Mediums for oil painting are vast and fascinating. Initially, a beginner may be intimidated by the number of different products but with similar denominations and no longer understand what is right for him. But don’t be discouraged! Indeed, with a lot of patience, it is necessary to study and understand the differences between the various mediums. As you know, mediums are, in fact, a great ally of the painter. They enhance the characteristics of the color, allowing, for example, to increase the fluidity of consistency or improve its brightness. Today, we will talk about a very particular family of mediums that I am sure you have already heard of, Liquin Winsor & Newton. What is Liquin? Why is he so famous? Let’s find out together!
What are Liquin: alkyd mediums and characteristics?
Liquin Winsor & Newton is an alkyd resin used for oil painting and drawing ideas easy. It improves fluidity and transparency and is a fast-drying medium. The latter is probably the key feature, which has determined its success over the years among artists worldwide. Liquin guarantees stability and quality over time. In short, it is a medium you can trust. Thanks to the chemists of Windsor & Newton’s work, you have a very high-performance product, which will bring stability to your works over time.
The products of the Liquin family
The generic term Liquin usually refers to what is now called Liquin Original. However, other products are included in the Liquin family, which can use with all oil colors produced by Windsor & Newton and other brands.
- Liquin Original
- Liquin for details – Liquin Fine Details
- Liquin Gel Leggero – Liquin Light Gel
- Liquin Dough
Liquin drying is transparent, and although Winsor & Newton confirms this characteristic, some users complain, in the long run, of yellowing in the areas on which it has been applied, especially on whites. How can you imagine the result that can obtain with Liquin Original? Winsor & Newton advises us to think of the paintings by Manet or Renoir, to get an idea of ​​the oil technique achievable with this product.
Liquid Gel Light
Also called “Wingel perfected,” precisely because it was introduced to replace the famous Winkel. The appearance is just that of a gel, therefore more viscous than Liquin Original or Fine Detail, but it thins with the brushstroke. Perfect for glazing, it allows you to obtain a result without smudging and dripping when applying the color. When drying is complete, it forms a glossy film, resistant to yellowing. As suggested by Winsor & Newton, the Light Liquin Gel offers a freer result, as in the works of Rubens or Gainsborough.
Liquin Dough
It is also called “Perfected Oleopasto” because it was thought of as an evolution of the historic Oleopasto, although it differs from the original product. Liquin Impasto increases the density of the oil color while reducing the drying time, like the other products of the same family.
The differences between the various Liquin products
So let’s do a small summary of the characteristics and differences between these four products. Let’s start with the format: Liquin Original, Liquin Fine Details, and Liquin Gel Light are available in bottles of 75ml, 250ml, and 500ml. In addition, the Liquin Original also exists in the 1-liter version. Liquin Impasto is available in 60ml and 200ml versions.
All products accelerate color drying, generally halving the total drying time. Of all the Liquin Fine Details is the one that allows you to obtain the fastest drying times. All products allow you to control the fluidity of color but in two different ways. Liquin Original, Liquin Fine Details, and Liquin Gel Light improve it by reducing the consistency of the oil paint. Liquin Impasto, on the other hand, thickens the color, making it easier to use with spatulas. The Liquin Original, Liquin Fine Details, and Liquin Gel Light increase the transparency of the color, and the Fine Details and Gel Light also increase the brightness. Liquin Impasto makes the result translucent and therefore allows to obtain the opposite effect.
Conclusions: have you ever used Liquin?
In this article, we have seen a general introduction to these products. I have tried to highlight the differences and the fundamental characteristics to help you in your choice. As you have seen, each of these four products is suitable for a specific use case, and you can find the one that suits you according to your needs and your painting style. Let me know what you believe in the remarks! Do you already use Liquin? How are you? I am curious to know more!
