Choosing the right oil painting medium can elevate your impasto technique. Not sure where to start?
We’ve got you covered. Impasto painting techniques require specific mediums to achieve the desired texture and depth. The best oil painting mediums for impasto not only enhance the texture but also impact drying time and finish. In this blog post, we’ll explore some top choices, including Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium, Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel Medium, and more.
Each of these products offers unique benefits to boost your impasto art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, finding the right medium can make a significant difference in your work. Let’s dive in and discover the best options for your impasto oil painting needs.
Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium

The Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium, 200ml (6-oz) tube is an exceptional product for artists looking to enhance the texture and depth of their paintings. Manufactured by ColArt Americas under the reputable brand Winsor & Newton, this medium is designed to thicken oil paints, allowing artists to create bold, expressive strokes with ease. The medium comes in a convenient 200ml tube, making it easy to handle and store.
Pros:
- Enhances texture and depth in paintings
- Manufactured by the reputable brand Winsor & Newton
- Comes in a convenient 200ml tube
- Easy to handle and store
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all painting styles
- Requires careful handling to avoid wastage
The Liquin Impasto Medium is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy creating textured, three-dimensional effects in their work. Its ability to thicken oil paints without compromising color quality is a major advantage, allowing for more creative freedom and experimentation. Additionally, the medium’s fast-drying properties mean that artists can build up layers more quickly, which is ideal for those working on complex compositions.
Despite its many benefits, the Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium may not be the best choice for every artist. Those who prefer a smoother, more blended style might find it less suitable for their needs. Furthermore, because it is a thickening agent, it is important to use the medium sparingly to avoid wastage and ensure optimal results. Nevertheless, for artists who enjoy working with texture and seek a reliable, high-quality product, this medium is an excellent addition to their toolkit.
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Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel Medium 150ml Tube

The Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel Medium 150mL Tube is a quick drying impasto gel designed to increase shine and volume in your artwork. It is formulated to improve transparency and gloss, making it a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit.
Pros:
- Quick drying formula
- Increases shine and volume
- Improves transparency and gloss
- Compact and easy-to-use 150mL tube
Cons:
- May be too glossy for some preferences
- Requires additional drying time if applied thickly
The Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel Medium is an excellent choice for artists looking to add depth and dimension to their paintings. The quick drying nature of this gel allows for faster layering and reduced waiting times between applications. Its ability to enhance shine and volume makes it ideal for creating vibrant, eye-catching pieces.
However, it is important to note that the high gloss finish might not suit all artistic styles, and some users may find it too shiny for their taste. Additionally, while the gel dries quickly, thicker applications may still require extended drying times. Overall, the Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel Medium offers a versatile and effective solution for artists seeking to elevate the visual impact of their work.
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Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium

The Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium 500ml (17oz) is a versatile and essential addition for any artist’s toolkit. This medium is designed to enhance the texture and volume of acrylic paints, allowing for greater creativity and expressive brushwork. Perfect for both beginners and professional artists, this medium ensures that your artwork stands out with dynamic and bold textures.
Pros:
- Enhances texture and volume of acrylic paints
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
- Provides a white base that can be easily tinted with colors
- Dries quickly, allowing for fast layering
- Non-toxic and safe for all users
Cons:
- Can be difficult to achieve a smooth finish
- May require additional varnish for a glossy effect
The Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium is an excellent choice for artists looking to add dimension and texture to their work. With its ability to create thick, expressive strokes, this medium is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different techniques and styles. The 500ml (17oz) container ensures that you have plenty of product to work with, making it a cost-effective addition to your art supplies.
One of the standout features of the Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium is its quick-drying formula. This allows artists to work efficiently, building up layers and textures without long waiting times. Additionally, the medium is non-toxic, making it safe for artists of all ages. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting, this medium offers a great way to elevate your artwork and bring your creative visions to life.
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Lukas Artist Painting Butter

Lukas Artist Painting Butter is a professional-grade oil paint medium designed to enhance your painting experience. This medium is fast drying and ideal for techniques such as impasto and palette knife painting. It comes in a convenient 200 ml tube, making it perfect for both studio and plein air painting.
Pros:
- Fast drying formula
- Ideal for impasto and palette knife painting
- Comes in a convenient 200 ml tube
- High-quality professional-grade
Cons:
- Only available in amber color
- Relatively high cost compared to other mediums
Lukas Artist Painting Butter stands out in the market due to its fast drying properties, which allow artists to layer and build textures quickly. This makes it particularly suitable for impasto techniques, where thick layers of paint are applied to create a textured effect. The professional-grade quality ensures that the paint maintains its integrity and vibrancy over time.
One of the unique features of this medium is its suitability for palette knife painting, a technique where paint is applied with a knife rather than a brush. This method can create sharp, clean strokes and textures, which are enhanced by the fast drying nature of the Lukas Artist Painting Butter. Despite its many advantages, the limited availability of colors, such as only amber, and the higher cost might be a consideration for some artists.
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U.s. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium For Painting

