Schmincke Medium W water-mixable oil medium 1000 ml — odourless, increases gloss & transparency

Schmincke Medium W is an odourless liquid medium that lets you mix oil and resin-oil colours with water instead of turpentine, improving gloss, transparency and tool cleanup.

Medium W from Schmincke converts traditional oil and resin-oil colours into water-mixable paints without solvents. Supplied in a 1000 ml metal can, this medium is designed to harmonize drying behavior, boost surface gloss and transparency, and allow brushes and palettes to be cleaned with water. It’s made for artists who want the working properties of oil colour but prefer low-odour handling and simpler cleanup.

How does Medium W let me use water with oil paints?

Medium W contains additives that make oil and resin-oil pigments compatible with water while maintaining the oils’ film-forming qualities. When blended correctly, the medium creates an emulsion that accepts water, eliminating the need for turpentine or solvent substitutes during painting and cleaning.

• Mix ratio guidance: start with about 2 parts paint to 1 part Medium W, then add water as needed.
• Forms a stable water-accepting emulsion with oil and resin-oil colours.
• Enables water cleanup of brushes and palettes instead of solvents.

Will Medium W change the finish and drying of my oils?

Yes — Medium W increases surface gloss and transparency while helping to harmonize the drying times across layers. It moderates the paint film so thin glazes remain clear and glossy and prevents overly rapid skinning that can occur with some thinning methods.

• Enhances gloss for richer-looking glazes and layers.
• Improves transparency for glazing and layering techniques.
• Helps even out drying behavior between layers when used consistently.

How should I use Medium W in my studio workflow?

Shake the can before use, then blend with oil or resin-oil colours on your palette. A typical starting mix is two parts paint to one part Medium W; add small amounts of water to reach the desired working consistency, and adjust Medium W if more binding or gloss is needed.

• Shake well before opening to ensure an even emulsion.
• Begin with 2:1 (paint:medium) and dilute with water gradually.
• Increase Medium W to boost gloss or add more water for flow without solvents.

Is it safe to clean brushes and tools with water when I use Medium W?

Yes — one of the practical benefits of Medium W is that painting tools can be rinsed in water rather than solvent after use. While the medium is odourless and water-compatible, thorough cleaning with water and detergent is recommended to remove residual oily material from brushes.

• Rinse brushes in water first, then use mild soap to remove remaining oils.
• For best brush care, reshape bristles and let dry upright after washing.
• Dispose of rinse water responsibly per local guidelines for oily residues.

Who this product is for: Schmincke Medium W suits oil painters who want the handling and finish of traditional oils but prefer low-odour workspaces, easier tool cleanup, and enhanced gloss and transparency. It's ideal for studio artists exploring glazing, controlled drying behavior, and safer solvent-free routines — particularly those working in shared spaces, teaching environments, or homes where ventilation and solvent use are restricted.