Why Artists Choose Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints
Author: The Art Shed Team Date Posted:2 May 2025
Why Artists Choose Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints (75ml)
If you're diving into the world of oil painting or hunting for a reliable paint that won’t break the bank, Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints are your new studio MVP. At Art Shed, we see artists reach for these 75ml beauties time and time again — and for good reason. With rich pigmentation, buttery texture, and unbeatable value, they're the kind of paint that works as hard as you do.
Wondering "is Mont Marte oil paint good?" We get asked that a lot — and honestly, for the price, these tubes punch well above their weight. They're the perfect answer to anyone asking, "Are cheap oil paints worth it?" Spoiler: yes, when it's Mont Marte.
A Closer Look: Texture, Finish & Opacity
Smooth & Buttery Consistency
Mont Marte Premium Oils are known for their creamy texture straight out of the tube. The consistency makes it easy to build texture with a palette knife or layer smooth glazes with a soft brush. Whether you're painting alla prima or building up layers over time, these paints give you plenty of working flexibility.
Opacity Guide
Each colour comes marked with a helpful symbol that indicates opacity:
- Full moon: Opaque
- Half moon: Semi-opaque
- Empty moon: Transparent
If you've ever wondered how to read a paint tube, this little symbol guide is a game changer. It helps you make more informed decisions when layering or selecting base tones.
Lightfastness & Longevity
Artists want their work to stand the test of time, and Mont Marte delivers. Most colours in the Premium range have a lightfast rating of 6 or above (ASTM II), meaning they’ll last 50–100 years under museum conditions. That’s ideal for artists selling work or building a portfolio that will live on.
Drying Time: The Artist’s Friend
Mont Marte oils are touch-dry in 3–4 days and fully cure over 6–12 months. That extended open time means you can:
- Work wet-on-wet for days
- Blend colours smoothly without rushing
- Come back the next day and keep going where you left off
Great for slow, meditative pieces or building depth over multiple sittings.
Techniques to Try (And Why These Paints Are Perfect for Them)
Impasto
With their buttery thickness, these paints hold texture beautifully. Load up your brush or palette knife for thick, expressive strokes that hold their form.
Wet-on-Wet (Alla Prima)
The slow drying time is perfect for this technique. You can blend directly on the canvas, allowing colours to merge seamlessly.
Glazing
Thanks to the transparent tones in the range, glazing is a breeze. Thin your paint with linseed oil and layer subtle shifts in tone over dry areas.
Grisaille & Underpainting
Use the opaque and semi-opaque tones to build underpaintings that provide structure and drama beneath final layers.
Mixed Media & Detail Work
The versatility of this paint also makes it ideal for fine detail or mixing with cold wax or mediums to experiment with different finishes.
Why Artists Keep Coming Back
What We Hear In Store:
- "So smooth! I love how they blend."
- "Best paint at this price point, hands down."
- "It behaves just like my professional-grade tubes."
From beginners to seasoned pros, the feedback is consistent: Mont Marte delivers beyond expectations. If you're wondering "What is the best oil paint for beginners?" — this range is it. Easy to handle, great colour payoff, and plenty of room to experiment.
Reviews Snapshot:
- "Honestly couldn’t believe how vibrant the colours were. They dry true to tone, too."
- "Perfect for studies, commissions, or just playing around."
- "The Mars Black is a staple in my kit now."
Affordable Without Compromise
At under $6 AUD a tube, these paints offer amazing value. With 75ml per tube, you're getting enough to experiment freely, work on large canvases, or stock up without guilt. Ideal for:
- Students & beginners
- Hobbyists with big ideas
- Pros needing volume for classes or commissions
This balance of quality and price is why Mont Marte has become a go-to at Art Shed. They prove that cheap oil paints can be worth it — if you know which ones to trust.
Final Thoughts
Mont Marte Premium Oil Paints (75ml) strike that rare balance between artist-grade performance and beginner-friendly pricing. Whether you're looking to explore oil painting for the first time or stock up for your next big series, this range has the pigment power, consistency, and durability to back you up.
We genuinely love these paints — not just because they sell well, but because they help artists grow. They’re dependable, vibrant, and allow you to create with confidence, whether you’re sketching out an idea or building a final masterpiece.
Ready to stock your studio? Scroll up and hit that Shop Now banner to see our full range!
Want to see these paints in action?
We’ve picked two of our favourite Mont Marte oil paint videos to get you inspired. Whether you're looking for a quick technique demo or a full step-by-step forest scene, these vids show off just how buttery, blendable, and bold these paints really are.