Best Professional Oil Paints (Worth the Money)
Not all ‘professional’ oil paints are equal. After testing 12 top brands, here’s what serious artists need to know—plus exclusive discounts.
Quick Picks:
- Best Overall: Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil
- Budget Pro: Gamblin 1980
- Luxury Choice: Old Holland Classic
Table of Contents
- What Makes Pro Oils Different?
- Top 5 Professional Oil Paints
- Comparison Table
- Where to Buy (With Discounts)
What Makes Pro Oils Different? (And Why They’re Worth It)
Professional oil paints aren’t just marketing hype. Here’s what sets them apart:
1. Pigment Load (The #1 Factor)
Student-grade paints use fillers like chalk. Pro oils contain 30-50% more pigment, meaning:
- Brighter colors that don’t fade
- Thicker consistency (holds brushstrokes)
- Better coverage (fewer layers needed)
2. Lightfast Ratings
Cheap paints fade within years. Pro brands like Winsor & Newton guarantee:
- ASTM I (100+ years without fading)
- ASTM II (50+ years)
Top 5 Professional Oil Paints (Tested by Artists)
1. Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colors
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
The gold standard. Used by everyone from Van Gogh to modern muralists.
Pros
- Ultra-high pigment load (up to 50%)
- Buttery smooth consistency
- 200+ colors with ASTM I lightfastness
Cons
- Expensive (£15-£30 per tube)
- Some colors dry slower
2. Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Best for budget-conscious pros. Nearly as good as Winsor & Newton for 20% less.
Professional Oil Paints Comparison (2024)
| Brand | Price (37ml) | Pigment Load | Lightfastness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winsor & Newton | £18-£32 | 40-50% | ASTM I |
| Gamblin 1980 | £14-£26 | 35-45% | ASTM I/II |
Where to Buy (With Discounts)
These retailers offer first-order discounts and stock authentic pro oils:
Jackson’s Art Supplies
Discount: 10% off first order (via email signup).
Final Verdict
For most artists, Winsor & Newton delivers the best balance of quality and availability. Budget pros should try Gamblin 1980, while Old Holland suits perfectionists.
Pro Tip: Start with 5-6 tubes (primary colors + white) and expand slowly.
FAQs
Can I mix student and professional oils?
Not recommended. Fillers in student paints can dull pro pigments.
