6 Types of White Oil Paint You Should Know About

By Nicole Tinkham

All white paint is the same, right? You’ll be surprised to learn that there are actually several different types of white paint, each with unique qualities. This gives you yet ANOTHER decision to make when purchasing art supplies but as always, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll focus on 6 types of white oil paint and how you can use them.

1. Titanium White

This white has pigments which are carried in safflower oil, giving it a slow-drying quality. You’ll find that Titanium White is quite popular and inexpensive. It’s a pure white that plays well with others, or rather mixes well with other colors.

2. Underpainting White

While Underpainting and Titanium White are similar, there is one MAJOR difference. Underpainting White is made using alkyd resin or linseed oil which makes this paint dry much quicker than Titanium White. Underpainting White tends to be stable even when thickly applied.

3. Foundation White

This paint is often used as the foundation of a painting (hence the name) and is ideal for priming. It’s made with lead pigment and is ground in linseed oil. Since it only contains a small amount of oil, it tends to be very dry. Use Foundation White for areas that need a lot of coverage. Note: This is a toxic paint.

4. Flake White

This lead-based white has many great properties. It’s opaque, flexible, quick-drying, and accelerates the dry time for colors it’s mixed with. Note: This is a toxic paint.

5. Zinc White

This particular white is ideal for glazing with its thin and semi-opaque properties.

6. Cremnitz White

This is a lead-based paint that has a stiff, stringy consistency. Note: This is a toxic paint.

After all that, you may choose to stick with Titanium White which is perfectly fine. However, it doesn’t hurt to know your options especially when you’re working on something specific. Next time you’re priming a canvas, try a Foundation White or if you need a glaze, use Zinc White. If you need help finding a white paint on this list stop by to see us, give us a call (941-747-2995), or leave a comment below. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more product info, tips, techniques, and inspiration!