In the world of oil painting, solvents play a crucial role in thinning paint, modifying drying times, and cleaning brushes. Among the many options available, distilled turpentine stands out as a long-respected classic. Whether you’re an experienced oil painter or just starting, understanding what distilled turpentine is—and how to use it properly—can elevate your studio practice. In this blog, we’ll explore Winsor & Newton Distilled Turpentine, its pros and cons, and how it fits into an artist’s toolkit.
🌲 What is Distilled Turpentine?
Distilled turpentine is a volatile solvent distilled from the resin of pine trees. It has been used for centuries as a natural thinner and cleaner in oil painting. Not to be confused with “turps” or “turpentine substitute,” distilled turpentine is a purer, more refined form of the solvent with fewer impurities.
🎨 Winsor & Newton Distilled Turpentine: Overview
Winsor & Newton, a well-established name in artist supplies, offers one of the most reputable forms of distilled turpentine on the market. Their version is highly refined, with a clean evaporation and minimal residue, making it a popular choice among professional artists.
Key Features:
- High-grade distilled turpentine.
- Compatible with Winsor & Newton oil colours and mediums.
- Fast-evaporating, which speeds up drying time.
- Available in various bottle sizes (75ml to 500ml+).
✅ Pros of Using Distilled Turpentine
- Excellent Solvency Power
- Cuts through thick oil paints easily and quickly.
- Ideal for the underpainting or first lean layers in the “fat over lean” oil painting technique.
- Traditional, Natural Product
- Derived from tree resin—not petroleum.
- Favoured by artists seeking traditional or non-synthetic materials.
- Fast Evaporation
- Speeds up drying time of oil paint, which can be advantageous in early layers.
- Great for Cleaning
- Effectively cleans brushes, palettes, and tools of oil residue.
- Good for Varnish Removal
- Powerful enough to dissolve aged varnishes for conservation or repainting.
⚠️ Cons to Be Aware Of
- Strong Odor & Fumes
- The piney, chemical smell can be overpowering in enclosed spaces.
- Ventilation is a must. Consider wearing a respirator mask for prolonged use.
- Toxicity
- Can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin over time.
- Prolonged exposure may lead to headaches, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
- Flammable
- Highly flammable; store away from heat sources or open flames.
- Not Eco-Friendly
- While it is natural, its production and use still pose environmental and health hazards if not handled properly.
🖌️ Best Uses in Art Practice
Distilled turpentine is best used in the initial stages of an oil painting, where thin, quick-drying washes (also known as grisaille or underpainting) are required. Its ability to thin oil paint without leaving an oily residue allows for crisp lines and smooth layering.
Ideal For:
- Thinning paint for initial layers.
- Creating expressive washes or glazes.
- Cleaning brushes between colours.
- Dissolving damar resin to make traditional varnishes and mediums.
🆚 Distilled Turpentine vs. Odourless Mineral Spirits (OMS)
Many modern artists opt for Odourless Mineral Spirits (like Zest-It) as a less aggressive alternative. However, for artists who value traditional techniques, turpentine offers a level of reactivity and compatibility with traditional resins that OMS cannot match.
When to Choose Turpentine:
- You're working with traditional damar varnishes or mediums.
- You prefer a natural product derived from tree resin.
- You want faster drying and stronger solvency.
👨🎨 Why Many Artists Still Prefer Winsor & Newton Distilled Turpentine
Winsor & Newton’s formula has stood the test of time, and many artists trust it for its purity, consistency, and compatibility with professional-grade materials. It integrates seamlessly with the Winsor & Newton product ecosystem—from oils to mediums to varnishes—making it a dependable choice for both traditional and modern techniques.
🧼 Safety Tips for Using Distilled Turpentine
- Always use in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear gloves and, if needed, a respirator mask.
- Store in a sealed, labelled container, away from heat or flame.
- Dispose of soaked rags properly to prevent spontaneous combustion.
- Never pour it down the sink—check local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Distilled turpentine remains a staple in the world of oil painting, especially for those who admire the techniques of Old Masters or are seeking the highest degree of compatibility with traditional materials. While it does come with health and safety considerations, when used properly, it offers control, versatility, and a beautiful finish to any oil painting project.
If you're considering adding distilled turpentine to your studio, Winsor & Newton’s Distilled Turpentine is a top-tier choice—reliable, refined, and rooted in centuries of artistic tradition.
🎨 Have you used Winsor & Newton Distilled Turpentine in your painting practice? Share your experience in the comments below!