What Can I Use Instead Of Turpentine For Oil Painting? – Detailed Guide

There is no point putting effort into painting until or unless you can have a nice texture, smoothness, and end result. The finish of any paint depends upon the texture that the paint had before applying to the surface.

For oil paints the density and texture of the paint matter a lot as oil paints tend to have a smooth and flawless finish. In case your oil paint is thick, then you can visibly see the marks of the brush strokes on the surface that you have painted. Are you new to painting? If not then you must already know how crucial an oil thinner plays in painting.

What Can I use Instead Of Turpentine For Oil Painting?

Oil paint is known to be the most time-consuming paint when it comes to drying. Turpentine is one such paint thinner that can decrease the viscosity of the paint and make it evaporate faster, and have a smooth finish, increasing the binding properties of the paint.

If you have already used turpentine as a thinner for oil paints, then you will surely have experienced the allergic reaction that this noxious and unsafe oil has on the health of people around it. You might have thought about what can I use instead of turpentine for oil painting. Here I have brought the answer to it. Keep reading!

Why Should You Stay Away From Turpentine?

If you are an artist or professional painter, then you will come in contact with your painting tools and supplies on a daily basis. You cannot compromise on the quality and nature of these chemicals with which you will have to work almost every day. The turpentine oil thinner is just an oil that is extracted from pine trees which makes many newbies and hobbyists believe that it is natural and non-toxic.

But unfortunately, even if turpentine oil reduces the drying time of oil paints, you should find another thinner for oil painting. The turpentine oil thinner can damage your eyes, and cause cough, headache, nasal irritation, and sneezes. This allergic reaction is because of turpentine oil as it also has a strong smell and due to its volatile nature, if you are using it in any of the rooms, the effect can spread all over your house.

You may also want to know Can I Use Oil Based Paint Over Water Based Primer

Safer Alternatives Of Turpentine For Oil Painting

1. Gamsol Oil

Gamsol Oil is the paint thinner that you have been looking for. It can replace the strong smell, pine based turpentine oil. You don’t have to get nauseous or dizzy because of the strong smell of turpentine each time you work on a project. Painters can get the Gamsol oil that will make the oil paint thin and smooth. You will have no reaction due to this subtle alternative of turpentine.

2. Lavender Spike Oil

Lavender Spike oil is a good choice as compared to turpentine as it has no toxins or harmful components used in it. If you are not a fan of petroleum-based Gamsol oil, then you can go for the Lavender Spike Oil as it has no such component. You can get the same results as the turpentine oil without having a strong smell of reaction. When used it has a smell similar to lavender essence in it.

3. Linseed Oil

Linseed oil can be used as a paint thinner and primer too. It is a natural seed extract that can lower the viscosity of your paint and increase the binding property of the paint. You will not have to worry about the contact and level of exposure to this oil as it is completely natural and safe.

4. Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is the fastest-drying natural thinning oil for oil paints. It is used by many painters who work on a professional level and care about the usage of environmentally friendly products. If you are a hobbyist then you should not buy a large amount as you can end up having a large bottle of unused and expired walnut oil.

5. Poppyseed Oil

Poppyseed oil (also known as poppy seed oil and poppy oil) is also a mild, effective, and safe thinner for oil paints that will not make you panic if you spill it on your hands or feet. Apart from being used for edible purposes, you can also use it for changing the texture of your oil paints.

Final Remarks about Turpentine Alternative For Oil Painting

Even though turpentine is undoubtedly good in terms of being an efficient thinner for oil paints, you cannot risk the health of yourself and your loved ones. The harmful and toxic effect that turpentine has on the painter can affect the productivity and creativity of the painter. You can use other natural and non-toxic thinners such as Gamsol Oil, Lavender Spike Oil, Linseed Oil, Walnut Oil, and poppyseed oil that will help you in having the same finish as the turpentine oil.