What is water soluble oil made from?

Water soluble oil, specifically referring to water-mixable oil paints, is primarily made from dry pigments, an oil binder (typically Modified Linseed or Modified Safflower Oil), and an additive that functions as an emulsifier.

These unique oil paints offer artists the convenience of working with oil-based colors that can be thinned, mixed, and cleaned up with water, eliminating the need for traditional solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits. This water solubility is achieved through specific modifications to the oil binder and the inclusion of the emulsifying agent during the manufacturing process.

Understanding the Key Components of Water Soluble Oil

The ability of water soluble oils to mix with water stems from their carefully selected ingredients, which allow the oil and water to combine harmoniously.

1. Dry Pigments (Colour)

• Role: These are the fundamental components that provide the paint with its color.
• Characteristics: Dry pigments are finely ground solid particles that, when mixed with a binder, form the colored paste we know as paint. They are responsible for the lightfastness and hue of the finished artwork.

2. Oil Binder

• Role: The oil binder acts as the vehicle that carries the pigments and binds them together to form a stable paint film when dry. It also contributes to the paint's consistency and drying time.
• Specifics: In water soluble oils, the binder is typically a Modified Linseed Oil or Modified Safflower Oil. These oils are chemically altered in a way that allows them to mix with water, unlike traditional linseed or safflower oils. This modification is crucial for the paint's water-mixable property.

3. Emulsifier Additive

• Role: This is the critical ingredient that makes water and oil, naturally immiscible substances, able to blend. The emulsifier helps disperse the oil droplets throughout the water, creating a stable emulsion.
• Function: It acts similarly to how soap breaks down grease, allowing oil paint to be diluted and cleaned with water. This additive is incorporated during the paint's manufacturing process.

How Water Solubility is Achieved

The combination of the modified oil binder and the emulsifier is what defines water soluble oil paints. Traditional oil paints are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. By modifying the oil molecules and adding an emulsifier, the paint gains hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties, allowing it to form a stable emulsion with water. This means artists can thin their paints, clean their brushes, and even wash their palette with just water, making the painting process more accessible and less reliant on harsh chemical solvents.

Breakdown of Components