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Best Oil Paints For Professional Artists (2024 Update)

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If you're looking for the best oil paints for professional artists, you're in the right place. As a professional artist, you understand that the quality of your materials can make all the difference. That's why it's important to choose the right oil paints for your work.

Before buying any oil paints, there are several factors that you should consider. The first factor is the quality of the pigment. Higher quality pigments will produce brighter and more intense colors. Another important factor to consider is the buttery consistency of the paint. Professional artists often prefer oil paints with a more buttery consistency, as they are easier to manipulate on the canvas. The drying time of the paint is also a factor to consider, as some artists prefer quick-drying paints while others prefer the slow-drying ones.

When selecting your oil paints, ask yourself questions like: What is the nature of my painting? What colors will I use the most? Will I be using it with other paints? What level of transparency do I want? What texture do I want? The answers to these questions can guide you towards the perfect oil paints for your professional work.

With careful consideration of your needs, you're sure to find high-quality oil paints that will help you create amazing works of art. Choose wisely and get ready to take your painting to the next level.

10 Best Oil Paints For Professional Artists

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for cleaning and restoring oil and acrylic paintings without harming the colors or paint surface.
2
This product is ideal for artists looking for a high-quality, water-soluble oil color paint in the color titanium white.
3
The product is ideal for artists who want to try out a range of oil colors in a small introductory set.
4
This product is ideal for painting and artists who want brilliant colors with an excellent pigment load.
5
It is ideal for artists who want high-quality, opaque white paint that mixes well with other colors.
6
This product is ideal for artists who want high-quality, heavy body gold paint with good coverage and tinting strength.
7
This product is ideal for artists who require high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting oil paints in a rich King's Blue S2 shade.
8
The product is ideal for professional artists looking for non-toxic oil paints with exceptional pigment and lustrous sheen.
9
The product is ideal for preparing surfaces and medium for oil paintings.
10
This product is ideal for artists who want to create oil paintings but prefer to use water-mixable mediums.
The product is ideal for cleaning and restoring oil and acrylic paintings without harming the colors or paint surface.
This product is ideal for artists looking for a high-quality, water-soluble oil color paint in the color titanium white.
The product is ideal for artists who want to try out a range of oil colors in a small introductory set.
This product is ideal for painting and artists who want brilliant colors with an excellent pigment load.
It is ideal for artists who want high-quality, opaque white paint that mixes well with other colors.
This product is ideal for artists who want high-quality, heavy body gold paint with good coverage and tinting strength.
This product is ideal for artists who require high-quality, vibrant, and long-lasting oil paints in a rich King's Blue S2 shade.
The product is ideal for professional artists looking for non-toxic oil paints with exceptional pigment and lustrous sheen.
The product is ideal for preparing surfaces and medium for oil paintings.
This product is ideal for artists who want to create oil paintings but prefer to use water-mixable mediums.

1. Winsor & Newton Artists' Picture Cleaner, 75ml (3221735)

This natural resin and oil emulsion with ammonia is specifically designed for cleaning varnished paintings. Its unique formula effectively dissolves the linseed oil oxidation and eliminates surface dirt and oxidation products from the old varnish, leaving the painting looking as good as new.

It is important to note that this product is best used by professional picture restorers for paintings that require removal of old varnish. Entrusting the task to a competent restorer will ensure that the painting is handled with care and expertise.

Please note that due to the natural ingredients used, this product may have variations in batch color and settlement.

For those looking to restore their varnished paintings to their former glory, this natural resin and oil emulsion with ammonia is a reliable and effective solution.

2. Daniel Smith Water Soluble Oil Color Paint, 37ml Tube, Titanium White, 284390002

For those who appreciate the traditional properties of oil paints but prefer a solvent-free painting experience, DANIEL SMITH Water Soluble Oils are a must-try. Their range of vibrant colors boasts exceptional color strength and pigmentation, ensuring that your artwork will truly pop.

One of their most popular shades is Opaque Titanium White, which is a neutral bright white with superior coverage compared to zinc or lead white. The paint can be easily cleaned up with just soap and water, making it an excellent choice for artists who are sensitive to solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine, or who simply want to avoid using such chemicals.

