Gamblin Solvent-Free Painting Medium is a wonderful addition to an oil painter's studio because it helps improve the flow, handling, and workability of oil paints without requiring traditional paint solvents such as turpentine or mineral spirits.

Made by Gamblin Artists Colors, this medium is designed to make oil painting more fluid while preserving the rich, buttery character of the paint.

Gamblin Artists' Oil Painting Mediums Solvent-Free Fluid Oil Medium 4.2 oz | Jerry's Artarama

How it assists the artist

1. Improves paint flow: It makes oil colors easier to spread across the canvas, allowing smoother brushstrokes and more fluid application.

2. Maintains color richness: Unlike excessive thinning with solvents, it helps preserve the depth, strength, and brilliance of oil colors.

3. Reduces brush drag: It gives paint a smoother feel, making it easier to blend colors and create soft transitions.

4. Helps with glazing: When used appropriately in thin layers, it helps create transparent effects and subtle color variations.

5. Reduces reliance on solvents: It allows artists to work without adding traditional paint-thinning solvents to their painting process.

6. Improves painting comfort: Its low-odor formulation makes it appealing to artists who prefer to minimize solvent exposure in their studios.

Which version should you choose?

Gamblin makes two solvent-free mediums with slightly different characteristics:

Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel Oil Medium 37ml Tube | Jerry's Artarama

Solvent-Free Gel

Best for artists who enjoy expressive brushwork, textured strokes, and thicker paint applications. It retains the shape and character of your brushstrokes.

Gamblin Solvent Free Fluid Medium | BLICK Art Materials

Solvent-Free Fluid

Best for smoother painting, softer blending, and flowing brushwork. It levels brushmarks slightly more than the gel.

My recommendation

For an oil painter who enjoys expressive brushwork and wants colors that blend smoothly while retaining some texture, I would recommend trying Solvent-Free Gel first.

A few important tips:

Start with a small amount.Use no more than 25% medium by volume in your paint.Apply mixtures in relatively thin layers.Avoid using it for very thin initial washes or traditional glazing.

These recommendations come from Gamblin's own technical guidance. 

Gamblin Artists Colors

You can read more in Gamblin's guide to solvent-free oil painting.

One interesting benefit: It lets you enjoy the traditional feel of oil painting while significantly reducing the need for solvents in your painting process.