Water soluble oil paints offer traditional oil painting feel with safer cleanup and fewer solvents. This guide highlights five top options suited for artists, students, and hobbyists who want convenient water-based cleanup without sacrificing mixing, layering, or drying behavior. Each pick targets a different typical use case, from classroom-friendly sets to larger value tubes for ongoing projects.
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set, 20 x 10ml Tubes | Beginner to intermediate painters who want a full studio range | High color variety, safe cleanup with water |
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes | Projects needing larger tubes and richer color blocks | Includes core primaries and a broader palette |
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint, 200ml, Titanium White | Large coverage and economical use of white | Single large tube for heavy use |
| Mont Marte MPOW3618 Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set (36 colors) | Budget-friendly, versatile color range | Dilution with water allowed; can mix with traditional oils |
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint, 37ml, Titanium White | Smaller, portable white for travel or small studies | Quality white in a convenient size |
Notes: Each product listed enables water-based thinning and cleanup while preserving traditional oil painting characteristics. When comparing, consider tube size, color range, and whether a specific white or primary set best matches your typical projects. The following sections summarize key attributes and who should consider each option.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set, 20 x 10ml Tubes
Best for: Beginners and students who want a complete starter palette with a wide color range. These 10ml tubes provide ample variety for learning color mixing and glazing techniques without committing to large purchases. The set mirrors traditional oil behavior, but cleanup and thinning can be done with water, reducing exposure to hazardous solvents. Caution: The formulation uses modified oils; avoid relying on water for any solvent-like thinning beyond recommended levels to preserve working properties.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes
Best for: Artists needing more solvent-free color blocks and larger quantities for longer sessions. The 37ml tubes reduce tube changes during longer projects while maintaining the water-cleanup benefit. This set is well-suited for shared studios and home environments. Caution: Actual contents may vary, so verify the palette aligns with your preferred color family before painting in large areas.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint, 10 x 12ml Tubes
Best for: Beginners and travel painters who want a compact but practical selection of colors. These tubes offer the core hues needed for basic landscapes or still lifes, with the option to dilute with water. Caution: The formulation maintains oil-like properties; do not over-dilute beyond recommended limits to avoid losing paint film integrity.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint, 200ml, Titanium White
Best for: Artists who require a large amount of white for extensive mixing, underpainting, or glazing. A 200ml tube offers extended use and cost efficiency for white-heavy palettes. Caution: Large quantities in one tube can dry out faster if not properly sealed between sessions; ensure proper storage to maintain consistency.
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint, 37ml, Titanium White
Best for: Small studies, plein air work, or space-limited studios where a reliable white in a convenient size matters. This 37ml tube balances portability with sufficient volume for color-mixing. Caution: White pigments can be prone to chalking if not properly sealed between sessions in dehydrated environments.
Mont Marte MPOW3618 Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set (36 colors)
Best for: Budget-conscious artists seeking a broad color range and versatility. The set is designed to be diluted with water and can also mix with traditional oil paints. Caution: Color consistency and pigmentation may vary across such a large palette; test colors together before committing to large blocks of color.
Buying Guide
What matters most when choosing water soluble oils?
Color range, tube size, and cleanup method are the core considerations. A broader palette reduces the need for frequent color mixing trips, while larger tubes lower per-use cost. Water-based thinning affects drying times and film formation, so plan around your typical projects and studio setup.
Which features influence safety and environment?
All listed products minimize solvent use, enabling safer in-home or classroom painting. Look for clear statements about water cleanup, absence of hazardous solvents, and guidance on ventilation when planning extended sessions.
What are practical trade-offs between sets?
Large-tube sets offer more color-per-tube but may be heavier and less portable. Small-tube or travel-friendly options favor ease of transport and quick setups but may require more frequent color replenishment. For beginners, a balanced mix of core primaries plus a few secondary colors often works best.
How should you store and maintain these paints?
Seal tubes tightly to prevent skinning and drying at the opening. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve pigment stability. If you notice separation or gritty texture, gently remix with a clean brush or palette knife.
FAQ
- Are water soluble oils really like traditional oils? Yes. They are designed to behave similarly, with the major difference being the ability to thin and clean up with water instead of solvents.
- Can these paints be mixed with regular oil paints? Some lines are formulated to mix with traditional oils, but check the product specifics. This can expand your palette without buying new pigments.
- Is white essential in every painting set? White is frequently used for mixing tints and highlights; larger white tubes are common for frequent use, but smaller tubes also work for compact sets.
- Do these require special cleaners or solvents? Water is typically sufficient for thinning and cleanup, reducing the need for harsh solvents in most projects.
- Will these dry as quickly as regular oils? They follow standard oil paint drying patterns but may show different behavior if heavily thinned; allow adequate drying time between layers to avoid cracking.