Not only do these oils provide a rich appearance and tactile control, but they also offer peace of mind for those concerned about their health or the environment. With DANIEL SMITH Water Soluble Oils, you can enjoy the beauty of oil painting without worrying about harsh chemicals or unpleasant odors.

3. Brilliant Black: Soho Oil Color Paint Tube

The SoHo Oil Color Paints are a must-have for artists of all levels. These paints come in 50ml and 170ml tubes, as well as 430ml cans. They are slowly ground and triple milled, providing a buttery consistency for smooth application of color. The pure refined linseed oil used in these paints ensures maximum luminosity and superb handling properties. Artists can use brushes or palette knives with ease, and the paint does not blotch when thinned for staining or glazing. With 55 colors including primaries, the SoHo Oil Color Paints are perfect for true color mixes without surprise.

These paints are ideal for working professionals on a budget, artists who enjoy painting on a large scale, and first-time artists. The 21ml tubes make it possible to carry a large color range into the field or from your studio to class, while the 170ml tubes come in boxes that are perfect for storage between use. The one-price system achieved by substituting costly and toxic traditional pigments with safer modern alternatives ensures that artists can save money without compromising on quality.

The SoHo Oil Color Paints have excellent pigment load for brilliant color and a wide variation of mixed shades with white, purified linseed oil, and high-quality artist pigments. These paints combine professional quality, high performance, and economy pricing with the properties of a "true" oil color. They eliminate the need for student oils, providing first-time artists and professional artists on a tight budget the use of "real" color with a buttery consistency, excellent pigment load, and lightfast results. For artists looking for the next step up in color, Lukas Studio Oil Colors are recommended.

There are 55 colors of oil color paint available from SoHo, in the convenient options of a 21ml tube, 50ml tube, 170ml tube, and a 430ml can. The 50ml tube offers 20% more paint than traditional 40ml tubes, while the 170ml tubes offer 13.3% more paint than traditional 150ml tubes. The 430ml cans offer 72% more paint than traditional 250ml jars of paint. With SoHo Oil Color Paints, artists can enjoy true colors, excellent pigment load, and economy pricing without sacrificing quality.

4. Gamblin Artist Oil Color – Titanium-Zinc White – 150 Ml Tube

The Gamblin Artist Oil Color in Titanium-Zinc White is a high-quality art supply that comes in a convenient 150 ml tube. This pack includes two tubes of the product, making it a great value for artists who use this color frequently.

Gamblin is a well-respected brand in the art world, known for their commitment to producing premium products that meet the needs of artists of all levels. The Artist Oil Color in Titanium-Zinc White is no exception, offering exceptional quality and performance.

One of the key features of this product is its high pigment concentration. This means that artists can achieve a bright, vibrant white color with just a small amount of paint. The paint also has a smooth, creamy consistency that makes it easy to work with, whether you're using it for blending, layering, or creating textured effects.

Another benefit of the Gamblin Artist Oil Color is its lightfastness. This means that the color will not fade or change over time, ensuring that your artwork will look just as vibrant years from now as it does today. The paint is also resistant to cracking and yellowing, which are common issues with lower quality oil paints.

The 150 ml tube size is ideal for artists who use this color frequently, as it provides ample paint for multiple projects. The tube is also easy to use and store, with a secure cap that prevents the paint from drying out or spilling.

5. Gold Standard Oil Paint For Canvas Artists

Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints are perfect for artists of all levels who are looking for high-quality oil paints. These paints are available in a range of 47 rich colors that are non-toxic, ensuring that they are safe to use.

One of the key features of these paints is their high level of pigmentation, which provides excellent tinting strength for clean mixing and good covering power. The premium, smooth, and buttery consistency of these paints ensures that they are easy to work with and provide a professional finish.

The range of Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints also boasts very good to excellent lightfastness, with a lightfast rating of 6 or above (equivalent to ASTM2). This means that under museum lighting conditions, the pigment will remain unchanged for 50-100 years, ensuring that your artwork will stand the test of time.

