You’ll find that nearly 60% of artists avoid oil painting due to solvent cleanup concerns. But what if you could achieve that authentic oil painting look without the mess? Water mixable oils offer you professional-quality results with soap-and-water cleanup. Uncover which brands deliver vibrant pigments and non-toxic formulas that’ll transform your studio experience—and your creative process.
Quick Overview
- Water mixable oil paints eliminate messy cleanup by allowing dilution and brush cleaning with soap and water instead of solvents.
- Professional-quality pigments in sets ranging from 6-10 colors deliver authentic oil paint behavior with vibrant, long-lasting results for serious artists.
- Non-toxic formulations create safer working environments suitable for shared spaces, classrooms, and home studios without ventilation concerns.
- Drying times of 5-7 days allow flexible workflow planning, though application thickness and humidity significantly impact actual drying speeds.
- Bundled sets offer superior value compared to individual tubes, with established brands like Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith providing reliable quality ratings above 4.2 stars.
| Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (8 Colors) |
| Best For Beginners | Water Solubility: Water mixable up to 25% | Tube Size: 18ml per tube | Number of Colors: 8 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (6-Pack) |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Water Solubility: Thins and cleans with water | Tube Size: 37ml (1.25 oz) per tube | Number of Colors: 6 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (10) |
| Best Overall | Water Solubility: Water-mixable, no solvents needed | Tube Size: 37ml (1.25 oz) per tube | Number of Colors: 10 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Daniel Smith Water Soluble Oil Color Paint Titanium White |
| Professional Grade | Water Solubility: Water soluble with modified linseed oil | Tube Size: 37ml (1.25 oz) single tube | Number of Colors: Single color (Titanium White) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Daler-Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (10-Tube) |
| Best Value | Water Solubility: Water-soluble and archival | Tube Size: 20ml per tube | Number of Colors: 10 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Lukas Berlin Pro Artists Water Mixable Oil Paint Set |
| Editor’s Choice | Water Solubility: Water-soluble, no harsh solvents | Tube Size: 20ml per tube | Number of Colors: 10 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cobra Artist Value Pack 10 X 40 ml (21820510) |
| Most Popular | Water Solubility: Solvent-free, water cleanup | Tube Size: 40ml per tube | Number of Colors: 70 colors available | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (8 Colors)
If you’re just starting your oil painting journey, the Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set won’t leave you scrambling for solvents or dealing with harsh fumes. This eight-color set gives you essential hues—Titanium White, Mid Yellow, Orange, Cadmium Red, Phthalo Green, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Violet, and Ivory Black—in convenient 18ml tubes. You’ll appreciate the water-mixable formula, which dilutes with water up to 25% while remaining compatible with traditional oils, linseed mediums, and turpentine. The non-toxic composition makes cleanup effortless; you’ll simply wash brushes with soap and water. The included brush and palette get you painting immediately. With 4.2-star customer ratings, this set delivers reliable performance for beginners and students exploring oil painting without complexity.
- Water Solubility:Water mixable up to 25%
- Tube Size:18ml per tube
- Number of Colors:8 colors
- Customer Rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (134 reviews)
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Target Audience:Beginners, students, artists
- Additional Feature:Includes brush and palette
- Additional Feature:Mixable with traditional oils
- Additional Feature:Satin finish
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (6-Pack)
Beginners who want to explore oil painting without the hassle of solvents will find their answer in the Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set. This six-tube collection delivers authentic oil paint behavior while eliminating messy cleanup. You’ll thin your colors and clean your brushes with nothing but water, making studio sessions markedly less complicated. Each 1.25-ounce tube contains vibrant pigments designed to mimic traditional oil paints’ rich quality and blending capabilities. You’ll appreciate the professional results without requiring toxic chemicals or extensive ventilation. Whether you’re setting up your first studio or shifting from acrylics, this beginner-friendly set provides everything you need for accessible, water-based oil painting.
- Water Solubility:Thins and cleans with water
- Tube Size:37ml (1.25 oz) per tube
- Number of Colors:6 colors
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Target Audience:Beginners
- Additional Feature:Mimics conventional oil colors
- Additional Feature:Beginner-focused formula
- Additional Feature:37ml tubes
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (10)
The Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (10) stands out as the ideal choice for artists who need to work in shared spaces, schools, or home studios without worrying about hazardous solvents. This thorough set includes ten essential colors—from Lemon Yellow Hue to Titanium White—that give you everything needed for versatile painting projects. Each 37ml tube delivers professional-quality pigments that behave like traditional oils while remaining water-soluble. You’ll appreciate the high-gloss finish and excellent color payoff. With its 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 reviewers, this set proves itself as a trusted choice for artists seeking safety without sacrificing performance or quality.
