My Favourite Oil Painting Materials
Here are the materials and tools I love using for my oil paintings. If you choose to buy through these links (via Jackson’s Art Supplies or Amazon), I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Using these links is a wonderful way to support my work, which is very much appreciated!
🌍 Note: Jackson’s Art Ships Worldwide
Artist Tip: I always encourage beginners to invest in professional-quality materials right from the start. Cheap supplies are often a false economy—they simply won’t give you the same rich results or smooth application. Remember, it only takes a single £200 commission to pay off your entire set of quality materials!
Michael Harding
Titanium White No. 1
Michael Harding
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Michael Harding
Cadmium Yellow
Michael Harding
Yellow Ochre
Winsor & Newton
Cadmium Red
Michael Harding
Alizarin Crimson
Michael Harding
Ultramarine Blue
Winsor & Newton
Prussian Blue
Michael Harding
Burnt Umber
Winsor & Newton
Burnt Sienna
Michael Harding
Ivory Black
Palette Knife
Ideal for mixing oil paint on palette.
Wooden Palette
Small and convenient. Browse Jacksons to see which you like.
Double Artist Dipper
Clips on to the side of Palette. Handy for the liquin mediums
Liquin Original
Adding a little Liquin helps to create the glow
‘Non- Absorbent Acrylic Primer
Michael Harding special formula. Paint doesn’t sink into the surface, zero fumes compared to oil primers. Truly magic to work on.
Extra Fine Linen Canvas
Universally primed. Linen is stronger, stiffer and less prone to warping. For practice work, any canvas works if primed well.
UniBond Super PVA adhesive
I have used this brand for over 40 years without a single issue. Even decades-old paintings on Canvas board remain in perfect condition.
Golden Brand: Gac 100
I use this to prime the back of the boards, as it dries to a thin, flexible, translucent gloss which enhances the wood.
Acrylic Paint: Ivory Black
I use this Black to mix with Michael Hardings non absorbent acrylic primer mixed to a mid-tone grey for the toned second coat.
Hog Hair Round Brushes No.2
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Hog Hair Round Brushes No. 5
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Hog Hair Flat Brushes No.2
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Hog Hair Flat Brushes No.5
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Browse Other Hog Hair Brushes
Explore the high-quality range of hog hair brushes… scroll down the page. I recommend buying three of the size you choose.
Synthetic Round Brushes No.2
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Synthetic Flat Brushes No.2
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Synthetic Rigger Brush No. 0
I use this size regularly. Purchase three so you can dedicate one each for light, medium and dark tones. Browse other sizes too.
Synthetic Fan Brushes Size 1
I use this to softhen and smooth out areas. Can be used to achieve special painting effects such as clouds and foliage
Low Odour White Spirits
To Clean my brushes, I start with white spirit. once the paint is gone, I wash them three extra times using “Simple” soap.
Retouching Varnish
This is a great varnish to add when your painting is touch dry, lifts all the values and colors perfect to apply before giving client
Windsor & Newton: Sansodor
Low Oder Spirit that can be mixed 50/50 Liquin to make a medium for fine line work
I am about to experiment with this
Studio Metal Mahl Stick
Essential bit of kit… I use a Mahl Stick to lean on so not to smudge the wet painting. It also steadies the hand.
