If you’re exploring wax mediums for your artwork, chances are you’ve come across Dorland’s Wax Medium and Zest-It Cold Wax Medium. Both are popular with artists — but they’re not quite the same.
At bradburyART, we stock both options and often get asked: What’s the difference? Which one should I use?
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the right one for your technique and materials.
🔍 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dorland’s Wax Medium | Zest-It Cold Wax Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Main Use | Finishing medium or mix-in for oils/pigments | Primarily for cold wax painting with oils |
| Ingredients | Refined wax + damar resin | Beeswax + linseed oil + Zest-it Citrus Solvent |
| Texture | Smooth, soft, spreadable | Firmer, buttery feel |
| Finish | Satin sheen with gentle buffing | Matte or satin, depending on mix |
| Scent | Neutral | Mild citrus scent |
| Drying Time | Fast – dries in hours | Slower – can take 24+ hours depending on use |
| Best For | Sealing watercolour, gouache, mixed media, oils | Cold wax oil techniques on rigid surfaces |
🖌️ Dorland’s Wax Medium – A Versatile Studio Staple
Dorland’s is an excellent all-rounder. It can be used as a:
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Final protective layer on watercolour, gouache or mixed media
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Mixing medium for oil paint and pigment
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Sketchbook sealant (no smudging or page sticking!)
It’s soft, spreads easily, and buffs to a gentle satin sheen — perfect for artists who want to protect their work without varnish or glass. Many watercolour artists use it to finish paintings for framing without glass.
➡️ Shop Dorland’s Wax Medium 4oz
🎨 Zest-It Cold Wax Medium – Ideal for Oil & Cold Wax Painting
Zest-It Cold Wax Medium is made for cold wax techniques in oil painting. It has a firmer body and blends beautifully with oil paint, adding texture and body without solvents. It dries slowly, giving you more time to work wet-in-wet and layer.
Because of its beeswax and linseed oil base, it’s ideal for artists working on rigid supports like wooden panels.
➡️ Shop Zest-It Cold Wax Medium
💡 Which Should You Choose?
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Use Dorland’s if you:
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Work in watercolour, gouache or mixed media
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Want a protective finish without glass
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Like a soft texture and quick drying time
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Use Zest-It if you:
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Work mainly in oils and want to build texture
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Enjoy the cold wax painting process
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Prefer longer open times and a matte finish
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Both are excellent products — it just depends on your surface, your medium, and the finish you’re aiming for.
🛒 Available at bradburyART
We stock both Dorland’s and Zest-It in our Belfast store and online, with delivery across Uk and Ireland. If you’re not sure which one to try, feel free to ask us — we’ve tested them both and are always happy to help!