- Water Solubility:Water-mixable, no solvents needed
- Tube Size:37ml (1.25 oz) per tube
- Number of Colors:10 colors
- Customer Rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (1,610 reviews)
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Target Audience:Artists in shared/school spaces
- Additional Feature:High-gloss finish
- Additional Feature:1,610+ customer reviews
- Additional Feature:Highest bestseller ranking
Daniel Smith Water Soluble Oil Color Paint Titanium White
Artist sensitivity to solvents makes Daniel Smith Water Soluble Oil Color Paint Titanium White an excellent choice for your studio practice. You’ll appreciate the buttery consistency and authentic oil paint feel without turpentine or mineral spirits. The opaque titanium white delivers neutral brightness with exceptional coverage. You can mix it with traditional oils, though this affects water solubility. Cleanup’s effortless—just use soap and water on your brushes and palettes. Made in Seattle using quality pigments matching Daniel Smith’s Original Oil Colors, this paint fully cures in two days with opaque water resistance. With 4.7 stars from 217 reviews, you’re investing in a trusted product perfect for shared studios or solvent-restricted environments.
- Water Solubility:Water soluble with modified linseed oil
- Tube Size:37ml (1.25 oz) single tube
- Number of Colors:Single color (Titanium White)
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (217 reviews)
- Drying Time:2 days full cure
- Target Audience:Oil painters sensitive to solvents
- Additional Feature:Seattle-made quality
- Additional Feature:2-day full cure time
- Additional Feature:Solvent-free mediums available
Daler-Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set (10-Tube)
If you’re seeking an introductory set that combines traditional oil painting with modern convenience, Daler-Rowney Georgian’s water-mixable formula won’t disappoint. You’ll receive ten 20ml tubes featuring essential colors like Titanium White, French Ultramarine, and Burnt Umber—everything you need to start painting immediately. The archival-quality paints deliver vibrant pigments with a buttery texture that responds beautifully to both brush and palette knife techniques. You’ll appreciate the fast-drying formula, which sets evenly within five to seven days across all colors. Since you can thin and clean these paints with water, you’ll eliminate messy solvents from your studio. Whether you’re painting on canvas or paper in classroom or professional settings, this set offers accessible quality backed by Daler-Rowney’s 200-year heritage.
- Water Solubility:Water-soluble and archival
- Tube Size:20ml per tube
- Number of Colors:10 colors
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Drying Time:5-7 days
- Target Audience:Artists and students
- Additional Feature:Archival quality paints
- Additional Feature:5-7 day drying time
- Additional Feature:1783 heritage brand
Lukas Berlin Pro Artists Water Mixable Oil Paint Set
Lukas Berlin Pro Artists Water Mixable Oil Paint Set stands out for painters who prioritize eco-conscious creation without sacrificing professional quality. You’ll appreciate the smooth, buttery consistency enhanced by bleached beeswax, which prevents brittle color films. This ten-tube set delivers non-toxic, quick-drying paints that require no harsh solvents—just water for cleanup. The semi-gloss finish suits canvas and paper work perfectly. With a 4.3-star rating from over 100 customers, you’re investing in proven performance. Each 20ml tube offers excellent value for professional and hobbyist artists alike. Full cure takes seven days, giving you ample working time while maintaining excellent water resistance throughout your creative process.
- Water Solubility:Water-soluble, no harsh solvents
- Tube Size:20ml per tube
- Number of Colors:10 colors
- Customer Rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (103 reviews)
- Drying Time:7 days full cure
- Target Audience:Indoor artists on canvas/paper
- Additional Feature:Enhanced with bleached beeswax
- Additional Feature:Semi-gloss finish
- Additional Feature:7-day full cure
Cobra Artist Value Pack 10 X 40 ml (21820510)
The Cobra Artist Value Pack 10 X 40 ml (21820510) stands out as your ideal choice if you’re seeking professional-grade water-mixable oils without the hassle of solvents. You’ll access 70 colors spanning transparent, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and opaque options. The collection includes 32 mono-pigmented colors and 10 exclusive pigment formulations featuring cadmiums, cobalts, and chromium oxides. Every color boasts superior lightfastness, remaining vibrant for at least 100 years under museum conditions. You’ll appreciate the exceptionally transparent oxide reds and yellows, which enhance your creative possibilities. Since these paints are solvent-free, you’ll clean up effortlessly with water, keeping your studio environment clean and healthy while maintaining professional results.
- Water Solubility:Solvent-free, water cleanup
- Tube Size:40ml per tube
- Number of Colors:70 colors available
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Target Audience:Professional artists
- Additional Feature:32 mono-pigmented colors
- Additional Feature:Museum-quality lightfastness rating
- Additional Feature:40ml tube size
Factors to Consider When Choosing Water Mixable Oil Paint
When you’re selecting water mixable oil paints, you’ll want to evaluate the pigment quality and lightfastness to guarantee your artwork won’t fade over time. Consider the tube sizes and coverage rates that fit your budget and project scope, along with the drying times that work best for your painting style. You should also examine the color selection available, water solubility levels, and how easily each paint mixes with water to achieve your desired consistency and finish.
