Difference Between Linseed Oil, Turpentine & Other Art Thinners Explained

Every oil painter in Pakistan eventually faces a big question: which medium should I use 

 This isn’t a small choice. The type of Oils and thinner or medium you use directly affects the paint’s texture, drying time, finish, and long-term durability.

we’ve seen how this single decision can change the outcome of an entire painting. That’s why this article breaks down each product in detail so you can understand their differences, benefits, and best uses helping you paint smarter and cleaner.

Understanding the Two Main Categories: Oils vs Solvents

Before choosing your medium, it’s important to know the two categories: oils and solvents.

Oils, like linseed oil, are used to build up the paint’s body, add gloss, and improve flow. They dry through oxidation, becoming part of the paint film.

Solvents, like turpentine, on the other hand, thin out paint by dissolving the binder. They evaporate completely, leaving no residue behind.

In short linseed oil builds strength into your paint, while turpentine gives fluidity and speed. Understanding this difference is key to mastering your technique.

1. Linseed Oil: The Classic Painter’s Medium

Linseed oil is one of the oldest and most reliable mediums in oil painting. Made from flaxseed, it enhances color depth, smooths out brush strokes, and increases flexibility of the final paint film.

Why artists love linseed oil:

• It improves pigment flow, making your strokes smoother.
• Creates a glossy, durable finish.
• Perfect for blending and glazing.
• Works beautifully for upper layers of paint.

A few cautions:
Too much linseed oil can make your painting take longer to dry or cause yellowing over time. The key is balance thin layers and careful application.

For artists in Pakistan, refined linseed oil from Fine Art Supplies provides reliable quality that helps your artwork last for years.

2. Turpentine & Other Solvents: Fast-Drying and Effective

Turpentine is a natural solvent derived from pine resin and is a must-have for oil painters. It helps thin the paint for underpainting and speeds up drying times.

Benefits of using turpentine:

• Ideal for the first “lean” layers of oil painting.
• Dries faster, allowing multiple layers in one session.
• Helps clean brushes and palettes effectively.
• Works great for wash-like effects and texture control.

However, because turpentine gives off strong fumes, you should always paint in a well-ventilated space. Many Pakistani artists now prefer odorless mineral spirits as a safer, low-odor alternative that offers similar performance.

3. Comparing Linseed Oil, Turpentine & Other Art Thinners

To make your decision easier, here’s a simple comparison table explaining how these thinners differ:

Choosing from the oil thinners collection at Fine Art Supplies gives you access to trusted options for every stage of your painting process.

4. Pain Points for Pakistani Artists & Their Solutions

Pakistani artists often face unique challenges when working with oil paints. Let’s address a few:

• Problem: Paint dries too slowly due to humidity.
  Solution: Start with solvent-rich (lean) layers using turpentine or mineral spirits and move to oil-rich layers gradually.
• Problem: Yellowing over time.
  Solution: Use refined linseed oil moderately and store your artwork in bright, ventilated areas.
• Problem: Strong smell in small studios.
  Solution: Switch to odorless thinners and work near an open window or with a small fan.
• Problem: Cracking paint or poor adhesion.
  Solution: Follow the “fat over lean” rule—each new layer should have slightly more oil than the last.

Mastering these small details ensures that your paintings stay vibrant, durable, and professional-looking even in Pakistan’s climate.

5. When & How to Use Each Medium in Your Painting

Here’s how you can organize your workflow for best results:

1. First Layer (Underpainting): Use turpentine or odorless mineral spirits to thin your paints. This layer should dry fast.

2. Middle Layers: Mix a bit of linseed oil with your colors for better flow and blending.

3. Final Layers: Add slightly more linseed oil or use alkyd mediums for sheen and durability.

4. Cleaning Brushes: Always clean your tools with proper thinner or solvent after painting.

This practical approach helps artists maintain control and consistency across their paintings.

If you’re interested in exploring other painting essentials, check out our related guide: Painting Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed for Stunning Art Creations. It’s a great resource to help you organize your setup and paint efficiently.

6. Why Quality Matters in Art Thinners

The difference between a great artwork and a disappointing one often comes down to product quality. Using low-grade or industrial solvents can dull your colors, damage your canvas, or even pose health risks.

At Fine Art Supplies, we make sure every product—from oils to brushes—is artist-grade and safe to use. Whether you’re experimenting with new techniques or working on commissioned art, investing in quality thinners ensures that your paintings age beautifully and safely.

7. Bringing It All Together

The secret to mastering oil painting lies in understanding the role of each medium:

• Linseed oil adds richness and durability.
• Turpentine offers speed and fluidity.
• Other art thinners give flexibility and safety based on your studio setup.

Once you understand how they interact, you can mix and match confidently to suit your personal style. Fine Art Supplies provides everything you need to make this process simple, safe, and rewarding for artists across Pakistan.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use only linseed oil without turpentine?

Yes, but it may take longer to dry. Turpentine or mineral spirits are better for early layers.

Q2: Is turpentine toxic?

Turpentine has strong fumes, so always use it in a ventilated area or choose odorless mineral spirits as a safer option.

Q3: What’s the best thinner for beginners?

Start with odorless mineral spirits—it’s safer, cleaner, and easy to control.

Q4: Why does my painting crack after drying?

This usually happens when thick oily layers are applied too early. Always follow the “fat over lean” rule.

Q5: How can I make my oil painting more glossy?

Add small amounts of refined linseed oil in the final layer or use an alkyd-based medium for extra shine.

Author Bio

Fine Art Supplies is Pakistan’s trusted online store for high-quality art materials. We provide professional-grade paints, brushes, canvases, thinners, and accessories to support artists of all levels. Our mission is to help Pakistani creators find reliable, authentic supplies with nationwide delivery and expert guidance. Fine Art Supplies — your creative partner for every masterpiece.