Which Medium Does Bob Ross Use? Good Alternative?

Bob Ross uses 4 types of medium in his painting. In the beginning, he uses white gesso for canvas preparation, next he uses liquid white or black to make the canvas surface wet. And while painting, he mixes liquid clear or paints thinner in oil paint to achieve proper flow and thickness. Also, he uses liquid clear between lawyers. 

To sum up, Bob Ross uses main 5 medium are:

1. White gesso
2. Liquid white 
3. Liquid Black
4. Liquid clear
5. Paint thinner 

In this article, I will explain,

• Information about Bob Ross’ different 4 types of paint medium 
• Bob Ross and some alternative product ideas.

What type of medium did Bob Ross paint on? Alternative idea?

In ‘Joy of Painting’ Bob Ross uses his own name brand products. The different types of mediums are available under the Bob Ross brand. But they are a little bit costly but worth it. 

After market research and my own experience, I share some good products, and if you have budget issues, I try to mention some good cheaper alternatives. 

White gesso

Gesso uses the very first canvas surface preparation. I recommend using a foam brush to apply gesso. 

	Grade	Note
Bob Ross R62GESSO-50 White Gesso	Artistic and Bob Ross brand	Bob Ross uses this product
U.S. Art Supply White Gesso Acrylic Medium	Artistic	Popular gesso in the art world, you will get good results

In other articles I already explained the:

• More about Bob Ross Gesso.

Liquid white

Liquid white use makes the gesso & canvas surface wet and helps for blending color naturally. In the wet-on-wet technique, it is very important. Also, it helps to hold the oil paint on the canvas.

	Grade	Note
Bob Ross Liquid White 500ml	Artistic and Bob Ross brand	Recommended product, find alternative difficult

In other articles I already explained the:

• More about Bob Ross liquid white.

Liquid Black

Liquid Black application reasons and method same as liquid white, it mainly applies to achieve dark, shadow naturally.

	Grade	Note
Bob Ross Liquid Black	Artistic	The ideal material to create a dark background

In other articles I already explained the:

• More about Bob Ross liquid black.

Liquid clear

Liquid clear increases the flow of paint without adding extra pigment or color. Also, it is used between layers of paint. It helps paint attach with layers without affecting the underlayer. There are more good uses of liquid clear.

	Grade	Note
Bob Ross Liquid Clear	Artistic and Bob Ross brand	Recommended product
Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil	Artistic	Most common oil for the painters

In other articles I already explained the:

• More about Bob Ross liquid clear.

Paint thinner

Paint thinner is used to make paint thin. When you use a liner brush to create different objects, you need to thin paint.

	Grade	Note
Bob Ross ODORLESS THINNR	Artistic and Bob Ross brand	Recommended product.
Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits Bottle	Artistic grade	Best alternative, odorless tinner. Safe thinner.
Mona Lisa 32-Ounce Odorless Paint Thinner	Artistic	Good paint thinner in the cheapest option, value for money.

In other articles I already explained the:

• More about Bob Ross paint thinner