layer your paints avoid using it in your initial layers. Great for non-solvent oil painting! Available at Blick Art Supplies.

Stand Oil

Stand oil is linseed oil that has been thickened by heating. The result is a thicker medium that has less of a tendency to yellow with a slower drying time than regular linseed oil. When applied, it spreads out reducing brushstroke texture and dries with a smooth finish, similar to enamel. It’s great for glazing and non-solvent oil painting! Available at Blick Art Supplies.

Solvent-Free Gel Medium by Gamblin

If you want to increase the gloss and flow of your paints, and yet retain their body and brushstrokes, Gamblin's Solvent-Free Gel is a great option! There is barely any effect on drying time, so you have a longer time to re-work the paint than you would with Galkyd. It's also non-toxic which makes it a great option for those who have a difficult time with solvents. I use this one quite a bit. Available at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Shiva Linseed Oil

To clean my brushes while painting, I'll use linseed oil rather than mineral spirits so I'm not breathing in solvents all day. Shiva linseed oil comes in gallon containers. Be aware that paper towels or cloth that is soaked in linseed oil can spontaneously combust. This has never happened to me in all my years of painting but don't take any chances. Use a metal garbage can with a metal lid. Shiva Linseed Oil is available at Blick Art Supplies.

Turpenoid Natural

Weber Turpenoid Natural is certified non-toxic and non-flammable, and it's one of the best brush cleaners out there. If your oil painting brush has become stiff due to insufficient cleaning, Turpenoid Natural is one of your best bets for restoration. Just soak the bristles in it overnight and many times your brush will be ready to use the next day. Note that this is more for cleaning brushes. It does not work well as a painting medium. Available at Utrecht Art Supplies.

Gamvar Varnish by Gamblin

Varnishing your oil paintings with re-touch varnish or Damar varnish is going the way of the Dodo. Traditional varnishes can yellow over time and become a permanent part of your painting, and a permanent hindrance. Gamblin's Gamvar does not yellow and can be easily removed with Gamvar at any time if you need to rework something. It comes in matte, satin, and gloss and it's all I use. It's available at Blick.

Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay one penny more, but I receive a small commission, which helps keep this website going.

Jason Tako is a nationally known fine artist who specializes in western, wildlife, plein air, and Historical Native American subject matter. He spent his learning years sketching the wetlands and wooded areas of rural Minnesota. He has been featured in Plein Air Magazine and Western Art Collector Magazine and he was the Featured Artist for the 2020 Southeastern Wildlife Expo. See his work at www.JasonTako.com and his demonstrations on his YouTube Channel.