Rags or Paper Towel
You'll need something for wiping excess paint off a brush, and for getting most of the paint out before you wash it. I use a roll of paper towel, but an old shirt or sheet torn into rags also works. Avoid anything that's got moisturizer or cleanser in it as you don't want to be adding anything to your paint.
An Apron
Oil paint can be a pain to get out of fabric, so wear a heavy-duty apron to protect your clothes.
Fingerless Gloves
Photo ©2011 Marion Boddy-Evans
An Easel
Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans
• Types of Painting Easels
Drawing Board
When painting on paper, you'll need a rigid drawing board or panel to put behind the sheet of paper. Pick one that's larger than you think you might need, as it's very annoying suddenly discovering it's too small.Bulldog Clips
Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans
Sturdy bulldog clips (or large binder clips) are the easiest way to keep a piece of paper on a board. I generally use two at the top and one on the sides (sometimes only one side, if the piece of paper is small).
Retouching Varnish
An oil painting shouldn't be varnished until it's totally dry, at least six months after you've finished painting it. To protect it as it dries, you can apply a retouching varnish.
Final Varnish
When you're certain an oil painting is completely dry, give it final layer of protection by varnishing it.
Varnishing Brush
Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans
A dedicated varnishing brush has long soft hairs, helping you to apply varnish thinly and evenly. They don't cost very much and certainly make the job much easier!
Water-Soluble Oil Paints
Image © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc
As well as traditional oil paints, there's also the option of water-miscible or water-soluble oil paints. As the name suggests, these oil paints are formulated to thin and clean up with water. You can mix them with traditional oil paints, but then they lose their water-soluble properties.
