Whether you are a seasoned painter or are just starting, chances are you will have heard of Gamsol. However, as with many art products, It can be confusing to know when to use it and what purpose it serves. With some research and a better understanding of the product, you will be well on your way to using it all the time.
Gamsol is a paint solvent that has various uses when using it with oil paint. You can thin out your oils, modify your painting mediums and even clean your brushes. Gamsol is particularly popular because it is odorless, making it less harmful to your lungs than other solvents.
Gamsol 
is versatile, and its uses extend beyond just a solvent—it can even be a modifying medium in your painting process. The best part about this product is that it doesn’t emit those ghastly paint thinner fumes that can make painting uncomfortable. Read on if you want to know more about Gamsol and its use with oil paints.
- Excellent solvents for thinning mediums and for general painting - including b
- Safer for painters - paintings and the environment than turpentine and harsh m
- Size: 16 oz
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Table of Contents
How To Use Gamsol With Oil Paints (Complete Guide)
Even though artists usually use Gamsol for thinning paint, it has various other uses. Let’s have a look at them in detail.
Use It To Thin Your Oil Paint
Gamsol is an excellent agent for thinning oil paints. Oils are notorious for being thick and slow drying. Adding some odorless solvent to your oil paints will create a thinner consistency, allowing versatility in your paint effects.
With solvents like Gamsol, less is always more. Pour only a small amount into your paint at a time to get your preferred consistency. Once you have reached the desired consistency, you can go ahead and paint with ease.
However, you should note that If you combine too much Gamsol with your oil paint, you will notice a dull look to your piece when it dries. So try not to over-dilute your oils using this medium.
Use It To Clean Your Paint Brushes
As a painter, your brushes are essential equipment, and you should treat them as such. Keeping your brushes clean is of utmost importance. As you probably know, oil and water do not mix, so you will require a solvent to clean the paint.
Oil paints can be tricky to remove from brushes as well palettes. If you don’t clean your brushes thoroughly every time, you will end up with a build-up at the base of your paintbrush, damaging the bristles. Solvent mediums such as Gamsol break down oil quickly—so clean-up won’t take very long.
Whether working with a glass, wood, or plastic palette—you need to keep the surface clean. I recommend that you clean your palette after every use. Layers of unclean paint can affect how you see the colors on your palette, and old, flakey paint will compromise the texture of your new paint.
- How to clean your brushes: Pour some Gamsol into a glass, cup, or bowl and soak your brushes. Most of the oil should come off quickly. If you notice any stubborn patches of paint on your paintbrush, you can swish the brush or scrub it gently.
- How to clean your palette: First, scrape as much dry or unwanted paint as possible with a palette or knife. If left with a layer of paint still on the palette, you can apply Gamsol. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes, and wipe with a paper towel.
Use Gamsol To Modify Your Oil Paint
Adding a medium to oil paint can change its performance. Mediums can alter the thickness, transparency, and even the drying time of the paint. It is also a cost-effective way of making your oil paint go further.
Artists often start by not using modifiers, which is not encouraged in most schools. However, the more familiar you become with oil paints, the more you will look for ways to enhance them.
Artists mostly use Gamsol as a thinning agent. Still, when combined with oils such as linseed, walnut, or safflower, it forms a beautiful consistency, rich in color, that is easily spreadable.
A great thing about Gamsol is that it is reusable, so if you have any left over, you can use it again the next time you paint.
Use Gamsol To Remove Varnish From a Painting
Whether you want to make some changes to an already varnished painting or start over, you will need to remove the layer of varnish protecting the paint.
Gamsol is very effective when used to remove varnish from an oil painting. As it is a solvent, it breaks down oils quickly.
How To Remove Varnish With Gamsol:
- You will need 2x lint-free cotton cloths and a bottle of Gamsol.
- Pour some Gamsol onto the first cloth.
- Rub the painting with the fabric in a circular motion. Repeat if necessary.
- Use the second cloth to rub the artwork, also in circular motions.
How To Safely Store Gamsol
All paint solvents are toxic and release fumes that can affect our health. Gamsol is the least harmful of the lot because it is odorless, and you will not absorb it into your skin. However, when using it, you should always err on the side of caution.
To minimize the effects of Gamsol (or any other solvents), you should store them in air-tight containers. Gamsol should be stored in glass or metal jars with a sealed top to prevent fumes from escaping. You can reuse Gamsol—pour it into a separate container and mark it accordingly.
According to the University of Pennsylvania, you should store Gamsol away from heat sources as it is a flammable liquid—and store it in an appropriate container. If you use Gamsol throughout your painting time, close the lid of the container after each use.
Final Words
Gamsol is an excellent product to add to your art supplies. It is incredibly versatile—you can use it as a thinner, modifier, and cleaning agent. Gamsol is considered relatively safe, but always ensure you work in a well-ventilated area. If your art room is small and not ventilated, I recommend you move outside.