The U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium is a versatile product designed for artists who enjoy working with acrylic paints. This 500ml tub of clear gel medium can be used to create various textures, layers, and to extend the paint. It comes in both matte and gloss finishes and is non-toxic, making it a professional quality addition to any artist’s toolkit.
Pros:
- Versatile for different painting techniques
- Available in matte and gloss finishes
- Non-toxic and safe to use
- Large 500ml tub provides ample supply
- Professional quality ensures excellent results
Cons:
- May take longer to dry compared to other mediums
- The clear gel might slightly alter paint color
- Some artists may find it too thick for their liking
The U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium is a fantastic choice for artists looking to add texture and dimension to their work. Its clear gel formula allows for seamless blending with acrylic paints without compromising the color. The product’s non-toxic nature ensures that it is safe to use, making it suitable for artists of all levels. Additionally, the availability of both matte and gloss finishes provides flexibility in achieving the desired look and feel in artworks.
On the downside, the thick consistency of the gel might not be suitable for everyone, as it can take longer to dry and may slightly alter the paint’s color. However, its professional quality and ability to extend paint make it a valuable tool for creating intricate textures and layers. Overall, the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium is a reliable product that offers excellent results for those willing to experiment with their creative techniques.
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Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium

The Winsor & Newton 200ml Liquin Impasto Medium is a highly regarded product among artists for its ability to enhance the texture and drying time of oil paints. This medium, produced by the renowned brand Winsor & Newton, comes in a transparent color and is packaged in a bottle with dimensions of Height: 7.87401574 inches, Width: 7.87401574 inches, Length: 5.905511805 inches, and weighs 0.440924524 pounds.
Pros:
- Speeds up drying time of oil paints
- Adds body to paint for impasto techniques
- Maintains transparency when mixed with paints
- Manufactured by the trusted brand Winsor & Newton
Cons:
- Can yellow over time
- Not suitable for use with water-based paints
The Winsor & Newton 200ml Liquin Impasto Medium is an essential tool for artists who want to add texture and depth to their oil paintings. Its ability to speed up the drying time makes it a favorite among painters who work in layers and wish to build up their artwork quickly. The medium’s transparency ensures that it does not alter the color of the paint, allowing artists to achieve their desired hues and effects.
One of the standout features of this medium is its ability to add body to the paint, making it perfect for impasto techniques where thick, textured strokes are required. However, artists should be mindful that it can yellow over time, which may affect the longevity of their work. Additionally, this medium is specifically designed for oil paints and is not compatible with water-based paints. Overall, the Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium is a valuable addition to any artist’s toolkit, offering versatility and enhanced control over their painting process.
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Mont Marte Sand Texture Medium Coarse Premium

The Mont Marte Sand Texture Medium Coarse Premium 250ml (8.5 US fl.oz) is a versatile sand texture paint medium designed for use with acrylics and oil paintings. This product allows artists to create unique special effects and textured surfaces, enhancing the depth and dimension of their artwork.
Pros:
- Adds texture and depth to paintings
- Suitable for both acrylic and oil paints
- Easy to mix and apply
- High-quality and durable
- Comes in a convenient 250ml size
Cons:
- Limited color options (only available in white)
- May require multiple layers for desired effect
- Can be messy to work with
The Mont Marte Sand Texture Medium Coarse Premium is an excellent addition to any artist’s toolkit, especially for those looking to add a new dimension to their artwork. Its coarse texture can be easily mixed with acrylic or oil paints, making it a versatile medium for various artistic projects. The 250ml size ensures that artists have enough product to experiment with different techniques and effects.
While the sand texture medium is only available in white, it can be easily tinted with other paints to achieve the desired color. However, achieving the perfect texture may require multiple layers, which could be time-consuming. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall quality and performance of the Mont Marte Sand Texture Medium make it a worthwhile investment for any artist looking to enhance their creative expression.
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Grumbacher Hyplar Modeling Paste Artists’ Acrylic & Oil Paint Medium

Grumbacher Hyplar Modeling Paste Artists’ Acrylic & Oil Paint Medium, 16 oz. Jar, is an excellent choice for artists looking to add texture and dimension to their artwork. This versatile modeling paste is designed for use with both acrylic and oil paints, offering a high-quality medium for various artistic techniques.
Pros:
- High-quality modeling paste suitable for both acrylic and oil paints
- Versatile medium for adding texture and dimension
- Easy to use and apply to various surfaces
- Comes in a convenient 16 oz. jar
Cons:
- The package may vary, which might be confusing for some users
- The paste may take a longer drying time depending on the thickness applied
The Grumbacher Hyplar Modeling Paste is a must-have for artists who enjoy experimenting with texture in their artwork. Its ability to work with both acrylic and oil paints makes it a versatile choice for any artist’s toolkit. The convenient 16 oz. jar provides a substantial amount of paste, allowing for multiple projects without the need for frequent repurchases. Additionally, the paste’s white color ensures it can be easily mixed with paints to achieve the desired hue and effect.
However, users should be aware that the package may vary, which could be a minor inconvenience for some. Also, the drying time can be longer when applied thickly, so patience is required. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Grumbacher Hyplar Modeling Paste remains a popular choice among artists for its quality and versatility, making it an excellent addition to any creative process.
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Winsor & Newton Artisan Water-miscible Oil

