How to Use Linseed Oil for Oil Painting: Step-by-Step Guide
Refined linseed oil is one of the most traditional and widely used oil painting mediums. It improves paint flow, increases gloss and transparency, and creates a more elastic, durable paint film. Here's how to add it to your paint, use it for glazing and keep your layers sound.
How to use linseed oil in oil painting: add a small amount of refined linseed oil to your oil paint on the palette, or lightly dip your brush in the oil before picking up paint. More oil makes paint more transparent and glossy, which suits glazing. Use it in moderation, keep early layers lean and add more oil in upper layers (fat over lean). It extends drying time slightly and cures to a strong, flexible film.
Solid Solutions Refined Linseed Oil is made from flaxseed oil processed to remove impurities, for reliable drying, better clarity and smoother handling than raw or unprocessed oils. Made in Belgium.
Shop refined linseed oil →What Is Refined Linseed Oil Used For?
Artists use refined linseed oil to enhance paint flow, increase gloss, improve transparency and create a more elastic, durable paint film. Used correctly, it supports the structure of oil paint while giving you control over surface finish and working time.
Unlike solvent-heavy mediums, refined linseed oil integrates with the binder already in oil paint, helping preserve colour and long-term stability.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Refined Linseed Oil |
|---|---|
| Made from | Flaxseed oil, refined to remove impurities |
| Use with | Traditional oil paints |
| How much | A small amount at a time |
| Effect | Better flow, more gloss and transparency, less brush drag |
| Drying | Slightly longer open time than paint straight from the tube; slower than boiled linseed oil |
| Cured film | Strong and flexible |
| Layering | Fat over lean: more oil in upper layers |
| Sizes | 250ml and 1 litre |
How to Use Linseed Oil, Step by Step
Start with a small amount
Add a small amount of refined linseed oil to oil paint on the palette to loosen stiff paint and improve brush movement. This makes blending smoother and reduces drag, especially with heavier pigments or in cooler conditions.
Or dip the brush
For finer control, lightly dip the brush in the oil before picking up paint. This helps prevent over-oiling, which is useful for detailed passages and glazing.
Add more for glazing
As more oil is incorporated, paint becomes more transparent and luminous, ideal for glazing, soft transitions and layered colour where you want depth and optical richness.
Use the extra working time
Drying time extends slightly compared with paint straight from the tube, giving more open time for blending and wet-into-wet techniques.
Keep layers fat over lean
When working in layers, increase oil content gradually in upper layers to keep the paint structure sound over time. Keep early layers lean.
Let it cure, and handle rags safely
As a drying oil, it forms a strong, flexible film once cured. Dispose of oil-soaked rags safely: spread them flat to dry outdoors, or store them submerged in water in a sealed metal container before disposal.
Use it in moderation
Excessive oil can slow curing, increase gloss unevenly and may contribute to long-term yellowing, particularly in lighter colours.
Advanced Techniques and Professional Tips
Use the oil sparingly to carry pigment thinly across the surface. Apply glazes in thin films and let each layer set before the next.
A trace of oil can dramatically improve brush feel, especially with fine detail brushes or softer natural hair.
Linseed oil increases gloss. For a consistent finish, keep oil-rich mixtures for final layers and earlier layers leaner and more matte.
Experienced painters sometimes combine it with stand oil or alkyd mediums to tailor drying speed, levelling and enamel-like finishes. Always test on a sample first.
Because linseed oil can yellow slightly over time, many artists limit it in whites and pale tints and use it in mid-tones and darks, where warmth adds depth.
Work with good ventilation, never consume the oil, and dispose of oil-soaked rags and materials safely.
Refined Linseed Oil Questions & Answers
What is refined linseed oil used for in oil painting?
It is used to improve paint flow, increase gloss, enhance transparency and extend working time while maintaining a strong paint film.
How is refined linseed oil different from raw linseed oil?
Refined linseed oil has impurities removed, which helps it dry more predictably and with better clarity than raw or unprocessed oils.
Does refined linseed oil slow drying time?
Yes. It typically extends drying time compared with paint alone, giving more open time for blending and wet-into-wet handling. It dries more slowly than boiled linseed oil.
How much linseed oil should I add to oil paint?
Use a small amount at a time. Too much oil can slow curing significantly and may weaken the paint structure, especially in thick layers.
Can I use refined linseed oil for glazing?
Yes. It is commonly used for glazing because it carries pigment evenly and supports a luminous, transparent paint layer.
Is refined linseed oil suitable for underpainting?
It can be used sparingly, but early layers should stay lean so upper layers adhere well and the painting remains stable over time.
Will refined linseed oil yellow over time?
All linseed oils may yellow slightly with age, which can be more noticeable in whites and very light tints, particularly in low light.
Can refined linseed oil be mixed with other painting mediums?
Yes. It can be combined with other oil-based mediums, such as stand oil or alkyd mediums, but always test mixtures for handling and drying.
Is refined linseed oil safe to use in the studio?
It is generally safe when used properly, but work with good ventilation, never consume it, and dispose of oil-soaked materials safely.
Is refined linseed oil suitable for professional and archival work?
Yes. When used correctly and with sound layering practice, it forms a durable, flexible film appropriate for long-term fine art painting.
Shop and Related Guides
Better flow, richer glazes
Solid Solutions Refined Linseed Oil in 250ml and 1 litre.