Will Oil Paint Dry on Wood?

Before canvas makers came around, artists used woods and other prepared surfaces for their oil painting mediums. Although canvases are more popular and the most preferred, they can never match the strength and durability of wood.

However, like any other surface, you need to select the right kind and follow the right preparatory steps. Unlike acrylic paint, oil painting on wood is a tricky business and often leaves us wondering about questions like will oil paint dry on wood and how long would it take.

If you have these questions about oil paint drying time on wood, hopefully, reading this article can clear out any doubts that you might have wether Will Oil Paint Dry on Wood?

Can You Oil Paint on Wood?

Applying oil paint on wood may seem easy, but it is not. The drying time of oil mixed paint is different than what you would see on fabric or cotton canvas. You will notice that the oil paint dries faster and then appears thinner.

However, unless the wood surface is dry and prepped, it will warp over time. This would ruin your masterpiece, making it slightly tacky no matter the quality of oil paint you use. Since water evaporates fast from wood, the oxidation process for the different pigments quickens to get a fast drying result.

Here are a few types of woods that are commonly recommended for oil mediums: 

Baltic Birch and Maple Wood Plywood

Using Baltic birchwood wood panels for oil painting is quite convenient. It is easy to cut them into different pieces for your crafts and then handle them as they do not get poked easily. Birchwood is fairly porous but very solid, so every brush stroke is quite smooth and consistent.

Similarly, a lot of painters prefer maple plywood because of how strong and sturdy they are. They are also pretty easy to find and are very affordable. 

Plywood is a poor choice weight-wise, except for smaller paintings. You would need to use considerable strength to handle and cut larger pieces. This can also extensively raise the shipping charges if you plan on commissioning or selling your artwork.

There are also different qualities of Baltic birch wood, which contains varying amounts of resins. Poor quality woods are less water-resistant and, thus, more prone to cupping and warping. Some birchwood can also crack along the veneer, so make sure to look for sturdy ones.

Most artists, in general, are skeptical of using plywoods for oil painting. This is because they can be susceptible to rot and decay as well as insect attacks. And they also respond a lot to the changes in relative humidity. 

Solid Wood Panel

Plain-sawn raw wood that is stable or has a low t/R ratio is also excellent for oil paintings. They are radically cut, which prevents most warping. Besides, most wood pieces are dried in kilns, with a faster drying time. So, you do not have to wait for the pieces to age to use them, although any fine artist might vote against it.

Kiln drying is more accurate and precise. And if done incorrectly, the faults can be noticed right away, so you do not have to worry about it warping or cracking later.

The process also kills all the bacteria, fungi, and insects, so it will be resistant to most rotting. Not to mention, the woods have a lower moisture content – making them perfect for being displayed indoors.

Mahogany 

Instead of hybrid ones, opt for genuine mahogany. They have a unique interlocking growth ring structure which makes them resistant to most warping. They are also protected against rots and termites with a relatively low t/R ratio.

Mariana by Millais, the portrait of Nicolaes Ruts, and a few other famous paintings are done on mahogany, and they are still in fantastic condition. 

MDF

A newer version of MDF wood is made with inert, formaldehyde-free urethane resins that are perfect for use. They remain unaffected by rainy days, which usually break down most big box store MDF in a jiffy.

Some are made with natural fibers, and these panels are highly resistant to moisture which makes them suitable for exterior use. It is not the least bit impacted by standing water and direct sunlight.

Clay Board

Clay boards have high absorbent properties, which cause oil paints to dry out faster. The paints tend to dry matte, so it creates a very good base layer for underpainting. But if you want something glossier, you will need to decrease the absorbency by priming first.

Apply a generous coating of the drying oil (linseed oil, walnut oil, poppy oil, safflower oil, etc.) and the solvent (mineral spirits) in an equal ratio. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to be completely dry before applying the first paint film.

Gessoboard

Gessoboards are designed and prepared for artistic use, so they come primed and prepared from before. You can start painting right away, but first, you would need to apply a thin coat of odorless solvent. It gives you more control over the oil content, and you can then gradually add more oil when needed.

Gessoboards are also made to prevent creasing, peeling, or cracking.

How to Prepare the Wooden Surfaces for Oil Paints?

Before you start the paint application, you would need to apply a primer and sealant layer on both sides of the material. This helps to protect the layer of paint and the wood by decreasing the absorbency of the wood. So, you can use less paint and have a smooth finish with even and more natural strokes.

Sealers

This will be the foundation layer for your paint. And while many artists usually prime only one side, it is better to cover both sides. Start with two coats of sealant first. You can try out water or oil-based sealants to test out their drying time.

The former is fast drying and does not contain toxic odors but requires many recoats. On the other hand, the latter must be applied in a well-ventilated place, and they dry slower.

You can use linseed oil and tung oil if you are looking for inexpensive, penetrating sealers. Do not forget to clean the surface with a damp cloth first.

Primers

Primers for woods are mostly of three types: oil-based, latex-based, and Shellac wood primers. Any of these primer coats will be compatible with oil paints, latex paint, or even water-based paint.

Oil-based primers are the best for stopping tannins from seeping through and preventing cracking, peeling, blistering. They can be very versatile and used for both oil paints and latex paints.

But Oil-based primers can be very messy since it requires harsh cleaners such as paint thinner for cleaning. They can be very toxic and have a longer drying time too.

Shellac wood primers are also excellent for priming wood as they protect the wood from tannins, rot, rust, and stains. It also dries quickly and creates strong adhesive bonds for subsequent layers and gets the best final layer.

Final Words

By following the quick and basic steps, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. It will also save you the heartbreak of a ruined painting that you put so much time and effort into.

The drying time of oil based paint on the wooden surface is different than what you have normally experienced for acrylic paints. Oil medium, generally, is slow drying, but the absorbency of the wooden surface can speed up the drying process.

You need to start by choosing the right quality of wood and follow the preparation steps. Once you have done that, then it is all about picking the right oil colors, paint mixtures, and paint brushes to get the best finish.