When painting with the best oil paints, you gain the flexibility to modify your work for days since oil paint takes longer to dry than other types of paint. This ability to alter your piece is one reason why oil paint is preferred by many artists. However, while this is a great advantage, the slow drying time can be frustrating, especially if you need to transport your work quickly.

You know the idiom, "like watching paint dry"? It's probably referring to oil paint.

With watercolors or acrylics, the paint dries through evaporation. The water in the paint evaporates, and the paint hardens. This process doesn't occur with oil paint because it contains no water to evaporate.

Instead, oil paint dries through oxidation, which is a much slower process. For example, when you cut an avocado in half, the flesh turns brown due to oxidation. While your artwork won't turn brown, oxidation will cause the paint to harden very slowly.

Here's the good news: there are ways to speed up the drying process using various techniques and products. It's important to note that "faster drying" refers to the paint being "touch dry," as oil paint can take months to fully dry.

Drying Mediums

Drying mediums can accelerate the drying process for oil paints, but it's essential to choose the right one for your piece. Be cautious when using them, as some can be harmful. Liquin is a popular medium, and only a small amount is needed to mix in for quicker drying.

Thin Layers

Instead of applying thick brush strokes, use thin washes or layers. Working in layers reduces drying time. The "thick over thin" rule is crucial here, as the thin layers will dry first.

Nature At Work

Once your artwork is complete, place it in a well-ventilated room with a fan or open windows. A helpful tip is to position the back of the artwork toward the window to avoid direct sunlight overheating your piece. Adding a humidifier to the room can also help remove unwanted moisture from the air.

Be cautious: ensure the room is free of dust or particles that could stick to your drying artwork. You wouldn't want to find random particles attached to your piece the next morning.

Flat Surfaces

Painting on a flat surface ensures the oil paint is evenly spread, unlike textured surfaces where the paint may dry unevenly.

Use An Acrylic Paint Background

While you may prefer oil paints for your work, you can use quick-drying acrylic paint for the background and then apply oil paint over it.

Colors

Certain colors dry faster than others. Colors in the red/orange spectrum tend to dry very slowly. Choose colors for your artwork that you know will dry more quickly.

Some unconventional methods people use to speed up drying include using a blow dryer, placing artwork in an oven, or spraying it with hairspray. While adventurous, these approaches are not recommended in the oil painting world.

If you want your painting to dry overnight, stick with the techniques mentioned above. This thread on wetcanvas.com provides insights from users on quick-dry techniques for oil painting.

Remember: oil paint takes months to fully dry. Even if the paint is "touch dry," it isn't entirely dry, so handle your artwork with care!