Pigment Quality and Lightfastness
Because pigment quality directly impacts your artwork’s vibrancy and longevity, it’s essential to understand how these components function in water mixable oil paints. Higher-grade pigments deliver richer, more saturated hues that elevate your finished pieces.
You’ll want to prioritize lightfastness ratings of I or II, which indicate excellent to good fade resistance over time. This guarantees your artwork maintains its color integrity when displayed.
Consider selecting mono-pigmented colors, which offer superior purity and transparency for mixing nuanced shades. Unique pigments like cadmiums and cobalts provide exceptional color complexity while simultaneously enhancing lightfastness.
Tube Size and Coverage
Selecting the right tube size directly impacts your painting efficiency and project budget. Water mixable oil paints typically range from 18ml to 40ml tubes, with 37ml offerings providing adequate coverage for small to medium-scale work. You’ll need multiple tubes for larger pieces, making this a key planning consideration.
Your painting style matters considerably. If you employ layering techniques, medium coverage capacity means you won’t deplete paint excessively between applications. Frequent painters benefit from larger tubes’ economy, while occasional artists may prefer smaller sizes to prevent waste.
Don’t overlook practical logistics. Multiple tubes collectively weigh over 2 pounds, affecting transportability and storage. Consider your studio setup and whether you’ll move your supplies regularly. Balance these factors against your actual painting needs and habits.
Drying Time Variations
Drying time is a critical factor that often gets overlooked when choosing water mixable oil paints. You’ll find that most dry within 5 to 7 days, but variations exist based on brand formulations and quick-drying additives. The thickness of your paint application directly affects drying speed—thin layers dry faster than thick ones. Environmental conditions matter greatly too; warmer, drier settings accelerate drying, while humidity slows the process. You should always consult individual product specifications rather than relying on general timelines. Different brands incorporate varying formulations, so what works for one paint may not apply to another. Understanding these variables helps you select paints that match your workflow and project requirements, ensuring you achieve consistent results in your studio sessions.
Color Selection Available
The colors you’ll find in water mixable oil paint sets vary greatly, ranging from basic foundational hues to specialized pigments tailored for specific artistic goals. When evaluating sets with 8 to 10 tubes, you’ll typically find essential colors like Titanium White, Cadmium Red, and Ultramarine—providing you with a robust foundation for mixing.
Look for sets featuring balanced color palettes that enable effective blending and expansive shade possibilities. Some offerings include unique pigments like Lemon Yellow Hue and Permanent Alizarin Crimson, which enhance your compositions’ vibrancy and depth. You’ll want to assess the mixing potential within your chosen set, as complementary colors and varying opacity levels greatly influence your painting techniques and creative flexibility.
Water Solubility Level
One of the most compelling advantages of water mixable oil paints is their ability to thin and clean up with water instead of harsh solvents, making them ideal if you’re environmentally conscious or sensitive to chemical fumes. You can dilute these paints with water up to 25% to achieve desired effects and textures without hazardous chemicals.
However, you should understand that water solubility levels vary among brands and products. Most water mixable oils aren’t waterproof, so finished pieces exposed to moisture may require a protective topcoat. Additionally, if you mix water mixable oils with traditional oil paints, you’ll compromise their water solubility. Consider your project’s requirements and environmental exposure when selecting a product that matches your specific needs.
Price and Value
Since you’re investing in quality art supplies, understanding how to evaluate water mixable oil paint pricing will help you get the best value for your money. Start by comparing cost per ounce across different tube sizes, which typically range from 18ml to 40ml. You’ll find that bundled sets offer better value than purchasing individual tubes separately. Prioritize pigment quality—premium paints deliver superior coverage and longevity, justifying higher costs. Examine what extras come with sets, including brushes and palettes, as these additions enhance overall value. Finally, research brand reputation and customer reviews. Established brands command higher prices but provide reliability and quality assurance, giving you confidence in your purchase decision.
Finish Type Options
While choosing water mixable oil paints, you’ll encounter several finish options that significantly shape your artwork’s appearance and durability. You can select from satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes, each offering distinct visual effects. Satin finishes provide a soft sheen that suits most subjects, while high-gloss options deliver reflective surfaces for dramatic impact. Consider how each finish affects color perception and interacts with your painting surface and techniques. Some brands specifically formulate their paints to replicate traditional oil paint finishes, ensuring consistency if you’re shifting from conventional mediums. Additionally, finish type influences protective qualities—certain finishes better shield your artwork against environmental damage. Match your finish selection to your artistic vision and the durability requirements of your specific project.