The slower drying time of these paints gives you more flexibility to experiment with layering, blending, and brush techniques. They are touch dry after 3-4 days and completely cure in 6-12 months.

6. Sennelier Artists Color Oil Paint, 1.35 Fl Oz (Pack Of 1), King's Blue S2

This high-quality pigment set is perfect for artists looking for traditional and modern color options. Each pigment is made with pure, first-press safflower oil, ensuring a smooth and even application. The pigments are ground very slowly and with extreme care to an extra-fine consistency, resulting in rich and vibrant colors that blend effortlessly.

This set includes 40ml of carefully crafted pigments, offering a diverse range of colors suitable for any artistic project. Whether you're a professional artist or an avid hobbyist, these pigments will elevate your artwork to the next level.

The extra-fine consistency of these pigments makes them easy to apply and blend, allowing for precise and detailed work. Additionally, the use of safflower oil ensures that the pigments remain stable over time, ensuring your artwork will maintain its vibrancy for years to come.

7. Infinity Oil Paints – Non-Toxic Portrait Palette

The Limited Palette for Infinite Harmony – Portrait is an exceptional oil paint set that is perfect for achieving realistic skin tones in figurative paintings. This palette incorporates a few essential colors that can be blended to produce almost any color, resulting in a more balanced painting. The set includes Earth colors that are specifically curated to create realistic skin tones, but the palette is not limited to figurative paintings.

The Ready-To-Paint Alla-Prima (Wet-In-Wet) Alkyd oil paints are professional-grade and have a high load of the finest non-toxic pigments and linseed oil. This results in a richly soft, buttery consistency right out of the tube, which makes for effortless color mixing and working impasto. The oil paints are of the highest quality, ensuring excellent coverage and vibrancy. Single pigments are used wherever possible to achieve the best results. The oil paints are carefully formulated by artists to be lightfast and have a high pigment load, making them ideal for blending and thinning. A little goes a long way with these oil paints, making them a great value for your money.

The oil paints in this set are toxin-free and vegan-friendly. They contain only non-toxic pigments and are free from harmful driers and solvents. The oil paints do not contain any animal products, making them suitable for vegans. The oil paints are safe to use and do not emit any harmful fumes.

The oil paint set conforms to the toughest international standards, attesting to the professional quality of these paints. They are certified to comply with ASTM D4236, EN71-3, and Reach standards. The oil paints are also backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you can be confident in your purchase.

8. Grumbacher Linseed Medium For Oil Paintings, 8 Ounce Bottle, 8 Fl Oz (Pack Of 1), Yellow

This versatile product is a must-have for any artist looking to enhance the quality and fluidity of their oil paints. Whether you're a professional or just starting out, this product is easy to use and delivers impressive results.

One of the key benefits of this product is that it can be added directly to oil paint to make colors more glossy and fluid. This means that you can achieve a more professional finish with ease, without having to worry about any complicated techniques or processes.

In addition to its use as a paint additive, this product can also be used as a paint binder ingredient when mixing colors from powdered pigments. This gives you greater control over the texture and consistency of your paint, allowing you to create truly unique and personalized works of art.

Made from purified alkali-refined linseed oil, this product is of the highest quality and is sure to deliver impressive results. It's also incredibly easy to use – simply add it to your oil paint or mix it with powdered pigments to achieve the desired effect.

This product can even be pre-diluted with Turpentine, Grumtine, or Pre-tested Odorless Paint Thinner, making it even more versatile and convenient to use.

Best of all, this product is made in the USA, so you can trust in its quality and reliability. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting out, this product is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their oil painting to the next level.

Best Oil Paints For Professional Artists FAQs

Are there any specific brands of oil paints that are highly recommended for professional artists?

Yes, there are several brands of oil paints that are highly recommended for professional artists. One of the most popular and respected brands is Winsor & Newton. They offer a wide range of oil colors that are known for their rich pigments, smooth consistency, and excellent lightfastness. Another top brand is Gamblin, which is known for their high-quality pigments that are free from toxic heavy metals. Their paints are also known for their buttery consistency and ability to hold brush strokes well. Other recommended brands include Old Holland, Schmincke, and Michael Harding. It's important to note that while quality oil paints may come with a higher price tag, they are worth the investment for professional artists who want their work to last and have the best possible color vibrancy. Additionally, it's important to choose paints that work well with your individual style and technique.

