The Ultimate Showdown: Galkyd Gel vs Solvent Free Gel

There are a variety of gel mediums available on the market, but two of the most popular options are Galkyd Gel and Solvent Free Gel.

Galkyd Gel and Solvent-Free Gel are both types of oil painting mediums that can be used to create unique effects and textures in your artwork.

While both products have their pros and cons, Galkyd Gel is generally considered to be a more versatile and user-friendly option.

Gamblin Makes Solvent Free Gel Medium

Solvent Free Gel is a product made by Gamblin, a well-known manufacturer of art supplies.

Gamblin is known for its high-quality and eco-friendly products, and Solvent Free Gel is no different.

This gel is designed to be used as a medium for oil paints, allowing artists to create a range of textures and effects in their artwork.

Galkyd Gel and Solvent-Free Gel

Galkyd Gel is a product also made by Gamblin. It is designed to be used as a medium for oil paints.

It is made from a synthetic resin that is compatible with all oil paints, and can be used to create a range of textures and effects in your artwork.

Solvent Free Gel, as the name suggests, is a gel that does not contain solvents.

It is made from a mixture of alkyd resin and safflower oil, and is designed to be used as a medium for oil paints.

It can be used to create a range of textures and effects in your artwork, and is known for its low toxicity, eco-friendliness and ability to hold its shape on a brush meaning it is not too thick or too runny.

The alkyd present in each gel is designed to enhance the handling properties of the other components rather than quicken drying times.

To make my artwork dry faster, I have been advised to add a small amount of drying agent to the paint.

So why would Gamblin make pretty much the same product?

When I first started comparing Galkyd Gel vs Solvent Free Gel I thought they were basically the same product but one contained no Gamsol but upon further research I did find some more differences.

Galkyd Gel is a medium that combines alkyd resin with Gamsol (a blend of mineral spirits and odorless turpentine).

It has the same handling properties as solvent-free gels, but it also contains solvents.

These solvents help to evaporate quickly and speed up the drying time of the paint.

On the other hand, Solvent Free gels don’t contain any solvents in their formulation.

This means that they can be used with oil paints that don’t evaporate quickly without the need for additional drying agents.

The gels also tend to have a more luxurious feel and are better suited for artists who prefer a slow painting process.

Both Galkyd gels and Solvent Free gels have their pros and cons, but they can both be used effectively in the studio.

Ultimately, it comes down to an artist’s preference when choosing which one to use.

Galkyd gels may be best for those who need a fast drying time and crisp lines, while solvent-free gels are better for those who prefer a slower painting process.

Uses for Galkyd

Galkyd Gel is a good all-rounder medium that can be used for a variety of purposes in oil painting.

It can be used to thin paint and make it more transparent, or to thicken paint and create more texture.

It can also be used as a glazing medium to create depth and richness in your colors.

Galkyd Gel can be used to speed up the drying time of your oil paints, making it a great option for artists who want to work quickly and efficiently.

Uses for Solvent Free Gel

Solvent Free Gel is also a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of purposes in oil painting.

It can be used to create impasto effects, making your paint thicker and more textured.

It can also be used as a glazing medium to create depth and richness in your colors.

Additionally, Solvent Free Gel can be used to extend the drying time of your oil paints, making it a great option for artists who want to work slowly and methodically.

Pros and Cons of Galkyd and Solvent-Free Gels

Galkyd Gel vs Solvent Free Gel – both have their pros and cons, depending on your individual needs as an artist.

Pros of Galkyd Gel:

Versatile: Galkyd Gel can be used for a variety of purposes, including thinning paint, creating texture, and glazing.

Dries quickly: Galkyd Gel can speed up the drying time of your oil paints, allowing you to work more quickly and efficiently.

Glossy finish: Galkyd Gel can create a glossy finish on your paintings, which can be great for certain types of artwork.

Cons of Galkyd Gel:

Can be sticky: Galkyd Gel can be sticky and difficult to work with, especially in humid conditions. It’s not as bad as you may think, I am truly nitpicking as Galkyd is quite a great product.

Toxicity: Galkyd Gel contains solvents such as Gamsol, which as a solvent can be toxic and should be handled with care.

Pros of Solvent Free Gel:

Low toxicity: Solvent Free Gel is eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it a great option for artists who are sensitive to chemicals.

Creates texture: Solvent Free Gel can create a range of textures in your artwork, including impasto effects.

Extends drying time: Solvent Free Gel can extend the drying time of your oil paints, allowing you to work slowly and methodically.

Cons of Solvent Free Gel:

Takes longer to dry: Solvent-Free Gel can extend the drying time of your oil paints, which may not be ideal for artists who want to work quickly.

May cause cracking: Solvent Free Gel can cause cracking in your paint layers if it is not used correctly.

Consensus among other artists online and in forums is that both these products are very similar and the solvent free gel behaves a little like cold pressed Linseed oil.

I have used Galkyd more than the solvent free gel and in all honesty, apart from the drying time the gels feel the same to me.

So if you want to try both out I would suggest purchasing a couple of small tubes and seeing them for yourself.