Liquin Oleopasto vs. Liquin Impasto: What’s the Difference?

If you love painting with texture, you’ve probably seen Liquin Impasto and Liquin Oleopasto sitting side by side in the art store and wondered — what’s the difference?

They’re both thick, fast-drying mediums from Winsor & Newton, but they have very different personalities once you start painting. Here’s a quick, down-to-earth guide to help you decide which one’s right for your work.

? Liquin Impasto: Thick but Glowy

Liquin Impasto is a creamy, semi-transparent gel that gives your oil paint extra body without losing that beautiful glow of light through colour. It holds brushstrokes and knife marks nicely, but still feels a bit “alive” and luminous.

It dries overnight (depending on how thickly you use it) and leaves a slightly glossy finish — a bit like a soft sheen that makes your colours pop.

Best for:

• Textured paint that still catches light

• Expressive, visible brushwork

• Artists who like rich colour and depth without heaviness

? Liquin Oleopasto: Sculptural and Solid

Liquin Oleopasto, on the other hand, is much thicker and more opaque — think of it as a stiff paste rather than a gel. It’s perfect for creating bold, sculptural textures that hold their shape and peaks.

This medium dries to a matte or satin finish, so the surface looks more solid and less reflective than Liquin Impasto. If you like using a palette knife or building up heavy layers, this one’s your best friend.

Best for:

• Strong, sculptural impasto

• Opaque, tactile surfaces

• Knife painting or bold, textured effects

? Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Both mediums will speed up drying and help you build texture, but they each have their own charm.

If you want light and depth, go with Liquin Impasto.
If you want solid, sculptural presence, choose Liquin Oleopasto.

Or better yet — experiment with both! You might find that using them together opens up a whole new world of texture and expression in your oil paintings.