Winsor & Newton Liquin Original Medium 2.5 L - Speeds Drying for Oil

In this review of the Liquin Original Medium 2.5 litre can, the bottom line is simple: painters who want a reliable way to speed oil paint drying without losing smooth flow will appreciate this product. Our review finds it best suited to studio work where faster tack-free times are needed for layering and glazing. The medium halves conventional oil drying time and improves brush handling, making it a practical addition to a painter's toolkit rather than a final varnish or finishing coat.

Key Features

• Speeds drying: Cuts conventional oil color drying time roughly in half so paintings become touch dry in as little as 1 to 6 days depending on pigment and film thickness.
• Semi gloss finish: Provides a consistent semi gloss surface that improves paint appearance without producing a high gloss patent varnish look.
• Improves flow: Reduces brush stroke retention and smooths out paint application for cleaner transitions and glazes.
• Resists yellowing: Formulated to resist yellowing compared with untreated oils, helping colors stay truer over time.
• Not a varnish: Intended as a working medium to modify paint handling and drying, and should not be used as a final protective coat.

Who It's For

Winsor & Newton Liquin Original is aimed at oil painters who need faster recoat times for layering, glazing, or refining details. It is particularly useful for students, plein air painters, and studio artists working in multiple sessions who want to reduce waiting time between layers.

Artists who require a final protective finish or those who prefer solvent-only thinning should look elsewhere, since this medium is not suitable as a varnish or final coat and is formulated primarily as a drying and flow-improving additive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Speeds drying significantly, enabling faster layering and glazing workflows.
• Improves paint flow and reduces brush stroke retention for smoother surfaces.
• Resists yellowing, helping preserve color fidelity over time.
• Good value in a large 2.5 litre can for regular studio use.

Cons

• Not suitable as a varnish or final protective coat, so a separate varnish is needed for finished works.
• Some users note a noticeable smell, so adequate ventilation is recommended during use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Liquin Original is a dependable, studio-focused medium that delivers on its promise to speed drying and improve blendability without excessive yellowing. It is good value for artists who layer and glaze often, though it should be paired with a separate varnish for final protection and used with ventilation due to its odor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Liquin Original as a varnish?
No. This product is not suitable as a varnish or final coat and should only be used as a working medium to modify paint handling and drying.

How fast does it dry?
Drying varies by pigment and film thickness, but touch dry times are typically between 1 and 6 days, effectively reducing conventional oil drying times.

Is the smell strong?
Some users report a noticeable smell during application; use in a well ventilated area to minimize odor exposure.