Oil Painting on Paper: Arches Huile Oil Paper and How to Use It Effectively

Can You Paint Oils on Paper? Yes—with the Right Surface

What Type of Paper Works for Oil Painting?

Learn more about this versatile painting surface.

Can You Do Oil Painting On Paper?

Yes, you can do oil painting on paper that is specially formulated for oil paints.

What Type of Paper Can Be Used For Oil Painting?

Paper that is specially designed for oil painting is the best choice. Greasy rings will form in most other papers as the oil seeps into the paper fibers. Most paper is not suitable for oil painting.

What Is Oil Painting Paper Called? Arches Huile and Similar Brands

Arches Huile Oil Paper is an art paper specially designed for oil painting. Other brands are available. Most seem to be called oil paper.

Why Choose Oil Painting on Paper? Benefits and Advantages

There are several benefits of doing oil paintings or oil sketches on paper. Oil paintings on paper are lightweight and easy to transport. The paper has a slight texture making it similar to painting on canvas. It's a time-saver because it needs no preparation before painting and is easy to cut to size. It's nice to paint on and a space-saver. Finished paintings on paper typically require less space than stretched canvas or wood painting panels. Works on paper can be stored flat in a drawer. One con might be the framing costs and the method required to display or preserve works on paper.

How to Paint Oils on Paper: Simple Process, No Changes Needed

The painting process for painting on Arches oil paper is the same as painting on canvas or panel. There's no need to change or modify techniques. Cut the paper to size and begin painting.

Can You Use Unprimed or Gessoed Paper for Oils?

Oil paints contain oil. Oil paint will seep into most unprimed papers affecting the paper fibers. Therefore most unprimed papers will be undesirable painting surfaces. Gesso can be applied to stretched paper. The stretching process allows the paper to handle the moisture in the gesso. The gesso primes, seals, and prepares the surface to accept paint. Gesso on paper works well for acrylic paint, ink, and other multi-media. However, oil painters would be well-advised to purchase paper made and designed for oil painting. Oil paint sits on top Arches oil paper thanks to a unique sizing and oil barrier.

The Material Science of Oil Painting Paper vs Regular Paper

Oil painting paper succeeds where regular paper fails due to engineered barrier chemistry and sizing. Standard paper (cellulose fibers) is highly absorbent. Linseed oil (a drying oil) penetrates via capillary action, saturating fibers and causing "greasy rings" while weakening the sheet, causing embrittlement over time. Arches Huile uses a multi-layer sizing: an internal barrier seals the fibers, while a surface barrier coating prevents binder penetration, allowing oil paint to sit on top with minimal absorption. This creates a slightly toothy texture similar to canvas weave, promoting mechanical adhesion of paint layers without excessive sinking-in. The paper remains dimensionally stable under oil's slow oxidation. No stretching or buckling as seen with gessoed watercolor paper, where moisture in gesso can cause cockling before drying. Gesso on stretched paper works for acrylics because acrylis is water-based and fast-drying, but for oils, the acrylic gesso can remain too absorbent or create differential drying rates, risking cracking. Oil-specific papers optimize the surface, resulting in bright, saturated colors with less oil loss to the substrate, may allow faster layering, and can offer archival stability comparable to canvas when properly framed and protected from light and humidity. This makes oil paper great for portable studies, plein air, and space-efficient storage without compromising oil's characteristics.

Conclusion: Arches Oil Paper Makes Oil Sketching Portable and Convenient

You can do an oil painting on paper when you use Arches oil paper. This specially designed paper makes it easy to create oil paintings on paper.