M. Graham & Co. Walnut Oil Painting Medium 118 ml — Slow-Drying, Non-Toxic Flow Enhancer

M. Graham 4‑ounce Walnut Oil Medium is a slow‑drying, non‑toxic painting medium that improves paint flow, extends open time, and safely cleans brushes without solvent hazards.

Artists have used walnut oil for centuries to improve paint handling while avoiding the strong odours and health concerns of petroleum solvents. This compact 4‑ounce bottle from M. Graham & Co. blends a traditional painting medium with modern safety: it slows drying time, reduces yellowing compared with linseed oil, and can replace turpentine or mineral spirits for brush cleaning when used properly. The oil is made in the USA and formulated to keep colour clarity and surface brilliance over time.

How does this walnut oil medium change paint handling?

Adding a small amount of M. Graham Walnut Oil Medium increases paint flow and leveling without drastically speeding drying. Because it dries more slowly than linseed oil, you gain extra working time for blending and glazing while maintaining colour integrity.

• Improves flow and brushability for smoother strokes
• Lengthens open time for easier blending and wet‑into‑wet techniques
• Use sparingly to avoid overly slow drying on thick layers

Can walnut oil replace solvents for brush cleaning and studio safety?

M. Graham Walnut Oil Medium is marketed as a non‑toxic alternative for cleaning brushes, reducing reliance on turpentine or odourless mineral spirits. While it removes colour from brushes without producing solvent fumes, proper disposal and occasional solvent use for heavy residue may still be necessary.

• Safely removes paint from brushes with less odour and hazard
• Helps keep studio air cleaner compared to traditional solvents
• Follow manufacturer guidance for disposal and deep cleaning needs

Will walnut oil yellow or affect long‑term colour brilliance?

Walnut oil is less prone to yellowing than linseed oil, so it better preserves the original hues and brilliance of pigments over time. M. Graham formulates the medium to retain clarity, making it a good choice for lighter palettes or works where colour fidelity matters.

• Non‑yellowing nature keeps whites and light tones truer
• Maintains colour brilliance and transparency in glazes
• Good option for archival‑minded painters who avoid rapid yellowing oils

How should I use and store the 4‑ounce bottle for best results?

Start with small additions—usually a few drops to a small puddle of paint—and test drying times on sample panels. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed to preserve quality and prevent contamination.

• Add sparingly to paint to control open time and gloss
• Clean brushes by working oil through bristles, then remove excess with soap and water or a final solvent if needed
• Keep container sealed, away from direct sunlight and heat sources

Who is this for? M. Graham 4‑ounce Walnut Oil Medium suits painters who want a traditional oil medium with modern safety features: fine artists working in oils who need extended working time, illustrators and portraitists seeking subtle blending, and studio painters wanting to reduce solvent use. Its small size is convenient for trialing walnut oil benefits without committing to a large bottle, making it ideal for students, plein air painters, and professionals testing walnut oil in their workflow.

Features:

• Removes colour from artists' brushes without creating a solvent hazard
• The addition of walnut oil to colour will increase flow and slow the drying
• Nontoxic and solvent free
• Non‑yellowing nature retains brilliance of colour
• Made in the USA