Composition of Paint

©1998 Nita Leland

For quick reference, here's a simple chart, describing most of the major art media, that might
help you determine which can be combined in mixed media artwork. Generally speaking, all
water media can be combined in various ways. All oil-based media are also generally
compatible. Oils can be applied on top of water-based washes, but you cannot apply acrylics on
top of oils or any waxy surface. This chart is from Exploring Color Revised.

See also my paint FAQ.

Medium Binder Diluent/Solvent Characteristics

acrylic acrylic polymer water/denatured fast drying (dries

emulsion alcohol (limited use) darker); opaque or
transparent

alkyd oil modified oil medium/pure gum similar to oils, but fast
alkyd resin turpentine, mineral drying; compatible with
spirits oils; opaque

casein milk solids water fast drying; opaque;

matte

colored pencil wax, gum mineral spirits, colorless applied in layers; waxy;
marker buff for shine

gouache natural gum water fast drying; opaque,

matte

gouache acrylic water same as gouache; dries

(acrylic) water resistant

ink gum, shellac or water/denatured alcohol fast drying; transparent,

(pigmented) acrylic emulsion brilliant color; use
lightfast only

oil or oil sticks natural oils oil medium/ pure gum slow drying; opaque
(linseed, poppy, turpentine, mineral
safflower) spirits
oils (water modified linseed pure gum turpentine, slow drying; loses water
miscible) oil mineral spirits/ water for miscibility if too much oil
cleanup is used

pastel weak gum only for water soluble brilliant pure color;
solution soft pastel opaque; soft or hard

pastel (oil) natural oils and pure gum turpentine, opaque pastel effect with
wax mineral spirits no dust

tempera egg yolk water fast drying; opaque;

translucent layers

watercolor natural gum water fast drying (dries lighter);

transparent; matte

watercolor water soluble water mostly transparent;

pencils or gum wettable for wash effects
sticks