Hello again, dear readers!

Today’s article is for my fellow oil painters in the making. And I wanted to talk about one of the most satisfying step of my painting process: oiling out. I have to admit, I loooooove oiling out—it’s such a fantastic way to revive and saturate colors on a painting that may look a little dull. In a matter of a few brushstrokes, your painting gain so much depth. The first time I saw someone oiling out, I remember thinking it was varnishing. So if you’re like me, just trying to teach yourself how to paint and you never heard of oiling out or you’re unsure of the difference between oiling out and varnishing, let’s dive in! I hope this article will be useful to you!

Oiling Out vs. Varnishing: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, oiling out and varnishing might seem similar because both processes aim to improve the appearance of an oil painting, but they serve very different purposes and are used at different stages of the painting process.

• Oiling Out is done while you’re still in the process of painting or after the painting is dry but not yet ready for varnishing. It involves applying a thin layer of medium (usually a mixture of oil and solvent) to the surface of the painting to restore the richness and depth of the colors that might have sunken into the canvas during the drying process. This process is particularly helpful for bringing back the vibrancy and uniformity of areas that appear matte or dull.
• Varnishing, on the other hand, is the final step in finishing a painting after it’s fully dry (which can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the thickness of the paint). Varnish forms a protective layer over the paint, safeguarding it from dust, dirt, moisture, and UV damage. It also enhances the appearance of the painting by deepening the colors and giving it a unified finish, whether that’s glossy, matte, or somewhere in between.

Now that we know what each process is, let’s explore the pros and cons of oiling out and varnishing.

Oiling Out: Advantages and Caution

Advantages:

1. Restores Vibrancy: Oiling out is perfect for reviving the colors of your painting while you’re still working on it. Oil paint can “sink in” and appear dull as it dries, and oiling out brings back that fresh, rich look to the surface.
2. Helps with Blending: When you oil out, it also creates a workable surface, which can be especially useful if you need to go back in and blend or add new layers of paint.
3. Evenness: One of my favorite reasons for oiling out is the way it helps even out the sheen of the painting. Without it, you can end up with areas that are glossy and others that are matte. Oiling out creates a more uniform appearance across the canvas.

Caution:

1. Overuse Can Cause Problems: One thing to be careful of is not to overdo it. Applying too much oil can lead to issues with drying or even cause cracking down the line.
2. Temporary: Unlike varnish, oiling out is not meant to be a final protective layer. It temporarily enhances the painting’s appearance but does not offer long-term protection.
3. Can Alter the Paint Surface: If you’re not careful, oiling out can slightly change the surface texture of your painting, making it more difficult to paint on top of or causing an uneven surface later on.

Varnishing: Advantages and Caution

Advantages:

1. Protection: The most important reason to varnish a painting is protection. Varnish shields the painting from dust, dirt, and harmful UV rays that can cause colors to fade over time.
2. Enhances Color: Like oiling out, varnishing can restore and even enhance the vibrancy of your colors, making your painting look as brilliant as it did when it was first created.
3. Custom Finish: Varnish gives you control over the final appearance of your painting. You can choose between glossy, matte, or satin finishes to suit your style or the needs of the artwork.
4. Reversible: Most varnishes are made to be removable, meaning that if the painting gets dirty over time, the varnish can be removed and replaced without damaging the original artwork underneath.

Caution:

1. Timing: You need to wait until the painting is completely dry before varnishing, which can take months. Varnishing too soon can trap moisture in the painting, leading to cracks or cloudiness.
2. Application Risks: Applying varnish can be tricky. If applied unevenly or too thickly, it can result in a streaky or cloudy finish. It’s important to use the right brush or spray technique to avoid these issues.
3. Irreversibility of Improper Application: While most varnishes are removable, improper application can sometimes cause damage or leave an unwanted texture. So, practice applying it on test surfaces before working on your finished painting.

When to Use Each Process

• Use oiling out when you’re still in the process of painting or when you’ve finished but want to bring the colors back to life before applying the final varnish.
• Use varnish after your painting is fully dry and you want to protect it for the long term.

Both processes have their place in oil painting, and knowing when and how to use each one will help you achieve the best results.

Final Thoughts

In summary, oiling out and varnishing are two very different techniques with different purposes. Oiling out is a quick fix to restore vibrancy and uniformity while you’re still working, while varnishing is the final protective step that ensures your painting will stay in great condition for years to come.

I hope this article clears up any confusion between the two processes. As always, if you have any questions or personal experiences to share, feel free to drop them in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you approach these techniques in your own practice.

Until next time!

Coline