💧 What Are Water-Mixable Oils?

April 5, 2025
💧 What Are Water-Mixable Oils?
Published on  Updated on  

Water-mixable oils (also called "water-soluble" or "solvent-free" oils) are genuine oil paints that have been modified to accept water as a solvent. They offer:

  • The same working time and buttery consistency as traditional oils

  • No need for harsh solvents like turpentine or white spirit

  • Easier cleanup — just use soap and water

  • A safer option for home studios, schools, and shared spaces


🛍️ What We Stock at bradburyART

We carry a full range of Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours by Winsor & Newton, including:

  • 40ml tubes – ideal for experimenting or building up a palette

  • Mixing white and titanium white – both essentials

  • Earth tones, primaries, and vivid colours – available individually

👉 Browse the full collection here:
🔗 Water Mixable Oils & Mediums at bradburyART


🧪 Mediums & Accessories

To get the best from your paints, we also stock water-mixable oil mediums, including:

  • Linseed oil (water-mixable) – for improving flow and gloss

  • Fast-drying medium – helps speed up drying time

  • Thinner (water-mixable) – for subtle adjustments to paint consistency

These are formulated to work seamlessly with your water-mixable colours without breaking the emulsion.


🌿 Prefer a Low-Odour Setup?

If you still prefer traditional oil colours but want to avoid fumes, we’ve got you covered with:

  • Winsor & Newton Sansodor – a low-odour solvent alternative

  • Zest-it – a citrus-based solvent that’s gentler and studio-friendly

Both work beautifully with regular oils and are great for artists easing into a lower-toxicity workflow.


🖌️ Who Are Water-Mixable Oils Good For?

  • Artists working in home studios or shared spaces

  • Beginners who want to avoid the hassle of solvents

  • Experienced oil painters looking for a cleaner workflow

  • Those with sensitivities to traditional turpentine or spirits


🎁 Need Help Choosing?

Pop into bradburyART Belfast or give us a call — we’re always happy to help with paint choices, compatible mediums, and how to make the switch from traditional oils.

🛒 Shop the full range here

Published on  Updated on  

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.