Winsor & Newton Artisan Water-Miscible Oil, Medium Impasto, Transparent, 60 ml (Pack of 1) is a versatile and high-quality oil paint designed to offer the benefits of traditional oil paint while being water-miscible. This paint is ideal for artists looking for an environmentally friendly option without compromising on performance.
Pros:
- Water-miscible for easy cleanup with water
- High-quality pigment for vibrant colors
- Medium impasto for rich texture and depth
- Transparent color for layering and glazing techniques
Cons:
- May take longer to dry compared to acrylics
- Not suitable for artists who prefer traditional oil solvents
The Winsor & Newton Artisan Water-Miscible Oil offers a unique blend of traditional oil paint qualities with the convenience of being water-miscible. This means you can achieve the same rich texture and vibrant colors without the need for harmful solvents. The medium impasto quality provides a thick, textured application that is perfect for creating depth in your artwork. Moreover, the transparent color allows for beautiful layering and glazing effects, making it a versatile choice for various painting techniques.
Manufactured by Artstat, this Winsor & Newton product comes in a convenient 60 ml tube, making it easy to handle and store. The dimensions are compact, and the weight is manageable, making it a great addition to any artist’s toolkit. Despite its advantages, it’s worth noting that this paint may take longer to dry compared to acrylics, and it might not be the best choice for artists who prefer using traditional oil solvents. Overall, this water-miscible oil paint offers a great balance of convenience, quality, and performance.
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Gamblin Solvent Free Gel Medium Oil

Gamblin Solvent Free Gel Medium Oil 150Ml is a high-quality product designed for artists who are looking for a solvent-free medium. This gel medium is known for its ability to maintain the body of the paint while enhancing transparency and gloss. It’s a product from Gamblin, a reputable brand in the art supply industry, and is manufactured by MACPHERSON. With its dimensions of 7.48 inches in height, 0.35 inches in width, and 1.81 inches in length, and a weight of 0.3 pounds, it is a convenient and user-friendly option for artists.
Pros:
- Solvent-free, making it safer and more environmentally friendly.
- Enhances the transparency and gloss of the paint.
- Maintains the body of the paint without thinning it out.
Cons:
- May be less effective for those used to traditional solvent mediums.
- Can be more expensive than other mediums.
- Limited availability in some regions.
Gamblin Solvent Free Gel Medium Oil 150Ml offers a unique blend of safety and performance for artists. As a solvent-free medium, it significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, which is a major advantage for health-conscious artists. The product enhances the transparency and gloss of the paint, which is beneficial for achieving a luminous finish. Additionally, it helps in maintaining the body of the paint, ensuring that the texture remains consistent.
Despite its many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider. Artists who are accustomed to traditional solvent-based mediums may find the transition challenging. Furthermore, the cost of this product can be higher compared to other mediums, which might be a consideration for those on a tight budget. Lastly, availability can be an issue in some areas, potentially making it difficult for some artists to purchase it. However, for those who prioritize safety and quality, Gamblin Solvent Free Gel Medium Oil 150Ml is an excellent choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Medium For Impasto Painting?
Winsor & Newton Liquin Impasto Medium is highly recommended. It enhances texture and speeds up drying time, ideal for impasto techniques.
How To Use Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel?
Apply Schmaltz Artist Oil Impasto Gel directly to your canvas. It increases shine, volume, and improves transparency and gloss.
Can Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium Be Mixed With Oils?
Mont Marte Impasto Acrylic Medium is designed for acrylics. It enhances texture and is not recommended for oil paints.
Is Lukas Artist Painting Butter Fast Drying?
Yes, Lukas Artist Painting Butter is fast drying. It’s perfect for impasto and palette knife painting, offering professional results.
What Are The Benefits Of U.s. Art Supply Impasto Gel?
U. S. Art Supply Impasto Gel enhances texture, layering, and extends acrylic paint. It’s non-toxic and professional quality.
Can Winsor & Newton Artisan Be Used With Water?
Yes, Winsor & Newton Artisan Water-Miscible Oil Medium is water-miscible. It allows easy clean-up and retains impasto qualities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right oil painting medium for impasto techniques can significantly enhance your artwork. Each medium has unique properties. They can affect drying time, texture, and finish. Winsor & newton liquin impasto medium and schmaltz artist oil impasto gel medium are great for increasing shine and volume.
Mont marte and lukas artist painting butter are ideal for creating texture and layers. U. s. Art supply impasto clear gel acrylic medium offers versatility. Mont marte sand texture medium adds a unique, coarse finish. Grumbacher hyplar modeling paste is perfect for both acrylic and oil paintings.
Winsor & newton artisan water-miscible oil impasto medium is a convenient option. Gamblin solvent free gel medium is a great solvent-free choice. Experiment with these mediums to find the one that suits your style best. Your impasto paintings will come to life with rich texture and vibrant colors.
Happy painting!