Are there any specific techniques or methods for using oil paints as a professional artist?

As a professional artist, there are certainly techniques and methods that you can use when working with oil paints. Firstly, it's important to properly prepare your painting surface by priming it with gesso or another appropriate primer. This will ensure that the paint adheres well and that the colors appear vibrant.

When it comes to actually applying the paint, one popular technique is to use a "fat over lean" approach. This means starting with thinner, less oily layers of paint (the "lean" layers) and gradually building up to thicker, more oily layers (the "fat" layers). This helps to prevent cracking and ensure that the paint dries evenly.

Other techniques include using different types of brushes or palette knives to create different textures and effects. You can also experiment with different mediums, such as linseed oil or turpentine, to alter the consistency and drying time of the paint.

Ultimately, the key to using oil paints as a professional artist is practice and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you and your style of painting.

How do I choose the best oil paints for my specific style and needs as a professional artist?

Choosing the best oil paints for your specific style and needs as a professional artist can be a daunting task. There are a lot of brands and types of oil paints available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. To help you make an informed decision, here are some factors to consider:

1. Quality: Look for high-quality oil paints that have a high pigment concentration, which will provide you with vibrant colors and strong tinting strength.

2. Consistency: Consider the consistency of the oil paint, such as whether it's thick or thin, as this can affect how you apply and blend the paint.

3. Drying time: Think about how fast or slow you want the oil paints to dry. This can vary depending on the brand and type of oil paint.

4. Price: Consider your budget when selecting oil paints. High-quality oil paints can be expensive, but they can also produce better results.

5. Brand: Look for reputable brands that have a good reputation for quality and consistency.

Ultimately, the best oil paints for your specific style and needs as a professional artist will depend on your personal preferences and the type of artwork you create. It's important to experiment with different brands and types of oil paints until you find the ones that work best for you.

How do I know if an oil paint is high-quality and suitable for professional use?

When it comes to choosing oil paint for professional use, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you are using a high-quality product. Firstly, look for paints that are made with high-quality pigments. These pigments should be durable, lightfast, and provide excellent coverage and color intensity.

Another important factor is the binder used in the paint. A high-quality oil paint should have a binder that is made from a good quality oil, such as linseed oil or walnut oil. These oils provide a stable and durable paint film that won't crack or fade over time.

It's also important to consider the consistency of the paint. A professional-grade oil paint should have a smooth and creamy consistency that is easy to work with and provides good coverage.

Finally, consider the brand and reputation of the manufacturer. Look for brands that have a history of producing high-quality oil paints and have a good reputation among professional artists.

In summary, to determine whether an oil paint is high-quality and suitable for professional use, consider the quality of the pigments, the binder used, the consistency of the paint, and the reputation of the manufacturer.

How do I properly care for my oil paints to ensure their quality and longevity as a professional artist?

Caring for your oil paints is crucial to ensure their quality and longevity as a professional artist. Here are some tips to help you properly care for your oil paints:

1. Store your paints in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid heat, light, and moisture that can cause them to dry out or deteriorate.

2. Keep your paint tubes clean and free of excess paint by wiping them after use and storing them upright in a container.

3. Use a palette knife or spatula to avoid contaminating your paints with brush hairs, dirt, or other materials.

4. Clean your brushes thoroughly after each use with a solvent like turpentine or mineral spirits, and then wash them with soap and water.

5. Use high-quality materials, including paints, brushes, and surfaces, to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of deterioration or fading over time.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the quality and longevity of your oil paints as a professional artist.

What are some characteristics of high-quality oil paints that professional artists look for?

Professional artists are very particular when it comes to the quality of the oil paints they use in their work. Here are some characteristics of high-quality oil paints that professional artists look for:

1. Pigment Quality: The quality of the pigment used in oil paints is crucial. Professional artists prefer paints that use high-quality pigments, which are more vibrant and long-lasting.

