Water-based oil paints, sometimes called water-mixable oils, offer the familiar feel and characteristics of traditional oil paints but with the convenience of water cleanup. They achieve this not by containing water within the paint itself, but through a clever chemical modification.
The Science Behind Water-Mixable Oils
The key is in the binder. Traditional oil paints use linseed oil (or similar oils) as a binder, which holds the pigment particles together and allows for a smooth, flowing consistency. In water-mixable oils, however, the linseed oil binder has been altered by modifying a single molecule so that it can bind loosely to water molecules and form an emulsion with them. This modification allows the paint to be thinned and cleaned up with water, while still retaining many of the properties of traditional oil paints.
This doesn't mean the paint is actually watery. The modified oil still forms a durable, long-lasting film once dry, similar to traditional oil paints. The water acts as a convenient cleaning agent and thinner, not as a primary component of the paint itself.
Advantages of Water-Mixable Oil Paints
- Easy Cleanup: Water-based oil paints eliminate the need for harsh solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, simplifying the painting process and reducing harmful fumes.
- Versatile Application: They offer the rich color and smooth blending capabilities of traditional oil paints.
- Healthier Option: The reduction in solvent use makes them a safer choice for artists concerned about health hazards associated with traditional oil painting mediums.
