Oil diluent. By its very nature, oil colour is incompatible with water and dissolves only in turpentine, white spirit or low-odour thinners. Artists oil colours are made by dispersing pigments in an oil medium to create a smooth, slow-drying paint. The choice of oil mediums from the wide variety available depends on the surface and the finish required, and the working properties preferred during painting. Low-odour thinner dilutes oil colour to create thin, quick-drying washes in the early stages of painting and can also be used to clean brushes. Directions: Mix with oil paints until desired consistency. Also used directly to clean brushes and palettes.