Daler-Rowney: The Trusted Choice for NZ Art Students
Solvent-Free Oil Painting & Student-Grade Excellence | Since 1783
🎨 Water Mixable Oil Colours: Painting Without Solvents
A favourite for New Zealand High School Art Departments, Daler-Rowney Water Mixable Oils (like the Georgian range) offer the rich texture and slow drying time of traditional oils without the need for turpentine or white spirit.
School & Home Friendly
Because they clean up with just soap and water, these paints are perfect for students working in Auckland classrooms or home studios where ventilation is limited.
Traditional Performance
Despite being water-mixable, they retain a high pigment load and buttery consistency, allowing for professional blending and impasto techniques.
🖌️ Student-Focused Excellence
Graduated Acrylics
Designed specifically for students and hobbyists, Graduated Acrylics offer a fantastic flow and high pigment concentration. They dry to a beautiful smooth finish and are ideal for the bold, expressive work often seen in Year 12 and 13 art portfolios across NZ.
Aquafine Watercolours
A high-quality, transparent watercolour range that is perfect for those moving beyond basic sets. Its high lightfastness ensures that student exhibition work remains vibrant under the bright New Zealand sun.
🔬 Understanding Lightfastness in NZ
New Zealand's UV levels are among the highest in the world. Daler-Rowney makes it easy to choose archival colours with their clear star rating:
| Star Rating | Durability Standard |
|---|---|
| *** (3 Stars) | Permanent. Essential for NCEA boards and exhibition pieces. |
| ** (2 Stars) | Normally Permanent. Ideal for sketchbook work and practice. |
Student & Parent FAQ
Q: Why do NZ high schools recommend Water Mixable Oils?
A: Health and safety. Schools often prohibit the use of toxic solvents like turpentine. These paints provide the full oil painting experience while keeping the classroom air clean.
Q: Do I need special brushes for Water Mixable Oils?
A: While you can use traditional brushes, we recommend high-quality synthetic brushes (available at The Ink Spot) as they handle water-based cleaning much better than natural hair.
Q: Can I get these delivered to my school?
A: Yes, we provide tracked shipping from Pukekohe to all schools and residential addresses across the North and South Islands.