2. Consistency: The consistency of oil paints can vary greatly from brand to brand. Professional artists look for paints that have a smooth and consistent texture, which allows for better control over the application and blending of colors.

3. Drying Time: The drying time of oil paints can vary depending on the brand and formulation. Professional artists look for paints that dry consistently and predictably, allowing them to plan their work accordingly.

4. Lightfastness: Professional artists prefer oil paints that are lightfast, meaning they resist fading over time when exposed to light.

5. Color Range: A wide range of colors is important for professional artists, as it allows them to create a variety of effects and hues in their work.

Overall, professional artists want oil paints that are reliable, consistent, and of high quality. Investing in high-quality oil paints is essential for achieving the best results in their work.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using oil paints as a professional artist?

As a professional artist, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid when working with oil paints. Firstly, using too much oil or solvent can cause the paint to become thin and runny, which can lead to unwanted drips and streaks. Therefore, it is important to use a small amount of oil or solvent to thin out the paint as needed.

Secondly, not properly preparing the surface before painting can also cause issues. It is important to prime the surface with a suitable primer to prevent the paint from soaking into the canvas or substrate, which can cause the paint to crack and peel over time.

Thirdly, not allowing enough time for the paint to dry between layers can also cause issues. It is important to allow each layer to dry completely before adding another layer, as this will prevent the paint from blending and becoming muddy.

Finally, not properly storing and caring for your oil paints can also cause issues. It is important to keep your paints in a cool, dry place and to properly seal the containers to prevent the paint from drying out. Additionally, it is important to clean your brushes and tools thoroughly after each use to prevent the buildup of paint and to maintain their quality.

What are the benefits of using high-quality oil paints as a professional artist?

As a professional artist, using high-quality oil paints can provide numerous benefits to your artwork. Firstly, high-quality oil paints contain a higher pigment concentration, which means that the colors will be richer and more vibrant. This gives you greater control when mixing colors and enables you to create more complex shades and tones.

Secondly, high-quality oil paints offer superior lightfastness, meaning that the colors will not fade or deteriorate over time. This is especially important if you're creating artwork that will be displayed in galleries or exhibitions.

Thirdly, high-quality oil paints have a better consistency, allowing for smoother and more even application. This makes it easier to achieve the desired effects and textures in your artwork.

Lastly, high-quality oil paints are more durable and long-lasting, ensuring that your artwork will remain in good condition for many years to come.

Overall, investing in high-quality oil paints can significantly enhance the quality and longevity of your artwork, making it a worthwhile investment for any professional artist.

What are the best oil paints for professional artists?

For professional artists, the best oil paints are often those that offer a high level of pigment concentration, excellent lightfastness, and a smooth, consistent texture. Some of the most popular brands for professional artists include Winsor & Newton, Old Holland, Gamblin, and Michael Harding. These brands offer a wide range of colors and formulations, from traditional oil paints to water-mixable oils and alkyd-based paints. Each brand has its own unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Additionally, when choosing oil paints for professional use, it's important to consider factors such as drying time, workability, and compatibility with other mediums. Overall, investing in high-quality oil paints is essential for achieving professional-level results in your artwork.

What makes certain oil paints better for professional artists than others?

Oil paints come in different qualities and brands, and professional artists often choose specific paints based on their quality, pigment load, and consistency. The better oil paints typically have a higher concentration of pigment, which allows for richer, more saturated colors, and better lightfastness. They also tend to be made with higher quality ingredients, such as pure linseed oil, which gives the paint a more consistent and stable texture.

Professional artists often prefer oil paints that have a longer drying time as it allows them to work on a painting for a longer period of time, making it easier to blend and create subtle shifts in color. Additionally, some artists prefer oil paints that are more viscous, allowing them to create thicker, more textured brushstrokes.

Other factors that can influence an artist's preference include the color range and availability of the paint, the manufacturer's reputation for quality and consistency, and the price point. Ultimately, the best oil paints for a professional artist depend on their individual style, technique, and preferences.

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