What are oil paints?

Water-based materials make oil paints eco-friendly.

Oil paint is a versatile paint that is now used for home décor. Its slow drying time allows for rich colours and aesthetic appeal on walls, making it a useful option for house decoration. While it has long been a staple in the art world, oil paint is now making its mark in the realm of home décor. This article will explore the usage of oil paints for walls.

See also: What are washable wall paints?

 

What is the composition of oil paints?

Oil paints consist of three main components. These three primary components are responsible for the formation of oil paints.

Pigment

The colour and texture of paint come from finely ground pigment, which can be sourced from minerals, plants, or synthetic materials. Without pigment, oil paints would lack colour. Pigments vary in their qualities, such as hue, transparency, and ability to strengthen oil paints.

Binder

A binder is a substance that combines and reinforces the pigment to allow it to adhere to surfaces. Linseed oil, poppy oil, safflower oil, and walnut oil are the frequently utilised binders in oil paints, each with its unique qualities and shine. The drying time of the oil paint is also determined by the binder used.

Solvents

The dilution of the oil paints is being done by solvents. Other uses of solvents are to clean brushes and to maintain the consistency of the oil paints. Turpentine and mineral spirits are common types of solvents used in oil paints.

 

Oil Paints: Uses in home décor

Wall art using oil paints

You can choose the artwork that aligns with your colour scheme and style. This gives uniformity to the décor in the home and enhances the visual appeal. You can place an oil-painted centrepiece in the living room, bedroom, common area, or hallway. Oil-painted wall art uplifts the whole area and the overall design of the home.

Customised furniture using oil paints

You can transform the furniture placed in your home by giving it a makeover using oil paints. Oil paints work best on tables, cabinets, and chairs. You can hire an artist, too on a commission basis to incorporate oil paint in the furniture. This usage of oil paints makes your house stand out from the rest.

Textured walls using oil paints

Textured walls can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your home. This also adds a unique feature to your wall and blends with the overall theme of the house. Oil paints are best to create textured strokes on a wall.

Elevation of architectural features using oil paints

You can accentuate the architectural details of the home using oil paints. This helps in distinguishing those pieces from the rest of the house catching the eyes of your friends and relatives. You can apply this to mouldings, baseboards, and doors to uplift the area.

Exterior areas using oil paints

Oil painting is not limited to the interior of the house but can be extended to outdoor living spaces, too. Water-resistant oil paints can be used to avoid its destruction adding vibrancy to the house. You can apply this to patio tables and garden chairs.

 

Advantages of using oil paints

There are various advantages of using oil paints.

Rich colour

Oil paints provide a rich colour to the home adding vibrancy to it. Any home décor and interior could be uplifted using oil paints as they provide rich colours. You can select the colours as per your taste, style, and colour scheme of the house.

Durable

Oil paints are durable which makes them stick to the walls for a longer period. It not only gives an aesthetic appeal but also does not require to be renovated frequently.

Depth and textured

Oil paints add depth to the wall and provide different textures, too. It may seem complex but it is an easy process to apply. The richness adds depth to any wall or any piece of the home.

Versatile

Oil paints are versatile as they have a slow drying time and mixing ability. This makes it stick to any piece for a longer duration. You can also experiment using oil paints.

 

FAQs

What precautions to take while using oil paints?

While applying oil paints inside the home make sure to have proper ventilation to pass any type of odour. It is also advised to be careful around solvents while using oil paints.

What are the most popular colours used in oil painting?

All the colours in oil painting provide richness. The most popular ones are white, yellow, red, blue, green, and ivory black.

How to ensure the longevity of the oil paints used?

To increase the life of oil paints used in home décor, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and maintain a temperature suitable for oil paints inside the home. In addition, avoid exposure to high humidity.

What other materials can be mixed with oil paints?

Oil paints can be combined with various materials. The widely used materials are acrylic and watercolours.

Will I be able to blend oil paints easily?

Yes, oil paints are flexible making it easier for anyone to blend the colours.

Which brush is used to apply oil paints for home décor?

It is recommended to use natural bristle brushes to apply oil paints.

What materials can oil paints be applied to?

Oil paints can be applied to various materials. These include walls, furniture, wood, and metal. Oil paints are versatile, making them easier to apply on surfaces.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

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