If you’re an oil painter, you may have encountered a small pool of oil forming around your paint when you squeeze it from the tube. This phenomenon is known as oil shed, and while it might seem concerning at first, it’s actually a normal occurrence with certain paints. In this post, we’ll dive into what oil shed is, why it happens, and how to prevent or handle it.

What Is Oil Shed?

Oil shed happens when the oil in oil paint separates slightly from the pigment and settles either on the surface of the paint or in the container. This separation doesn’t mean the paint has gone bad. In fact, it’s usually a sign that the paint is in good condition and free of unnecessary fillers.

Why Does It Happen?
Oil shed occurs when the pigment, which gives the paint its color, settles over time. The oil, which binds the pigment together, rises to the top. Some pigments, especially leaner ones, tend to release oil more readily than fatter pigments. For example, you might notice oil shed in paints like Flake White, which is a lean pigment, more often than in richer, “fat” pigments.

You may also notice that higher-quality, professional-grade paints are more likely to experience oil shed than cheaper, student-grade paints. This is because professional paints contain fewer fillers, allowing the natural separation process to occur. In contrast, student-grade paints often include additives like alumina stearate, which can blot up excess oil and prevent oil shed from occurring. Unfortunately, these fillers can leave the paint feeling dry and waxy straight out of the tube, lacking the rich, creamy texture that artists seek in professional-grade paints.

How to Handle Oil Shed

Though oil shed is perfectly normal, it can be a little frustrating to deal with when you’re working on a piece. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Mix It Back In:
   The simplest solution is to mix the oil back into the paint. Use your palette knife to gently blend the oil and pigment back together. This will restore the original consistency of the paint and ensure that the pigment and binder are evenly distributed.
2. Blot It Off:
   If there’s too much oil for your liking, you can gently blot off the excess oil with a paper towel. Be careful not to remove too much, as the oil is essential for binding the pigment and creating a smooth application.
3. Stir Before Use:
   For paints that tend to shed oil frequently, you can pre-mix the paint in the tube by stirring it with a palette knife before squeezing it out. This can help to recombine the oil and pigment before they separate further.

How to Prevent Oil Shed

While oil shed is a natural part of working with professional-grade oil paints, there are a few things you can do to minimize its occurrence:

1. Store Paint Tubes Properly:
   To help keep the pigment and oil evenly distributed, store your paint tubes horizontally and rotate them occasionally. This can reduce the likelihood of the pigment settling too much in one spot.
2. Use Fresh Paint Often:
   Oil shed is more likely to happen if the paint has been sitting unused for a while. If you regularly use and rotate your paints, you may see less oil separation over time.
3. Monitor Leaner Pigments:
   Since leaner pigments like Flake White are more prone to oil shed, keep an eye on these paints and stir them occasionally, even when not in use. This can help keep the oil and pigment well mixed.

In conclusion

Oil shed is a common occurrence with high-quality oil paints and isn’t something to worry about. In fact, it’s often a sign that you’re using paints free of fillers and additives that can compromise the integrity of your artwork. By knowing how to handle and prevent oil shed, you can keep your paints in top condition and maintain the rich texture that makes oil painting so rewarding.

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