Oil Painting Tips You Can Start Using Today

If you’ve ever felt stuck at the easel, you’re not alone. Oil paint can feel messy, slow, and a bit mysterious. The good news? Most of the frustration comes from a few common habits that are easy to fix. Below are the top tips that will make your oil paintings look cleaner, last longer, and feel more fun to work on.

Follow the “Slow Over Fast” Rule

The “slow over fast” rule is the foundation of a stable painting. In plain terms, you paint slower‑drying layers on top of faster‑drying ones. That means you let the first coat dry a bit before you add glazes or details. If you do the opposite, the top layer can crack or peel as it dries faster than the layer underneath. A quick way to test the drying time is to touch the edge of a fresh stroke with your fingertip; if it feels tacky, wait a few minutes before adding more paint.

Most beginners skip this step and end up with a crusty surface. By watching the paint dry and planning your layers, you keep the painting flexible and reduce the need for costly repairs later.

Try the Scrubbing Technique for Texture

Scrubbing is a simple way to add texture without buying fancy tools. All you need is a stiff brush or a piece of old cloth. Load the brush with a small amount of paint, then press it firmly onto the canvas and move it back and forth. The motion creates a gritty, broken‑up surface that works great for rocks, tree bark, or weathered walls.

Start with a thin, dry brush for subtle texture, then build up with thicker paint for more pronounced effects. The key is to keep the brush moving; staying still will just make a flat spot.

Here are a few extra tips that fit right into everyday painting sessions:

• Use a limited palette. Picking three to five colors forces you to mix and understand how pigments interact, which saves time and money.
• Mix on the canvas. Adding a bit of paint directly onto the wet surface can create interesting blends that you can’t get from a palette alone.
• Keep a medium handy. A few drops of linseed oil or a fast‑drying medium let you adjust drying speed on the fly.
• Work in sections. Divide your composition into light, middle, and dark areas. Tackling each section prevents the painting from looking flat.
• Clean brushes promptly. Oil paint hardens quickly, so snap a brush clean with mineral spirits before it dries.

Remember, oil painting is as much about patience as it is about skill. Let the paint breathe, respect the drying times, and don’t be afraid to experiment with texture. By applying the slow‑over‑fast rule and adding a bit of scrubbing, you’ll notice a big jump in how your work holds up over time.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you set up your studio. They’re straightforward, cost‑effective, and work for anyone from beginners to seasoned painters. Happy painting!