What is linseed oil and why is it used in oil painting?

Oil on canvas no linseed oil was used. Picture created by the author.

Linseed oil is a substance that is made from the seeds of the flax plant. The seeds have to be ripe and dry then the oil can be extracted.

Linseed oil was originally used as a binder for painters that created their paints. It is used for creating paints, for mixing them. It could help when you’re painting in layers for drying paint colors.

Linseed oil speeds up or slows down the paint drying time. It could reduce the visibility of brush strokes. It could be used as a. primer for highly absorbent surfaces with cold-pressed linseed oil before applying paint. Like painting wood. You may want to prime a couple of coats of linseed oil on it. Refined linseed oil slows the drying time of the paint.

Cold Press Linseed Oil is a high-quality oil that is often used when grinding pigments to create oil paint. It dries slower than refined linseed oil. This one has a shiny and hard finish.

Liquin Medium speeds up drying time, which quickens the drying time of your painting. It does not change your colors and it gives a shiny finish. It is thicker and could hold more brush marks in a painting.