Tips & Tricks for Oil Painting Paper

Understanding Willow Wolfe Oil Painting Paper, How to Paint on It, and Optional Barrier Coats to Prevent Smudging

Oil painting paper has become an increasingly popular surface for oil painting, especially for artists who want the richness of oil paint without the weight or bulk of canvas or panels. Willow Wolfe Oil Paper is designed specifically for oil paint, offering artists a stable, portable, and archival surface that performs beautifully straight out of the pad. It is, 100% Cotton, Acid-free, 320GSM/140 LB and easy to frame! Click here to discover our Willow Wolfe Oil Paper.

This article explores why oil paper works, how to paint directly on it, and two optional barrier coat approaches for artists who want extra control when working with light backgrounds or detailed compositions.

No Priming Required

Willow Wolfe Oil Painting Paper is engineered to accept oil paint without priming. Unlike watercolor paper or drawing paper, it is internally sized to prevent oil penetration and to maintain structural integrity over time. This internal barrier allows oil paint to sit on the surface rather than soaking through, making it an excellent choice for professional artists, students, plein air painters, and instructors.

Because the paper is already sealed, it can be used immediately. Painting directly on oil paper allows for a smooth, responsive feel and excellent color control. Many artists appreciate oil paper for studies, finished work, travel painting, classroom use, and situations where traditional stretched canvas is impractical.

When painting directly on oil paper, the most important factor is process. Oil paint remains workable longer than acrylic or watercolor, which means smudging is usually caused by handling rather than surface failure. Using a clean sheet of tracing paper, paper towel or parchment under the hand is a simple professional solution that dramatically reduces unwanted marks. 

Barrier Coat

Oil paper already acts as a barrier, and in most cases, no additional coating is needed. However, some artists prefer slightly more resistance, especially when teaching, working quickly, or maintaining very light backgrounds. In those cases, a very thin barrier layer can be added intentionally and sparingly.

One option is a thin application of matt acrylic medium. This method slightly reduces surface sensitivity while preserving the character of the paper. To apply, dilute a matte acrylic medium with water, approximately fifty percent medium and fifty percent water. Apply one extremely thin, even coat with a soft brush and allow it to dry completely for at least twenty-four hours. This creates mild smudge resistance and slightly reduces absorbency without turning the surface into plastic. This is not gesso and should never be applied thickly.

A second option is using white matt acrylic. This approach is useful for artists who want extra protection when working with pale backgrounds or detailed line work. Apply a single, very thin coat of acrylic and allow it to cure fully before painting. This method increases resistance to handling marks and creates a smoother, more controlled painting surface while still remaining flexible and archival.

Both barrier options are optional and should be used intentionally. Thick acrylic layers, heavy sealing, or traditional gesso are not recommended on oil paper. Gesso is designed as a ground for canvas and panels and changes the absorbency and adhesion properties of oil paper in ways that can compromise performance.

Willow Wolfe Oil Paper is ideal for oil painting techniques including wet-into-wet, glazing, layered painting, and detailed line work. It offers artists a reliable, professional surface that supports both expressive brushwork and refined control. Whether used directly or with a light barrier coat, it provides a versatile and approachable option for oil painters at every level.

Happy Painting! 

With Love, Willow