How to Choose Oil Paints: A Practical Guide

How should you choose oil paints so that the set suits your creative vision and working habits? The short answer is to first determine what you will paint, the size of the artworks you will work on, and which colors you will need. Then compare the contents, tube sizes, properties stated on the label, and the need for additional supplies.

For a beginner, a manageable set of basic colors can be a practical starting point, while regular painting requires sufficient quantities of frequently used colors. A broader palette is not always the better choice: what matters is that you will actually use the colors and can mix them to achieve the desired tones.

How to Choose Oil Paints: Key Criteria

Before making a choice, ask yourself several specific questions. The answers will quickly eliminate options that look appealing but do not suit your workflow.

• Experience: Are you trying oil paints for the first time, or do you already have an established palette?
• Subject: Are you planning a portrait, landscape, still life, or abstract work?
• Format: Will you work on small studies or relatively large surfaces?
• Frequency: Are you choosing paint for a one-time project or regular use?
• Supplies: Do you already have brushes and other necessary items, or would you prefer a complete set?

Next, check the exact list of colors in each set. Do not rely only on the colors shown on the front of the packaging. If a complete list is provided on the product page or label, compare it with your planned palette. Pay particular attention to neutral, light, and dark colors, because a composition’s tonal range cannot be created with bright colors alone.

Number of Colors and Palette Planning

A small set can be a good choice for learning color mixing and simplifying your workflow. A large set gives you more ready-made tones, but it is useful only when you know that you intend to use those colors. Base your choice on the contents of the set rather than the number alone.

Write down the colors required for one artwork in advance and note which tones you can create by mixing. If you often paint nature, portraits, or compositions with a limited color range, the palettes you need will differ. This short list will show whether the set mainly contains genuinely useful colors or tones you will rarely need.

Also check how each color is described on the label. If transparency, covering properties, lightfastness, or instructions for use are specified, compare them with the same types of information. A color name or visual sample from different manufacturers does not automatically mean an identical result, so your final assessment should be based on the packaging and official description.

Tube Size, Surface, and Intended Use

Choose tube size according to the dimensions of your artwork and how often you paint. Smaller quantities are convenient for becoming familiar with colors and completing limited-scale studies. If you work on large surfaces or frequently use the same color, remember that the colors in a set will not be used up at the same rate.

When comparing sets, consider not only the number of colors but also their overall practical value: does the set contain your essential tones, is the quantity suitable for your planned projects, and does it include an accessory you need? For example, an included brush is useful if you do not yet have a suitable one; if your workspace is already fully equipped, it is not an essential advantage.

Using oil paints also requires careful consideration of the working surface. Before purchasing, confirm that your chosen canvas, panel, or other support is intended for your planned technique and, where necessary, has been properly prepared. When working with paint, solvent, medium, and cleaning products, follow the instructions on their labels and arrange your workspace under suitable conditions.

How to Compare Options Step by Step

First, open the oil paints collection and select several candidates. Evaluate all of them using the same criteria so that your decision is not based only on the packaging, brand, or number of colors.

• Write down your planned subjects and the approximate format of your artworks.
• Separate essential colors from optional additional tones.
• Compare the number of colors in each set and the size of each tube.
• Check whether the set includes an accessory you genuinely need.
• Read the product description, packaging symbols, and instructions for use.
• Finally, compare prices based not only on the sets themselves, but also on the useful colors and quantities they provide.

Two different formats available for comparison are the 12-color oil paint set and the 10×20 ml oil paint set with brush. According to their names, the first contains 12 colors, while the second specifies ten 20 ml tubes and a brush. When choosing, decide whether an additional color, the stated quantity, or the inclusion of a brush is more important to you.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Oil Paints

Focusing only on the number of colors is one of the most common mistakes. A set may contain many colors but still lack several essential tones. Another mistake is overlooking tube size: sets with the same number of colors may differ in how long they last and the situations for which they are suitable.

You should also avoid treating a color’s appearance on a screen as the final result. Screen settings, lighting, the surface, and the paint application method all affect perception. Use the product image as a reference, but rely on the description and label for technical characteristics.

Another mistake is forgetting the cost of the complete workflow. In addition to paint, you may need a suitable surface, brushes, a palette, and auxiliary materials compatible with the manufacturer’s instructions. Preparing a list in advance will help you avoid buying only the paint set and then discovering that an essential item is missing when you begin working.

Practical Recommendations Before Use

After opening a new set, create a small color test card on the same type of surface you plan to use. Label the colors and try a few simple mixtures. This will give you a better view of the palette’s possibilities and help you decide which colors to use before starting the artwork.

Close and store the tubes after every use according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When arranging your workspace, keep clean and used brushes separate, and follow the specific product label for cleaning and waste management. If any part of the instructions is unclear, check it before use, and do not mix unfamiliar materials without careful consideration.

Conclusion: Start with Your Project

The best choice is not the largest set, but a palette suited to your purpose. Define the subject, format, and frequency of use; check the colors, quantities, label, and accessories; then compare only the options that meet these requirements. This approach will lead to a practical decision rather than one based solely on the impression created by the packaging or number of colors.