<P> Oil paint is a type of slow - drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil , commonly linseed oil . The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit , and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film . Oil paints have been used in Europe since the 12th century for simple decoration , but were not widely adopted as an artistic medium until the early 15th century . Common modern applications of oil paint are in finishing and protection of wood in buildings and exposed metal structures such as ships and bridges . Its hard - wearing properties and luminous colors make it desirable for both interior and exterior use on wood and metal . Due to its slow - drying properties , it has recently been used in paint - on - glass animation . Thickness of coat has considerable bearing on time required for drying : thin coats of oil paint dry relatively quickly . </P>
<P> Oil paint is a type of slow - drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil , commonly linseed oil . The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit , and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried oil paint film . Oil paints have been used in Europe since the 12th century for simple decoration , but were not widely adopted as an artistic medium until the early 15th century . Common modern applications of oil paint are in finishing and protection of wood in buildings and exposed metal structures such as ships and bridges . Its hard - wearing properties and luminous colors make it desirable for both interior and exterior use on wood and metal . Due to its slow - drying properties , it has recently been used in paint - on - glass animation . Thickness of coat has considerable bearing on time required for drying : thin coats of oil paint dry relatively quickly . </P>
the most common medium for oil paint is
the most common medium for oil paint is
linseed oil
linseed oil