How can you avoid a glossy sheen with oil paints?

Question

I paint with oils and I notice that sometimes if I do a heavily darkened solid area, using say raw umber, it dries with a glossy sheen where its been applied thick. This is annoying because when they hang on the wall afterwards, it reflects the light. Any tips on how to avoid? I don't use linseed oil, just straight up oil paints from the tube. Thanks :)

Answer 1

Some oil paint colours dry glossy because the pigments are transparent, some dry matte because the pigments are opaque. It's in their nature and you can't really change that while you're painting.

Check the labels on your paint tubes, good brands will indicate whether the colour is transparent, semi-opaque or opaque. It's nice to have a combination when you paint to get different effects.

The best way to get an even finish is to use a satin or matte varnish after the painting has cured - a couple of months. This way the light reflects the same over the whole painting. Many different types available at your art supply store.

Answer 2

There are several things you can try.

1. Starve your paint. Prior to using your paint, spread your paint and let it sit on a brown paper towel for half an hour. The paper towel will absorb oils out of your paint and the paint will become stiffer and leaner than when you started.

2. Thin your paint. Use a bit more thinner when painting.

3. Use a wax medium. The medium will give your paints a matte sheen.

4. After your painting is complete and dry, apply a wax medium as a varnish to the surface of the painting. This will even out the surface sheen to matte.

Answer 3

I've had the same problem. Unfortunately, I can't say that I know of any way to avoid the glossiness. You may want to check into changing the lighting in the room or you may want to try working with another type of media-like pastels on pastel paper (nearly as good for reworking as oil on canvas) or oil pastels (I don't like them personally, but some people obviously do; otherwise, they would have disappeared from shelves long ago).

Answer 4

use a wax medium in your mix this will dull the finish of oil's but most oil's have a glossy finish try acrylics.

Answer 5

I like to 'varnish' using Gamblin cold wax medium. It comes with directions for use and has a great unifying matte effect.

Answer 6

Utilize a 'flat' finish paint.

Enamels are typically glossy.

Answer 7

are you familiar with the "dry-brush" technique???...this is what i do...i take a brush and get the same color on there, then dab it on a paper towel or rag until hardly any paint is still on the brush...then i go over the under color...this should significantly reduce the gloss.

Answer 8

when you mix oil based paint you need zylene. its strong stuff and very flammable but its the only stuff that will make cool affects with it.