This past month I have been working in a new medium, water mixable oil paints. I know what you’re thinking, water and oil don’t mix. And they shouldn’t. But they do. The major difference is in the modification of the linseed oil and the safflower oil that the colors are made from which allows them to mix and clean up with water. Think about it. Now if you are sensitive or just don’t want to be exposed to solvents and if the area you work in is confined, like a spare room or a garage, you have an oil painting option. They have the same buttery consistency as traditional oils. And as with traditional oils I have found the drying time to touch to be 2-12 days depending on the colors.
Here is some information as to the relationship of colors to drying time. Remember they are approximates. As with traditional oils you should still wait 6 to 12 months before varnishing
Fast Drying (2 days) Prussian Blue, Umbers
Medium Drying (5 days) Cadmium Hues, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green, Siennas,Iron oxides, ochres, Titanium and Zinc White, Lamp and Ivory Black, French Ultramine
Slow Drying ( more than 5 days) Cadmiums, Permanent Rose, Permanent Alizarin Crimsom