Oil Painting Rules: The 3 Basics Every Artist Needs

If you’ve ever mixed oil paint and felt frustrated by cracks or slow drying, you’re not alone. The good news? Most problems boil down to three simple rules. Follow them and you’ll see smoother blends, longer‑lasting colors, and less stress at the easel.

Rule #1 – Use the Right Medium in the Right Order

Oil paint works like a sandwich. The thin stuff goes first, the thick stuff goes last. Start with a fast‑drying medium like linseed oil or an alkyd blend. Thin the paint with a little solvent (turpentine or mineral spirits) to get an even flow. Once the first layer is dry, add richer mediums such as stand‑oil or walnut oil for glazes. Skipping this order creates a weak bond and can cause cracking later. A quick test: press a finger into a fresh mix. If it feels too watery, add a dash more medium; if it’s too thick, thin it a bit.

Rule #2 – Keep Your Palette “Fat Over Lean”

“Fat over lean” sounds fancy, but it just means each new layer should contain more oil than the one beneath it. Lean layers (more solvent, less oil) dry faster. Fat layers (more oil) dry slower and stay flexible. When you paint a sky in thin washes, use a lean mix. For the foreground, where you want texture and depth, add extra oil. This gradient prevents the top layers from pulling on the dried ones, which is what makes oil paintings crack.

Tip: label your paint tubes with the oil ratio you used. It helps you stay consistent and saves time when you come back to a piece after a break.

Rule #3 – Let Each Layer Dry Before Adding the Next

Patience pays off. Even if a layer feels dry to the touch, the underlying oils may still be curing. A general rule is to wait 24‑48 hours for thin layers and up to a week for thick impasto work. If you’re in a hurry, use a fast‑drying medium or a low‑VOC varnish to speed up the process, but don’t skip the waiting time completely. Rushing leads to smudges, loss of detail, and a mushy surface that never looks right.

Quick check: tilt the canvas. If the paint runs, it’s still wet. If it stays put, you’re good to go.

These three rules work together. Using the right medium order sets up a solid base, “fat over lean” keeps the paint flexible, and proper drying time locks everything in place. When they’re all in sync, you’ll notice fewer cracks, richer colors, and a smoother workflow.

Want more oil painting help? Our article “Oil Painting Techniques: The Three Rules Every Artist Needs” walks through each rule with examples and real‑world tips. Check out the post for step‑by‑step guides on mixing mediums, testing dryness, and avoiding common mistakes.

Now grab your brushes, mix a little oil and solvent, and start painting with confidence. Follow these rules and watch your oil paintings improve fast.

11 Jul, 2025

Slow Over Fast Rule in Oil Painting: Essential Techniques for Brilliant Results

by Alaric Westcombe | Jul, 11 2025 | | 0 Comments

Understanding the 'slow over fast' rule is key for oil painters. Learn how this technique impacts paint drying, layer stability, and your masterpiece's longevity.